To Glue or not to Glue, that is the question

[Mike Timoshyk]

A while back there was some discussion about new adhesives and their use in the automobile industry.

I have quite a bit of spot welding to do when I tackle the body of my 42 MB so I bought the product and have given it a test run on the doghouse of my
F15A cab 13.

I prepared the two surfaces by grinding down to clean metal and a quick whipe with alcohol (not red wine) and applied the goop. The system is similar to 5 min expoxy applicators only on a larger scale. When I discussed this with the counter salesman he indicated that there are various set times that can be purchased. From almost instantly to a few hours. I chose 50 minutes...lotsa time to fiddle with it in place. Clamp time is 90 minutes and sanding time is 3 hours. I also did a test piece and clamped it in the vise to abuse it later.

Metal worms had done a significant job on the "foot" of the dog house so I chose it. I fabricated a replacement part quite easily, if in fact there are difficulties with the product I can simply redo the area and consider drilling and "spot" welding...but that is what I am trying to avoid.

The applicator comes with several nozzles. Each nozzle is a mixing chamber for the two parts of the system. Once used just leave the nozzle on and let it dry. Next time you use the system, unscrew the nozzle and throw it away and replace with a new nozzle, voila, ready to go again. Very Very little lost.

The whole thing cost less than $100.00. This included the applicator, glue and about a dozen extra nozzles.

more to follow this evening when I unclamp it and abuse my test piece.

cheers


Mike in Windsor

[Mike Timoshyk]

I just came in from the garage and I am among the converted. This stuff works fantastic. No heat warpage! Easy to clean up. Tough as nails and it sticks like s...t to a blanket. Wooo Hooo.

Tomorrow I will take some pics and post them.

cheers

Mike in Windsor

[Mike Timoshyk]

As stated earlier I am convinced. Here are some shots after taking clamps off.

I had a small spot to weld afterwards as I made the foot out of two pieces. I welded the two together after the adhesive set and what little heat transfer that may have happend has not affected the application.

To day is paint parts and start work on the tool box and spare tire carrier....I will do a step by step on this project as well. I will be using the adhesive in some of the construction of the box.

cheers for now in Windsor Ontario

Mike Timoshyk

[Bob Carriere]

..... I am following your attempts at the new technology with great interest.

It will be hard to convince old panel welders/beaters to go with the new darnfangle stuff but I can see a lot of advantage and attraction for the hobbyist. I still love using the Mig but heat warpage on sheet metal can be a nightmare.

I plan on using the adhesive when I reskin the back wall of my cab. I will carefully remove the reinforcement ribs and glue them on instead if trying to spot weld which I am sure could/would create expansion waves.

I might still prefer a weld for high vibration high heat areas high stress areas but for sheet metal it is very promising.

Was the glue tubes easy to obtain...... like regular body suplliers??

Wonder what the shelf life will be once opened.

Bob

[Mike Timoshyk]

The "system" is available or should be available at most Autobody/manufacturing distributors....I went to Cross Canada here in Windsor. I plan on using the stuff on the sheet metal portions of the Spare Tire Carrier Box I am working on. I will still require some welding but not nearly as much as if I had to drill/spot/drill/spot/drill ...you get the point.

cheers for now

Mike in windsor

[chris vickery]

I saw this process a few years ago at the local body shop.
Most bodymen are using this process, it is easier, safer and faster than conventional welding. The advantages are numerous, including no warpage.
Todays automobiles use a very light guage metal for their skins.
The guy I say using it was replacing a panel in a fender. He chose to cut the patch to the appropriate size and then mark out with a magic marker on the to be repaired section. He added an additional 1/2" to be able to form a jotelled edge soas the repair panel would sit upon it and be flush.

It greatly adds to the job it one fits the piece first, trimming as required. He used self tapping sheet metal screws to hold it fimly in place before he applied the adhesive. This acted as the clamping and since he needed to apply a slight skim of bondo afterwards anyhow. Once happy with the fit, he removed the screws, applied the adhesive and replaced the screws to hold it all together until set. After it was a case of removing the screws, quick pass of a sander, apply filler and voila.

He testified that the metal will tear apart before the adhesive will give.

[Paul Singleton]

I think I may have posted this here before, but here is a topic from another board about adhesives.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177043

Paul