bonding fiberglass to metal

2902 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by [email protected], Jun 3, 2003

stanjr41

Discussion Starter · Jun 2, 2003

I have a 1941 chev. 4-door sedan that has been chopped,dropped and every body panel smoothed or modified.I replaced the rear fenders with a set of glass 2"wider rear fenders. I want to mold the fenders into the body for a smoother look.Do I use some of the new adhesives between the fender and the body,bolt it back together and then fill the seam with some type of filler?If there's a possibility of cracking later on I don't want to try it.

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[email protected]

· #2 · Jun 2, 2003

That's not a good idea for a part that big on a car. You can get away with bonding a hood scoop which is small and lightly loaded, but bonded fenders will always fail. Too big, too much vibration and exposure to the elements.

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snoman

· #3 · Jun 3, 2003

Willys is right. Fiberglass and metal make a poor bond. Eventually you will see a ring around the joint. 3M makes a panel adhesive that works not bad but is expensive. You need a special applicater gun as well.Have used it with some success but you'll take a chance with it.

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deuce_454

· #4 · Jun 3, 2003

well if you have a good quality fibreglass part, it is possible to bond it on to steel, but not if you use polyester, you need to use epoxy, good e-glass rowing or bi-directional glass.BUT the steel has to be 110% clean, i used a 60 grit sanding wheel on an angle grinder, and then cleaned with first spray on clutch and brake cleaner, and then a silicone remover on a lint free cloth. that way the fender extension is glassed onto a large area of clean steel, useing a quality epoxy (it wont fail before the steel does- trust me)

but you HAVE to buy the epoxy, and it has to be one that is specified to bond to steel. i cant stress this point enough, polyester resin just doesnt wet the steel properly, i Contacted the local West-epoxy dealer. I am not sure where you would find one in your area, biut try a web search.

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[email protected]

· #5 · Jun 3, 2003

Here are the two I use

http://www.fibreglast.com/products.php?session=06da96d0d98588529435dede391ca298&area=11

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