Has anyone here heard of "Gluing" sheetmetal together such as a trunkpan patch, floor patch, etc, as opposed to welding? I was reading an article where it mentioned gluing sheetmetal together as opposed to welding because of the warpage with welding. It is about time to do the floor patch on the Nova, and I was wondering if this is a suitable alternative. Thanks, Justin:grin:
NO JB WELD!!! Welding and glueing is one of the best ways to install any panel anymore. If you are not familiar with the body work process DO NOT even touch the car. You will most likely do more damage than good. Seek Professional Help...trust me.....I do this for a living
Anytime ive heard of gluing its been in "insurance body shops" where speed is the factor, im not fond of the idea, and wouldnt attempt it at home
The correct name for this type of repair is called Bonding usally a 2 part mix that has a caulk like texture until dry . The warpage factor is correct and as the bonding agent cures it also shrinks pulling the panels tighter together. Odds are if you have a 2006 or newer vehicle you have some inner structure or outer body panel that is bonded,foam filled of both... It is a repair option and I know for a fact that it works and will hold up as my Impala has 2 small bonded patch panels which are 7 years old with no problems. I would still leave this type of repair to the pro`s ... Paul
I've bonded a lot of patches in cars. If the metal is clean and it's done properly, it will be there long after the rest of the car is gone. The trick is to have the patch panel clamped good until the epoxy cures. With something like a trunk pan, I think you would still want to drill several holes in the pan where the braces are, so when the pan is set into position the bonding agent will ooze up through the holes, then with a bondo spreader you would spread that material smooth on top. Or, if you don't mind laying on your back, drill the holes in the braces, and do the spreading on the underside. I think you would still have to use some sheetmetal screws here and there to hold it tight, and deal with the holes afterwards.
There was a thread on V8Buick somewhere where one of the guys did an experiment between welding and gluing (as a science fair project). You might try searching for that thread; there was some good discussion (ie, "strong opinions") and data. K
That would explain the time I caught Dave with a piece of welding wire stuffed up each nostril. He quickly pulled them out and muttered something about carbon build-up, but I was suspicious. That and the 3 cases of brake kleen he goes through every month. uzzled:
I've been trying to cut down on that. :grin: BTW, Bob, your comment on the "carpeting matching the drapes" was brilliant. I think everybody got the picture. :laugh:
I still wonder how well gluing will hold up after a couple decades. Also, while bonding is easier for us non-welders, I wonder if a beginner would have better luck with welding - if you make a mistake, you know right away.
THere is alot more to how to glue than I can set and type here. Truly gluing and weldiing in tandum is the best way. Glueing as an beginner is NOT the way to fix your car. This is NOT as easy as it sounds. If you make a mistake it is going to be a nightmare for you to get the car fixed properly. You will pay the bill twice if you dont get it right the first time.
I'm going to have to agree with Mike, in spite of what I posted above. I personally have never tried to do something as large as a trunkpan, in fact I've never used it on a patch bigger than a dollar bill folded in half. Mike is right, the stuff will not be forgiving if you make a mistake. It sets up harder than a rock, and you will destroy 2 pieces of metal trying to seperate them. But, I will say again, that if the metal is clean, and everything is prepped properly, when this stuff is set up, it is there for good,The only thing other than cockroaches that will survive an atomic blast.
DId you use primer on the bare metal before you glued it? It looks that way. That is not how the product works that I use. Metal to metal bonding has no primer inbetween. the glue is used as the primer and I use an acid type brush on all the surfaces that are bare to get coverage. Then its stuck together so that the glue can set up.
http://www.3m.com/intl/au/auto_marine/apep/H1_Panel_Bonding_Wallchart.pdf Step 2 and 9 says it all............. I hope that your panel is welded as well so you dont have to redo it later.
No i cleaned the bonded area . I have been glueing panels for 10 years now love the stuff. I am lord-fusor certified (glue Manufacture) I car certified collision technician.
OK good. I saw primer and was hoping youd say that. Ive used LOrd Fusor also its about the same as the 3M stuff. I buy from the salesman that is standing in the shop when I need more. ps.... I need a painter if you know of one that is looking to change jobs....
