[jeff chmura]

Hi all,
General question,
Has anyone used panel bonding adhesive?
I have cab corners on my truck I have to replace and I think it would be easier using adhesive then removing/sliding the bed back to weld properly.
I know I would have to buy the applicator gun and material.
Thoughts?
Thanks Jeff

[M91196]

Used a lot in most modern shops.
We use it in new vehicle mfg.
Done correctly it’s awesome.
I would use it on a daily driver without hesitation.

[n20ta2]

Super strong, I used it to bond my outer wheel house to my new quarters on my 69. I wanted a water tight permanent bond. No question in my mind it will hold forever.

[Keith Seymore]

Used it on my "squarebody" pickup.

It's been 11 years now, still looks like the day I did it.

K

[TAKerry]

Originally Posted by n20ta2

Super strong, I used it to bond my outer wheel house to my new quarters on my 69. I wanted a water tight permanent bond. No question in my mind it will hold forever.

I have heard that the way new cars are put together the adhesive is exceptional, may not be as good on older cars. I always had my doubts sounds like you had a great experience with it. I dont think I would have a problem using it in the right situation. I had a small area on my project I was going to get it for but was hesitant. I think I will be pull the plug and move full speed forward.

[n20ta2]

I think it all depends on the area you use it on. I welded but welded my quarters in most areas but did use it on the outer wheel house because I wanted that completely sealed unlike the factory way of spot welding then using seam sealer. I applied the bead around the quarter lip installed it then clamped ever 3 inches around the perimeter.
I tested to pieces of sheet metal one set e-coated the other sample bare steel and I could not seperate either sample once cured without damaging the pieces.

[dataway]

I've heard on modern vehicles it will actually tear the metal before the adhesive will separate. Maybe not on older thicker skinned vehicles ... but still that sounds pretty strong.

Does anyone that has used these products have any links to brand, applicator, etc. suitable for the hobbyist? Seems like the kind of technology I'd like to keep in the shop on a regular basis for both vehicle and non-vehicle applications.

[Mickey_London]

I have used Sikaflex 221 to bond on fibreglass panels before. It can be used on metals
It is very strong and waterproof, you wouldn't be able to pull the panel apart once it has set.
Mick

[turbo69bird]

I have a 69 convertible that it was used on the 1/4 panel daily driver takes a good beating and it’s cracking along the front edge in one spot, been at least ten years though.
could be applicator error the guy who did the car wasn’t too swift sadly they used nos parts, lousy install techniques imo. But for a daily driver pick up w full frame I’d still probably use it.

[jeff chmura]

Thanks guys for the info.
I was going to use the 3M stuff.
Do you guys have a preferred brand?

[nytrainer]

I like Lord Fusor but 3m is good. I have the applicator “gun” that I can possibly lend you.

[LATECH]

The SEM products are awesome

The beauty of it all is that it also acts like a sealer. You cant seal behind a weld ,or its near impossible. Done correctly the panel adhesive will seal the bare surface and will keep rust out for YEARS

[JJDeville]

I agree it is a great product when used correctly. I had a guy install wheel lip patch panels on a 69 GTO for me about 15 years ago. He used Panel Bond instead of welding them and the repair ghosted through the final paint. Another guy took it back down and was supposed to weld it up and it ghosted through again. I think it expands or shrinks different than metal.

[n20ta2]

Yeah I think I would use only to bond panels. I would imagine it would show through a repair if it was painted over.

[dhutton]

It will ghost if used where it will be painted over. Solution is the remove the excess it once it sets and then use filler to smooth the repair if needed.

Don

[jeff chmura]

Thanks guys.....I was reading up on The stuff and I did see the ghosting issues.
I'm replacing both cab corners and one bottom door panel.
The door panel, I was thinking of going up to the moulding and seaming it there. That way is it does ghost, the moulding will cover it.
Cab corners I'll use filler and cover the seams

[n20ta2]

The sem brand I used sanded nicely. If you miss any on the initial wipe you could sand it off then apply filler.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by JJDeville

I agree it is a great product when used correctly. I had a guy install wheel lip patch panels on a 69 GTO for me about 15 years ago. He used Panel Bond instead of welding them and the repair ghosted through the final paint. Another guy took it back down and was supposed to weld it up and it ghosted through again. I think it expands or shrinks different than metal.

Originally Posted by n20ta2

Yeah I think I would use only to bond panels. I would imagine it would show through a repair if it was painted over.

You might note in my pics above that I placed the seam so that it would be covered over by the adhesive trim.

In the end it didn't matter since the joint does not show through even after all this time.

K

[jeff chmura]

Keith,
What product did you use?

[n20ta2]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

You might note in my pics above that I placed the seam so that it would be covered over by the adhesive trim.

In the end it didn't matter since the joint does not show through even after all this time.

K

It looks good, I have to replace my cab corners on my truck and may go the same route. I have seen guys use body filler directly over the adhesive with no issues. It sands nicely so I almost wonder if the ghosting issues come from the adhesive being primed and painted without a filler over it.