Metal adhesives

[myleslong]

I'm getting ready to hang new Goodmark quarters on my 71 Challenger R/T. My outer wheel houses are all there, but a little shakey in some spots. My concern is plug welding the new quarter to the old wheelhouse is a bit of a gamble for blowing thru the old outer wheel house. I'm considering using Fusor metal bonding adhesive in this area rather than plug welds.
Does anyone have any first hand experience with this product?
Thanks in advance

Link:   http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1190

[AAR71]

 
                I have never used it but am about to but it's from SEM. They glued two panels together let it set then placed it in a vice and started to try and pull them apart; they ended up distorting the piece in the vice and the one they were pulling on and it did'nt come apart. It convinced me, but the only down side I see is the price of the gun to dispense the 2 part epoxy, it cost me $65.00  the other down side is you have limited shelf life with the epoxies especially in hot weather; so I would buy it right when you are ready to use it and not have it sitting around for awhile before use. Hope it helps.

[LugNut]

Interesting.  Anyone try JB Weld (great two-part epoxy)?  It's cheap and readily available at Wal-Mart, etc.   

[bbscamp]

JB weld on a quarter??

[myleslong]

 I've used JB weld on components in the past.
 I was able to re-attach an ear on a transmission case that held a non structural component, but I don't think it is for any kind of structural application. The reason I'm considering the Fusor adhesive is because it is an approved method for repairs by the big three. It comes recommended by people that I respect in the fabrication business. I've also been told that the new Chargers etc. have the quarters glued on. If it's true or not, I haven't confirmed yet. If you go to the web site home page and read the specifics, it sounds good to me. Keep in mind that I don't plan on installing the complete panel with adhesive. I will still weld at the lower rockers, "c" pillar roof seam and at the tail panel. It looks like a good alternative in areas that are "iffy". I'm gonna try it.
Best regards,
Larry

[LugNut]

I didn't say I would do it ... just that it sounded interesting!   

http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1190#112B113B

The website for the stuff shows it is a two-part material, so two-part epoxy (e.g., JB Weld) isn't all that drammatically different ...

[falcon50flier]

Before doing any panel glueing also check out 3M Automotive and Durobond products (now owned by 3M). Lord has much the same products, but I've never used them. Similar to the Lord product line, there are at least 3 different formulations that you can use for metal-to-metal (not counting the plastic-to-metal options). The differences are in open time (before set up, allow panel adjustments) and most importantly structural vs, non-structural. The structural stuff is strong enough for pillar and body bracing, and is used by the big 3 in a lot of highly stressed places. This stuff is stronger than spot welds and comparable to a fully welded seam.

Also watch how much grinding and sanding into the bond area is going to be required. You don't want to bond, then grind away a good part of your strength, then get a crack after panel finishing.

The most common panel adhesives are readily available from body/paint supply houses, and a few web ecommerce sites as well. I'd pass on JB weld for serious bodywork.

[Wang]

Fusor, Duramix, 3m ... essentially all the same (costwise too)

To answer your question, YES this is an excellent idea. Be sure that your mating surfaces are clean bare metal that is roughed up (either sandblast, or use an air grinder)