Bonding Adhesive

[Kris Schmalenberg]

I need to do extensive panel replacement on my 65 coupe. I will be doing floor sections, front clip and firewall sections. What is the best adhesive to use? I have seen the Vette Bond but have also heard good things about the newer glues used on the C4 and C5 lines. My car will never be original again so Im more concerned with what works the best rather then appearance. On a side note, can my original front clip be removed without damaging it? What is the best procedure? If I can keep it together then someone may be able to use it.

Thanks everyone!

[Mike M.]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

i use bonding agents sold by Echlers. i assume you'll be using fiberglass panels as opposed to the newer plastic panels. in either case, Echlers can supply the correct bonding adhesive. You may be asle to save the front clip if you're willing to spend a few weeks removing the old one. probably not worth the effort as i assume its damaged.I used some of the new bonding adhesives that the c-4 and 5 use and i found them to be exceptionaly more expensive. something like 20 bucks for 2 or 3 oz and the gun or tool needed was 100 plus bucks. good luck, mike

[Craig S.]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Lord Corporations FUSOR line is excellent for all bonding in vettes. It is a two part product, that self mixes with a spiral tube in the gun (special gun with two plungers). This product was discussed at length in a Bloomington advanced fiberglass class I took several years ago by Al Sowash, who works for Ecklers in the glass area...and it was very easy to use compared to other epoxy based products. It also bonds newer SMC to older glass, and glass to metal very well, and shapes well. See link below....Craig




Lord Corp's FUSOR bonding adhesive line

[Dave McDufford]

[Craig S.]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Dave - I have the same gun, but haven't used mine yet, was waiting to buy the bonding adhesive right before bonding the LH front fender on my 74. I will be glad to know how you make out. I was going to use the 100 or 101EZ as I recall, I think it set a little faster, but will be very interested in your results. I did use it at the class, and it was easy to work with. I suspect you will have no trouble with the adhesive. Make sure you test fit carefully and go through the motions of clamping the parts before you add the adhesive and get in trouble...Craig

[Dave McDufford]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Craig,

When I called Fusor I actually asked if the 100EZ was the best product to use. They said no that I should use either the 127EZ or a "T" something (my notes are at work). The impression I got was the 100EZ was more of a filler than an adhesive (one of its characteristics is that it sands smooth to a feather edge). He was definite that I should use the 127EZ. Their website has the tech number. You may want to call them.

Good luck.

Dave

[Craig S.]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

I am sure the adhesive you mention is correct for a front end bond. I may be remembering the 100EZ as the filler after the bonding adhesive. I am pretty sure there is another adhesive that kicks faster than the 127EZ you mention, for smaller panel work, but I don't remember the number. As I recall, in our class, it set up in about 15-20 minutes. I think the website also may have details, but I know you are using the right stuff for a slow setup like a front clip. Is this one of the jig assembled clips from Corvette Image? Best of luck, I am really anxious to hear how you make out....Craig

[Wayne W.]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

For polyester type panels up until about 69 you can use one sold by Corvette Image. It is black in color and has the consistancy of original adhesive. It is activated with liquid hardner just like standard polyester fiberglass. Setup times can be controled by the amount of hardner.

[Kris Schmalenberg]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Thanks for all the great info everyone. Please let me know how you make out Dave. Where did you get your front clip??

[Dave McDufford]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Kris,

After working on the car Friday and Saturday in the heat (90+ degrees) I decided I was too tired and "testy" (old age) to try to glue it on on Sunday. I will probably do it next weekend or take a day off during the week if the weather is cooler. I got the front clip from Jim Sermersheim's in Evansville, Ind.

Dave

[Larry Lena]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Dave

Is that hand laid or press molded clip? I've been trying to get in touch with them. Do they have a website or catalog?

larry

[Dave McDufford]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Larry,

The parts are press molded. The front end is assembled on a jig with the proper bonding strips, header bars, etc. It seems to fit good and I am quite satisfied with it.

I bought it through Steve Hack at Eastern Corvettes (513)-553-2080 who recommended Sermersheim's to me (I am not certain I would have known that much about them otherwise). Steve told me a number of people in the local chapter have bought front ends from them and everyone seems satisfied. How the judges see it I do not know - or to some degree care since there is little alternative.

Steve also said Jim Sermersheim can be a hard person to get a hold of - "fax works best". BTW, I picked mine up in a full size short bed and saved crating and shipping.

Dave

[Dave McDufford]

[Larry Lena]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Dave,

Could you tell me what you paid for it. Were the head light openings and gills cut out already or did you have to do the work?

Larry

[Dave McDufford]

Re: Bonding Adhesive

Larry,

Steve Hack, who I bought the clip from, is a friend with whom I have done a lot of business. I got a good deal from a friend (I think???). What he or Jim Sermersheim would charge you I do not know. I can not find Jim's catalog but I think it was $3,400 or $3,500 - somewhere in that range.

The clip is a factory style clip assembled from individual components. The gills and headlights cut out. The highlights openings are slightly small and will need to be ground/sanded to fit my headlight buckets (this is good). The tops of the inner fenders will also need to be shimmed/glued to fit my hood (also good).

Dave