

| Subject: | Re: Simpler Alternative to welding body panels |
| From: | Stuart MacMillan |
| Date: | Sun, 25 Mar 2001 11:48:30 -0800 |
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
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