Patent attributes
A method of improving a single-sided resistance spot weld includes forming an adhesive bond between a sheet and a tube to thereby form a two-ply structure by which the sheet metal and the tube wall stiffen each other against bending. The adhesive bond is preferably formed by heat curable adhesive and the adhesive is partially cured by applying the electrode to a spot on the sheet and then conducting current through the electrode to induce electric resistance heating in the sheet and tube to cure the adhesive. After the adhesive bond is formed, the electrode is moved to a new spot on the sheet and then forcibly applied against the stiffened sheet and resistance welding current is applied through the electrode to form a resistance spot weld between the stiffened sheet and the stiffened tube wall.