I agree, the big 3 are using body panel adhesives now, and with all due
respect, if they are using them, they must be good. This of course MUST
include proper preparation and proper sealing to be a lasting repair. The
adhesive glue squirts out of a caulking type gun that has a plastic tip that
premixes the two epoxy/acrylic agents together. Set up time is dependant on
what you buy, with different mixes available for whatever time you want. The
adhesive has small glass balls in it, to make a precision "squish" between
panels; you can clamp it hard, and it will only compress to the diameter of
the little glass beads thus providing a perfect amount of adhesive. I've
been researching this for about a year now, and gone up to the local
Paint/Body Shop supplies outlet and discussed it with them. They are adamant
that it is a good system and that most of the repairs we see coming out of
shops now are being bonded, not welded in NON-STRUCTURAL repairs. It is just
too cost effective NOT to do it. Welding takes way longer. I'll be using
this to replace my rocker panels and other non structural/load bearing areas
on my 77 Westy this summer.
HTH,
Courtney

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lincoln" <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 9:08 AM
Subject: Re: gluing bodypanels on - BAD IDEA

> Chris -
>
> I have tremendous respect for your knowledge and experience. I also know
> next to nothing about body work. However, do you think that what you saw
> with the glued pannels could have been poor prep or improper application?
> I
> have talked to several local guys and they swear by the glueing - I would
> also trust Ben's opinion on the topic. Just a thought.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> 90' Carat (It's Blue, It's Beautiful, It needs a lot of work)
> 86' (Soon to be donating organs to the 90')
> 85' GL (sidelined but to be resurrected in the near future)