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Just curious about the technique used by the guys who are using the panel bonding adhesive.

There appear to be 2 possible ways of fitting the patch panel into the existing /remaining structure so that it has a flush fit.
1. Create a flange either on the patch panel or the remaining work.
2. Place "backing plates" or "backing strips" behind the edges of the remaining work, and then placing a flat patch panel against those.
Here a great article and series of photos showing the second method. Couldn't find any visuals on the first. If my explanation isn't clear, I think you guys will get it from looking at this.
Kevin Tetz Bonding
Want to know what you've found works and what is easiest or best.

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I used option #3- I just put the patch behind the panel and did not flange it- instead I used bondo over the slightly depressed patch (maybe 1/16 of an inch) and feathered it.



I was a bit worried about the backing plates not being strong enough, and the single oversized patch that sits behind the hole seems to me to be stronger. Also, even if I got the metal patch panel recessed I doubt the surface would be perfect to I'd have to bondo it anyway.

Just my 2 cents...