[Rickxjeeps]

For years I've seen reflective firewalls on streetrods and muscle cars that look to be acrylic mirrors. But I've searched and I've searched the internet to put it on our 38. I've only found acrylic mirrored sheets but not including the adhesive. Do you have to add any adhesives, or do they come with them? A sheet to fit my 38 Chevy must be at least 21" x 42". Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Henry Highrise]

Welcome to Hotrodders....this is the Introduction forum....you might get your question answered quicker if you post it over in the General Hotrodding Tech forum. :welcome:

 

[DeSoto]

Try mirror-finish stainless

I used a sheet of mirror finish stainless 30 years ago. I just replaced it a couple of years ago

I screwed it on because that's the way I did it in the seventies and I wanted to duplicate the original. I could have glued it on but I'm not a firm believer in adhesives in the automotive market.

 

[powerrodsmike]

I would go to your local auto body supply and look at some of the new adhesives they have. Some very neat glues have come out in the last 5 years or so. 3M, SEM and Loctite/Hysol have some things that you would never think could exist.

I would think that some type of urethane glue would stick that acrylic panel on. You could also try calling an automotive glazier. Many adhesives specify application by substrate, so you can find a compatable glue.

I wouldn't use silicone, or latex adhesive. I don't think they have enough strength.

Later, mikey

 

[DeSoto]

Up until a month ago, I worked in a collision repair shop and I have first-hand experience with automotive adhesives.

A few years back, the hot setup was to glue, instead of weld, panels onto wrecks.

I've pulled a few of those repairs apart.
The panels come off with your bare hands. No chisels, no hammers, not even a pair of gloves. Just grab the panel and roll it back. The glued joint pops apart and all you have to do is scrape off the adhesive residue.

As for acrylic mirrors, they won't stand up to the elements for much more than a year. They'll develop fine cracks and will discolor.

If you want to use an acrylic panel, use windshield urethane glue. You have to heat it (glass companies have special ovens that the tubes fit into) to get to even come out of the nozzle.
It MUST be heated prior to application, otherwise, it won't adhere to the two surfaces.

I suppose it'd work with a stainless firewall, too, but you'd have to clamp it well before it dried or the panel would stick out in spots.