Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2001 11:47:09 -0600
Reply-To:     Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Simpler Alternative to welding body panels
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Hi Volks:

There are important developments in autobody technology that make it much
simpler to do body repairs.

Local Listees Jeff Palmer and I are attending a course on autobody repairs
at a local High School.

On our first class, we saw a video of this new adhesive technology that
eliminated the need for the "welding on" of body panels during replacement.

A company produces this two-part adhesive (various types for various
applications) and the body panels are bonded together using this material.

It is much safer for the technician (no fire potential or dangerous
equipment) and is approved for use by the automakers.

We saw a car (sedan) have it's roof R & R'd with this technique - it was
very fast and much simpler than the previous alternative - the glass didn't
even need to be removed!

They then subsequently showed the car being rolled on a safety track, using
the gov't's roll-sled. The roof did not collapse - and the bonding
technology is now approved for use for this application by the gov't safety
police.

In any case, for simple replacement of body panels, it is much easier and
cheaper than the old welding technology that we all know.

This new technique is being taught at the school, and we personally saw
vehicles that have had repairs done using this method. Excellent results!

After I speak to Jeff, who wrote the company's name down, I'll provide the
name of the company and their contact details.

In Canada, the stuff costs about $45.00 for a large amount - enough for a
major repair or replacement of a few panels. It's cheaper than a welder,
that's for certain.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy "Leader of the Pack"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Founding Member of "Vanagons Anonymous"