Has anyone been using the new adheisives for replacing body panels

I'm in the process of replacing many of the rusted out parts of my 1970 short box. I'm considering using some of 3M's new glue to set them in instead of welding them . I'm also using a plasma cutter so I won't have much warpage. I hope it works!
Let me know if anyone has done this before.

 

Have you tried the 3M stuff yet? I am curious if it worked and the long term life. What is the name of the product?

 

Most modern car are assembled using a very similiar product.It last a long time and it is supposed to be paintable.I have heard good things so far.But only time will tell.I would prefer to weld in new metal.But products like this would make it easier.Try it on something small and see how it works first.
Craig Hager
tech1@chevyduty.com

 

I've heard of this product too but haven't seen it used yet. I'm removing a really ugly sunroof from my '69 stepside and have a doner roof from which to cut patch panels but I have been worried about warpage. I would flange the edge of the opening so that the new panel could be bonded in flush with the surrounding metal. I would be more that willing to be the guiney pig to try this out as I plan on driving my truck next summer in primer anyway and I would post a report and pics on my web sight (now under construction}. Can you give me the product name and source or should I check with an auto body paint and supply store?

 

:9 Just got off of 3M.com and here is what I found out. The name is 3M Automix Panel Bonding Adhesive 08115. 200ML syringe. It is for use on outer panels only; not on structural components such as pillars, ect. Cures on demand with heat. Has glass beads in it that work as built in spacers for optimun bond thickness. Corrosion inhibiting and eliminates warpage and overhead welding. Work time is 2hrs. @ 70 deg F and 1 hr. @ 100 deg F. Handling time is 4 hrs. and cure time is 24 hrs. I'm going to try it on my roof. Tom

 

That sounds like some good stuff could anybody tell me how much it costs and about how far it will go.

 

:9 I checked with the local NAPA store today and they stock it in a different brand. Several area body shops use it over welding to install door skins. Larry (NAPA guy) has a custom S10 that he had painted 4 years ago with some other custom work like tailgate handle reversed to the inside. The shop bonded the smooth outer panel to the tailgate and put a $3000. paint job on the truck. Larry said he was very apprehensive about not welding it but after 4 years it is still perfect.
Cost there is about $28. and you need a special gun to apply it. There are 2 tubes together that mix when you apply it. I didn't get the price on the gun. Not too much I'm sure, and it is reusable. About the size of 2 of those small grease tubes put together. Probably enough to do a few door skins . It's hard to say. Might check with a local body shop. Sounds like this stuff is getting real popular in the production shops.

 

Tom let us know how it works
Rick
tech2@chevyduty.com

 

:9I will give a complete report. May be a few weeks though. I would like to put pictures on my web page also.

 

Just got some pictures on the web site so you can see what I'm going to do. Go to the '69 stepside page. Should start on the repair shortly. Stay tuned.
Tom
www.corvetteforum.net/bss/59ttom

 

Check any S10 or S15, you will find that the door hinges are not bolted or welded. They are bonded with this type of adhesive at the factory as are several other panels. The manufacturers have been using this technology for several years and have actually built vehicles for testing using only adhesives and no welds. The main problem that thsy have ran into is that the government will not give them safety certification to use the technology to it's fullest. By the way, it is not necessary when buying an S truck door at a junkyard to drive the pin out of the door hinge. Just heat the area to 400 degrees and the bond is released.

 

3M adhisive

3M structural adhisive is awesome, use it all the time in our body shop , go for it , make sure the metal is ground and clean. Mike