Chaps,

Made some vents for side of my car in ally, and want to cover hole with steel mesh (strength and which I've cut and shaped). I'm trying to avoid having a load of rivets showing on outside.

I've got some of the Durafix Easyweld ally solder, and am thinking I can "puddle" this and have it flow over mesh. I know it won't stick to the mesh, but the solder seems incredibly strong, so assuming I get a good key with base, and a decent cover over mesh it might work. It's not going to be seen where soldered so aesthetics not a concern (much!).

Thoughts please.

Ta very much.

ATB

Simon

does JB weld 'weld' ali? if so why not use that?

I doubt that you will get a satisfactory bond using the ally solder. How about using PU adhesive? - it works for me. It also gives a slightly flexible joint which is useful where theres a bit of vibration.

I fitted some steel mesh which I'd painted black to the rear of my MK stainless nose grill to give some protection to the rad. I did what you described, but using ordinary PU adhesive. It's been there for nearly 2,000 miles so far and shows no sign of coming loose.

I too would recommend using PU adhesive, like Tigerseal, or Sikaflex etc

Cheers chaps, will look into PU ad

Might knock a couple of bits of scrap ally/mesh and test to destruction, just for a laugh. You never know there may be two ways to fix


ATB

Simon

Simon, I had the same problem joining aluminium mesh to a sidepod air vent on the Phoenix. I formed a return on the aluminium surround and crimped it onto the mesh. I hope the picture shows sufficient detail but if you have any questions, please send me a U2U.

atb

John

This is the front view
Rescued attachment Phoenix Build-317.jpg

can't help thinking disposable bbq now!