C-2 panel bonding adhesive

[Edward J.]

What are some of the panel bonding adhesives that I can use, a peeled back my lower quarter panel at the dog leg area(Just behind door) on the drivers side to repair a poor fitting panel ?

I have a friend that has a body shop he may have some SEMS bonding adhesive, Its a two part panel adhesive? Or is there something else to use that will work.

Thanks for your responses, Ed

[Norris W.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

I think you'll get about as many conflicting opinions on this as to a "what's the best oil?" question, but I'll give you my 2 cents worth.

Over the years I've used a lotta' different stuff. For a long time I used the Fiberglass Evercoat brand of Corvette Panel Strip adhesive. 880 was the part number. There were issues with it, like wrong color, and inconsistent set time based on weather and precision/consistency in adding hardener. I like the stuff that Corvette Image sells, and it's the right color, but still the set time uncertainty is there. Several years ago I tried the 3M product that is dispensed through the gun with a mixing tube. I can't remember what the number is, but any 3M supplier should know the one they recommend for glass, and if not their tech line (where I got the number the first time myself) is accessible. I won't ever go back to anything else. The set time is consistent and much slower than mixed adhesives and I don't know of a downside unless it's the fact that it sticks so well it may be harder to remove if necessary.

[Edward J.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

Norris thanks for the response, I think SEMS product is a two part system with a chaulking gun that mixes the product , It seems that it maybe simualer io the 3M.

[Ronald L.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

Norris, In reality it probably doesn't matter in the big picture. NCRS does not come up with your address, property taxes you paid (or didn't) etc as easily as one specific search, and, ebay items for sale are just as much a likelihood of showing in a top ten search.

[Russ S.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

The bonding adhesive I use is APF7 black made by Axson Technologies located at 1611 Hults Drive Eaton Rapids MI. It is black in color so that is correct. My partner orders it and they ship it. I don't know if he gets it direct from the manufactuer or a distribitor. I can check with him if you need more info. I love this product.It works very well.


edit: Here is where he gets it:

Associated Ind.Inc
Rodger Clark
225 Wabash
Wichita KS 67214

phone 316-264-6311

[Scott M.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

The 3M product is 8115, using it right now for a front clip installation. The SEM products are fine too, just verify that its compatible with fillers etc. Some adhesives aren't meant to top coat.

[Norris W.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

The 3M product is 8115, using it right now for a front clip installation. The SEM products are fine too, just verify that its compatible with fillers etc. Some adhesives aren't meant to top coat.

Yep, 8115 is the number I was trying to remember.

Ronald, I don't have a clue what you're talkin' about.

[Doug F.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

i use the same stuff Russ uses and you could not force me to use anything else, the only down side is the shelf life is not so hot, get the white catylist

[Jim D.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

Ronald, I don't have a clue what you're talkin' about.

His comment was probably aimed at your signature, which is in every one of your posts -

I think the full name displayed on internet is the worst idea I've seen lately. It seems like an open invite for identity thieves and maybe car thieves too. Too much info required of members with unique names. For John Doe, Joe Smith or Bill Jones it wouldn't matter but internet searches & locations are uncomfortably easy when there are only 4 or 5 matches in the country.

[Russ S.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

i use the same stuff Russ uses and you could not force me to use anything else, the only down side is the shelf life is not so hot, get the white catylist

Doug, What is it that you like about the white catylist vs the black?

[Dick W.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

I have used Lord Fusor and SEMS products. Both work equally well

[John G.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

In doing some panel replacement on my C2. My vote goes to Lord Fusor 127 EZ.

I had seen some good things mentioned in the CF C2 forum about using Eckler's bonding adhesive so that's what I went with. With things ready to go a bonding strip and fender panel were ground down, the Eckler's bonding adhesive was mixed and applied, clamps to hold the works together, etc. .. .. Now the 'acid test'. . . For whatever reason upon doing a finger 'spread' test of sorts I was able to separate the bonding strip away from the panel it was adhered to. Thinking maybe this was a fluke - maybe not enough catalyst, etc., I ground off the cured adhesive on the bonding strip and panel and started over. Same result. .. ! .. For whatever reason this happened on a second go-round, I don't know. After grinding down the panel to remove bonding adhesive a second time it was now too thin. More glass and resin had to be added to beef it back up.

After checking out forum how-to's and a restoration site I decided to go with the Fusor 127 EZ. This stuff HOLDS really well. . . I have total confidence in using it. It can also be used on SMC panels. The 127 EZ is a two-part system that has a work time of roughly 60 minutes - plenty of time to get parts to be bonded 'just so'. Much faster setting adhesive is also available. The Eckler's bonding adhesive was a little too fast for my liking (10-15 minutes). Needless to say - that it didn't hold too good, at least in my experience, didn't bode well.

A special dual push rod gun (similar to a caulking gun) is used to apply the Fusor material. The special gun adds a bit more expense ($40) but knowing this stuff works as good as it does makes it worth in, IMO.

[Tom A.]

Re: C-2 panel bonding adhesive

There are many good adhesives out there that will work great. If you want to avoid problems with fillers or paint be sure your adhesive is an epoxy product. The urethane adhesives will create a problem that will show up later as an obvious bond joint. The adhesion between the urethane and paint or filler is not good. You can use urethane but you must be sure the is no urethane showing before filling or painting (very difficult to accomplish). The new adhesives are great we use them to bond just about anything even metal to metal. It makes an extremely tough bond with no heat damage or welding sparks flying in place they don't need to be. Crash test show them to be extremely high strength.