Gluing On body Pannels

[jake8092]

So.. I have heard lots of hype about adhering rather than welding on body panels. I'm still somewhat skeptical over the whole idea to be quite honest. A few years ago I helped a friend paint an Impala which he’d had quarter skins replace by a local body shop, a few weeks after we finished buffing he got T-boned @ 55 on the passenger side. I was really amazed to see more spot welds broke than the areas that were adhered!! I tried frantically to tear that panel off the car and failed miserably, I finally tore it off with the help of a 4WD tractor….ha! I was really impressed with how tough it was, Has anybody tried this stuff and do you recommend it?? Like I say I am still a little sketchy because it’s hard to beat a Tig seam!

-Jake

[Gearhead Dude]

Body Panel Adhesive has become more prevalent at the factories for non-structural applications like door panels, quarters on unibodies, etc.). It is a standard practice within the body shop industry. IMO, 3M makes the best stuff. It is making its way into the car building industry as well.

[dhutton]

I used a combination of MIG welding and 3M panel adhesive on my car. Panel adhesive works great for door skins. I also used it along the drip rail on the roof panel and for the rear deck lid filler panel. It's great for places where water can get in and cause rust. The instructions with the 3M adhesive tell you where it can and cannot be used.

One downside is cost. Shop around. The gun can be expensive but there are a few knockoffs that are reasonable.

[Restomod]

I have used the Fusor brand and It works great for any panel you can clamp really good.

[Steve1968LS2]

I have used the Fusor brand and It works great for any panel you can clamp really good.


The Lord Fusor stuff we use has been tested and found to be stronger than welding. We use it on quarters and items like the flat firewall.

Good stuff

[69keith]

I put the inner and outer tubs in with adhesive.

[caper150]

I did this truck a few years ago.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/IM000781-1.jpg

As you can see it was T-boned as well at 60 MPH we put 2 new box sides with adhesive, after the hit I went to the salvage yard to look at the truck and the metal bent and tore around where the panel was glued on. I wouldn't hesitate to glue panels on,I'm going to do it with the quarters on the Galaxie. Also a lot less chance of warping the panel by welding.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I'm interested in using the Fusor with a DSE Firewall fill plate, any advice for clamping and smoothing the edge?

Thanks!

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm interested in using the Fusor with a DSE Firewall fill plate, any advice for clamping and smoothing the edge?

Thanks!

If you can't get a clamp on you could always Cleko-lok it in place until it sets and then fill the holes.

[Rileys68Camaro]

Thanks!