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Panel bonding a roof skin

Posted By: mopar346

Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 03:37 AM

I'm fixin to replace the roof skin on my GTS and I am considering using a panel bonding agent on the side. I would still weld the window areas and at the quarter and A-pillar joints. My brother has done it on several cars with success but I would like to hear from others that have used it for the best brand and any pitfalls or dos and don'ts.

Thanks in advance, Kevin
Posted By: skicker

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 02:55 PM

I've never had to do it... shruggy
There are 2 or 3 guys local who do panel replacement and they swear by it. One just did a roof and 1/4 skins on a 68 Camaro with no issues other than lousy panel fitment modifications. Prep is key from what I hear... twocents
Posted By: mopar346

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 04:59 PM

Prep is actually one of my questions, if you prep and paint the metal with the coating of your choice are you then counting on the coating and not the bonding agent? I am told the bonding agent works as a primer sealer so paint is not necessary between the panels which makes sense.
Posted By: Mr T2U

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 05:10 PM

we use 3M 3-1 mix panel bonding adhesive at the body shop where i work. i am not sure of the part #.
you will need a special applicator gun to use it.

when i bond a roof i will triple check fitment before bonding. proper panel fitment between the panels is important. if the adhesive area is to thick bond separation can happen. once i am happy with fit i will drill a few alignment holes to make sure it's bonded in the same place i was happy with.
before applying adhesive grind all of the bond area with 36 grit and blow away any dirt or dust. dust or dirt in the adhesive will weaken the bond.
apply the adhesive over the all of the exposed bare metal on both sides of the bond. i use a acid brush to spread the adhesive.
when clamping don't over tighten the clamps, just tighten the vice grips lightly snug. over tightening the clamp will leave to thin bond area and can lead to bond separation. you should clamp the bond every 6"-8" and leave them clamped according to instructions. i don't remember clamp time but i do believe cure time on 3M adhesive is 24 hours.
the METAL MUST BE AT RECOMMENDED TEMP FOR THE ENTIRE CURE TIME. use this formula for cure times. 15* WARMER cuts cure time in 1/2, 15* COLDER DOUBLES cure time.
hope this info helps.
Posted By: Mr T2U

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 05:13 PM

Originally Posted By mopar346
Prep is actually one of my questions, if you prep and paint the metal with the coating of your choice are you then counting on the coating and not the bonding agent? I am told the bonding agent works as a primer sealer so paint is not necessary between the panels which makes sense.


their shouldn't be any coatings on the metal in the bond area. the bond area should be bare metal lightly ground with a 36 grit disc. the 36 grit leaves a tooth for the adhesive to grip to.
there are rust inhibitors in the adhesive.
Posted By: mopar346

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 05:15 PM

Exactly what I was looking for, so I take it you would have no concerns about bonding the roof on one of our cars.
Posted By: Mr T2U

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 05:21 PM

if done properly adhesive bonding panels is a proper auto body industry repair.
Posted By: mopar346

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 11:51 PM

Thank you
Posted By: Mr T2U

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/28/17 11:58 PM

one thing to keep in mind.
body filler doesn't like to stick to the adhesive.
you must clean the joint seam as best as possible, then epoxy it. make sure the epoxy is fully cured, PPG DPLF epoxy primer doesn't fully cure for 7 days, then scuff and apply filler.
Posted By: mopar346

Re: Panel bonding a roof skin - 01/29/17 02:08 AM

Good info thanks
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