Fiberglass Bay-door Panel Separates From Frame

June 19, 2015, 08:33:48 am

The right side large bay door panel has popped the rivets holding it to the metal frame along all sides but the top. Anyone else encountered this problem? I have ordered a 3M SMC/FRP Panel Adhesive to attempt repair myself. Has any one used this adhesive product?
Thanks, Mike

Re: Fiberglass Bay-door Panel Separates From Frame

Reply #1 – June 19, 2015, 09:01:01 am

If this is the two part urethane adhesive it should work fine. Don't be too stingy with it, use plenty. Some clamping may be needed. Be sure you have a way to get the frame and the door positioned/aligned correctly, this is a one shot solution. You could put a screw or an oversized pop rivet back in the existing holes as you are reassembling it to help hold it in place and to give some clamping force. Some of these adhesives have a very short working time, don't use those. Get one with 30 min or so you have some time to align parts.

I used a similar product on my AC shroud cover reinforcements. Rance at Xtreme uses this type of product all the time for FG repairs.

Or

You could get the next size up stainless steel pop rivets and try those first. Easier, quicker, cheaper and a second chance remains.

Roger

Re: Fiberglass Bay-door Panel Separates From Frame

Reply #2 – June 19, 2015, 10:03:44 am

Thanks Roger,
Yes, I now have the product in hand (thanks to Amazon overnight for $4.00 more). The old rivets are still in place, so alignment shouldn't be a problem. This is 3M product 08219, a 2 part adhesive that has a 35 minute working time specifically for composite and metal bonding, so hopefully this will work.
Mike

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