Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2001 11:48:30 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: Simpler Alternative to welding body panels
Comments: To: Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

My '84 was repaired once with adhesives.  The right "fender" and lower
front panel were attached to each other by glue, and the front panel was
completely attached by glue.  The fender was welded at the A pillar and
bottom.

In the last minor collision I had with a honda that ran a stop sign, the
joint between the two panels broke completely, and the lower panel
lifted off at the bottom for about 1/3 its length.

So, this leads me to two comments on this stuff:

1. It provides no structural strength, so can only be used on non
structural panels, and I'd only use it where you can't get a welder in
the area that needs welding because of number 2:

2. This makes further repair in the same area more difficult due to the
necessity of completely removing the glued panels and replacing them
when the glue joint fails.

If the two sections had been welded, I could have pulled and worked out
the damage, but with the failure of the glue the front panel has to be
replaced, and with some difficulty.

The estimate to repair this was over $1000.  I've just slapped some
paint over it and use the bra when I want the van to look pretty!

This adhesive definitely has its place, but be very cautious how you use
it.

Stuart