3M adhesive

Glenn Mott

Junior Member
Has anyone used 3M 8115 [or other] adhesive in the replacement of repair sheet metal? If so can it be used for corners or only flat sheet metal?
 
My brother recently used 3M adhesive to replace some rusted out sections of his coupe. I was amazed at how well it came out but understand that you have to be very careful in the prep work and in following directions.
 
Interestingly enough, I asked this same question here about 10 years ago regarding the use of Fuzor bonding adhesives in lieu of welding in panels. This topic went about 3 pages as I recall, and the overwhelming consensus was it was not the proper repair method. The consensus back then was the Model-A panels are not really designed to used with a bonding adhesive. The cleanliness of the metal and the preparation necessary probably would not save time in the long run using the adhesive vs. welding, the extra body fillers that would be necessary to compensate for use of bonded panels, and the question of longevity and various concerns all led to the mindset that it was not the proper product for a restoration shop to use in restoring Model-As. To specifically answer your question, it can be used on straight panels or in curved panels providing the panel and infrastructure were designed to be used with adhesives.
 
Interestingly enough, I asked this same question here about 10 years ago regarding the use of Fuzor bonding adhesives in lieu of welding in panels. This topic went about 3 pages as I recall, and the overwhelming consensus was it was not the proper repair method. The consensus back then was the Model-A panels are not really designed to used with a bonding adhesive. The cleanliness of the metal and the preparation necessary probably would not save time in the long run using the adhesive vs. welding, the extra body fillers that would be necessary to compensate for use of bonded panels, and the question of longevity and various concerns all led to the mindset that it was not the proper product for a restoration shop to use in restoring Model-As. To specifically answer your question, it can be used on straight panels or in curved panels providing the panel and infrastructure were designed to be used with adhesives.

A lot of technology, and opinions, can change in 10 years, so I am hoping this thread goes on for a while. There are probably more people able to do a good job "gluing" a patch panel than welding one in well, but it still seems my gut feeling is that metal should be welded, not glued. Let's here from others on this. Do you have a link to the original thread?
 
I use it in my occupation (collision repair on late model vehicles), primarily for door skins, roof panels and small sections of quarter panels. I only use it where the manufacture uses it, and they don't use it that much.
It should be used where the two pieces of metal will lay flat, like a flange area. You don't want any gaps. You cannot do any welding near it,(unless your doing STRSW welding).
I would not recommend it, by the time you buy the material, applicator gun and some extra tips, you would have wished you just welded it.
 
It works well when used in the places it was designed for.
Many people don't realize that modern airplanes are glued together in many places and have been since the development of Eastman 910 glue in the 50's.
 
My bodyman friend said that it is great for bonding panels onto inner structures, but for partial repairs like patch panels, you will get "ghosting". He explained that the expansion rate is different and that is the cause for the "ghosting" and you will see it especially on dark colors. Like Pete stated, it's great where it is designed for.
 
A lot of technology, and opinions, can change in 10 years, so I am hoping this thread goes on for a while. There are probably more people able to do a good job "gluing" a patch panel than welding one in well, but it still seems my gut feeling is that metal should be welded, not glued. Let's here from others on this. Do you have a link to the original thread?


This is from 10+ years ago. Ryan did not keep any archives. Even if I did have a link, it wouldn't work.

I think you are spot-on with your thoughts on how technology and possible acceptance has changed during this past 10 years, ...and maybe others who have the first-hand experience with it will chime in too. Again, like some have stated, the application in a Model-A assembly really just does not lend itself well to using it IMHO.
 
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