How can I repair this...

[Pooh_Bear]

1994 Ford Explorer.
This is the upper bracket for the rear hatch lift cylinder on the left side.
How can I reattach the bracket.

And this is the right side bracket as it is normally mounted.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

 

[plowking]

If that is on the door opening side and not the glass side,I put a piece of metal beyond the holes,rivet it on and rivet bracket to the patch,I'd make patch six inches long or so to disperse the force from cylinder. Looks like the original rivets rotted out ,depends on if they were steel or aluminum. plowking

 

[kenmac]

Best way ( I can think of ) spot weld it back with a mig welder. Touch up with matching paint

 

[Pooh_Bear]

It is on the inside. When the hatch is closed you can't see it.
I considered have it tack welded into place.
Also thought of cutting the bad holes out and replacing it with a patch.
The patch could be flat steel with threaded nuts welded behind it.
Then I could just use bolts to hold it on. How does this idea sound.

Pooh Bear

 

[TedLaRue]

Pooh_Bear,

I too like to use the welded (or brazed) on nuts when I'm repairing something to make it easy to disassemble the next time.

But why would you ever want to remove that bracket? If you're going to be welding something, why not just flatten out those broken out holes with a hammer and then weld the bracket back on, welding around the perimeter of the bracket? I'm pretty sure that's what kenmac had in mind in his earlier post.

 

[CurlyDave]

If you have access to the back side of that metal, I have seen auto shops repair pop rivets by adding a washer to both sides of the metal. Use a big washer with a small hole, what is called a fender washer.

I am certain there are better patches, but on a 1994 vehicle, which is not going to become a classic in my lifetime, the art of "good enough" is important.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I don't have access to the backside.

Just welding the bracket on means taking it to a welder.
I could probably weld some nuts on a flat bar,
but no way could I weld that piece overhead.
Not to mention the possibility of me starting a fire.

Also, everything on this vehicle is electric.
I'm leary of frying the computer, alternator,
or some other part of the electrical system.
Still, maybe taking it to a welding shop is the way to go.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

 

[kenmac]

Also, everything on this vehicle is electric.
I'm leary of frying the computer, alternator,
or some other part of the electrical system.
Still, maybe taking it to a welding shop is the way to go.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear[/quote]



There shouldn't be a problem with your electrical. Body shops weld on wrecked vehicles all the time.Just Disconnect battery & such

 

[cowboy357]

Hey PB , If the Brackets stiil Useable. Go to Your local bodyshop supply & get a tube of 2 part Epoxy Adhesive ( 3m I beleive ) for body panels & Glue it back on , It,ll seal the holes & attach it better then new . Really strong stuff & waterproof also. Handy to have around for other needs also. Best of luck. CB

 

[Pooh_Bear]

Hmmmmm.......Hadn't thought about using glue.
How about Gorilla Glue. I hear it is good stuff.
I need some for some other things too.

Good idea. Thanks.

Pooh Bear