Using Vettebond Adhesive...

[Patrick T.]

I have a gallon of black Vettebond fiberglass adhesive to bond on my '67 Sermersheims jig assembled, one piece front end. I want to use as little hardener as possible, so as to give me as much time as possible, before the adhesive flashes.

I figure I'm going to need 3/4 gallon of adhesive. What is the formula for this, should I add just enough red hardener until the adhesive is slightly red? I'm only getting one shot at this, and I need the extra time, but don't want the adhesive not to harden up before I get the front end adjusted and clamped on right. Thanks, Patrick

[Jeff Grablick]

Re: Using Vettebond Adhesive...

Patrick,

I can't say exactly how much hardner to use, however, I did replace the front end on my mid year successfully.

I first dry fit it, a couple of times, and knew where I was going to place every clamp. Then my very experienced friend, who works on Vettes for a living, helped me mix the batches and set the front surround.

We used a product he was very framiliar with, Evercoat Plastic Works #3 SMC panel adhesive. We only mixed in enough red cream hardner, mixing as we went, till we could discern a change in color.

This was done on a moderately warm day, 70 degrees. We had plenty of time to work. After the clamps were set I left it for a couple of hours, upon return I found it had set. I was suprised on how little hardener we used to get it to "kick".

I had several other parts and panels to set after that, and found out by trial just how fast you could get the mix to "kick" if you wanted. I don't think I ever matched the amount that the Mfg. recommended.

Sorry I can't be of further help.

Good Luck,

Jeff

[Jeff Grablick]

Re: Using Vettebond Adhesive...

Patrick,

I can't say exactly how much hardner to use, however, I did replace the front end on my mid year successfully.

I first dry fit it, a couple of times, and knew where I was going to place every clamp. Then my very experienced friend, who works on Vettes for a living, helped me mix the batches and set the front surround.

We used a product he was very framiliar with, Evercoat Plastic Works #3 SMC panel adhesive. We only mixed in enough red cream hardner, mixing as we went, till we could discern a change in color.

This was done on a moderately warm day, 70 degrees. We had plenty of time to work. After the clamps were set I left it for a couple of hours, upon return I found it had set. I was suprised on how little hardener we used to get it to "kick".

I had several other parts and panels to set after that, and found out by trial just how fast you could get the mix to "kick" if you wanted. I don't think I ever matched the amount that the Mfg. recommended.

Sorry I can't be of further help.

Good Luck,

Jeff

[Rob M.]

Re: Using Vettebond Adhesive...

The best way to determine hardener mix is with sample batches. The weather and temp on the day you do it may make a difference. Mix a small sample batch and see what the working time is before it goes off. You can then adjust the ratio as necessary for the desired time and apply this same ratio to the "big" batch for the front end bond.

I just did mine a few months ago an did not use 3/4 of a gallon. I was using a different product for my Corvette Image parts, but the total amount used to bond the front end was a little over a quart. Having 2 helpers is a good idea for a complete front end bond.

Good luck,
Rob

[Rob M.]

Re: Using Vettebond Adhesive...

The best way to determine hardener mix is with sample batches. The weather and temp on the day you do it may make a difference. Mix a small sample batch and see what the working time is before it goes off. You can then adjust the ratio as necessary for the desired time and apply this same ratio to the "big" batch for the front end bond.

I just did mine a few months ago an did not use 3/4 of a gallon. I was using a different product for my Corvette Image parts, but the total amount used to bond the front end was a little over a quart. Having 2 helpers is a good idea for a complete front end bond.

Good luck,
Rob