Just doing a bit of refurb under the sliding door track cover, it's generally sound but I am debating replacing the support rail which is available from schofields. Question is how is the original attached, looks like spot welded perhaps and would this new part be ok fixed with self tappers as I don't want to have any welding done
yep, original was spot welded plug welding the new one on would be the best option....and if thats the only bit your redoing then its not mch disruption to weld it back on, it would be easy enough to protect the surrounding paint work and windows. you could self tapper it on, but I'd be worried about making any holes for screw as water is likely to find its way in even if you use sealer behind. The other thing to consider if using screws is that the screw heads might be too proud and foul on the track cover where it sits in the channel which would make it difficult to get the track cover back on
^whs^ Its all a very snug fit when the seal is in place. But regardless of that, the panel you'd be fixing to is rather thin in my view and not likely to provide a very good purchase for the screws.
fritt speaks the truth. With the grippy rubber strip in place, they'd be better plug-welded imho. If you don't fancy it, mebbe self tappers and lashings of tiger seal underneath?
Can't remember the exact profile on the inside of the body panel but it might just be possible to insert a doubler strip from the inside thus giving your fixings a bit more steel to bite into, or even several short strips.
cover surrounding areas to stop damage, plug weld new one back on and if you dont want to spray van then brush paint it in channel to stop rust as you cant see it when cover is refitted
