Date:         Wed, 8 Sep 1999 01:27:03 -0400
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: How are body seams constructed--spot weld or ??
Comments: To: Tim Marciniak <tmarcini@MAIL.EXECPC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <l03020905b3fb4bff4a20@[169.207.119.92]>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Tue, 7 Sep 1999, Tim Marciniak wrote:

> Dear Listees,
>
> Recently there has been some posting regarding seam rust.  Not really being
> familiar with all methods of joining autobody panels I was wondering if
> someone could explain to me how these seams for joining these panels are
> designed.
> Is there a 90 degree flange on each panel butted against each other that is
> spot welded then a seam sealer applied over it then paint?
     Yes, you got it!
> Or is it a continuous weld with a sealer over it, then paint?
> Or why didnt VW just make the seam invisble by welding it continuous with a
> butt weld and smoothing it over.
> Tim
    The reason it was built this way, is that vehicles must flex. Vanagons
flex very little, but if they don't flex at all seams and other body
panels would crack, as we may have seen in many poorly designed vehicles
in history.                   Eric