OTR18WHEELER

I am attempting to replace the leather of the sunroof panel. I loosened the three screws, and while removing the interior panel, one of the tabs broke off of the metal panel. Best method of repair?,

whiteNSXs

Are the tabs threaded? If so, drill the holes and insert same sized bolts with ground head from the other side and weld. Or simply weld the tabs back on.
Steve

jetson8859

I would check out some of the body panel epoxies. 3M and Eastwood make smaller tubes for the little projects. You should be able to get it for about $20. It is a slow cure epoxy specifically designed for metal to metal adhesion. I used it on my daughter's 70 Chevy truck on cab corners, rocker panels and 4 yrs later no issues. No worry about warping or burning through the thin metal like welding.

Wisconsin Joe

If you want 'professional' help, why in the world are you asking here?

Seriously, it's just a little spot weld.

In order of preference, I'd:

Hit it with another spot weld. If you're taking the leather off anyway, it'd be easy to do. If you don't have access to a spot welder, try the local high school. They usually have one for shop class. I'd bet you could get it done in exchange for letting the auto shop kids drool over your car for a while.

JB Weld (or other good epoxy). Clean it up really well and go for it.

Rivet it. It would probably show through the leather when it's done & requires drilling.

Just my $0.02

ilikebig928butts

Personally, I only screwed the middle one back on. The left and right one are not screwed in. And it's been working fine. It's not a high strain piece. JB Weld should do just fine.

OTR18WHEELER

I first thought I would just do the JB weld fix, but I didn't want to risk it not setting up, and screws, zip ties, duct tape and solder are best for repairs in the engine compartment.
I went with the more permanent option, wire weld.













Back side shows weld penetration





New foam backing applied





New vinyl applied, not perfect, but my first attempt at vinyl covering.
I was ABLE to press out the lumps before I installed the panel, and the edges don't show once installed. It was very difficult to match the color to the surrounding headliner, it's still better than the shrunken, sagging leather though.