luisv

For those that may not know... We are working on a 1977 restomod. We completely disassembled the car down to the frame. My project is here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...storation.html

OK... So I am coming to the point where I am finishing off the fiberglass work on a few parts that will permit me to get some body panels adhered back onto the frame and birdcage. Specifically the firewall, the rear clip and bonding strips to get it onto the birdcage.

Question I have is on the adhesive for the process. I am looking for both adhesives. Metal (powder coated) to the fiberglass panels and fiberglass to fiberglass. The latter is for the bonding strips, replacement of panels etc.

I was told by a reputable Corvette body part manufacturer that they have been using Valvoline Pliogrip with great success. The link to the stuff is here:

http://www.pliogripbyvalvoline.com/panel_bonding.html

Question I have... is there something better? What options are there?

If any of you have had the experience with something else, I'd love to hear it.

Sunstroked

The product you linked looks promising, especially if recommended by a Fiberglass part manufacturer.

I've been using evercoat maxim, product 100813. I have bonded fiberglass to fiberglass and metal to fiberglass. Very soon I will be using it to bond a new door skin to to metal frame.

Some folks swear Lord fusor is the stuff to use. I suspect chemically they are similar.

If you use evercoat a proper gun is required, save some money and get 1 from Eastwood. Much cheaper and it's a nice caulk gun.

stevelischynsky

Do your neighbours not complain about working in your front driveway for a long time?

80Baby

This thread has peaked my interest because I too will be ready to start bonding my front and rear clips to the Bird Cage next summer. One comment though... my Bird Cage is presently at the Corvette Shop ungoing some repairs. I went to the shop three weeks ago to inspect the work. Anyways, to save me some time I'm having the shop reattach the firewall before I pick it up. The manager told me that prior to bonding the firewall back on, they'll gently sand away the powder coat on the Bird Cage where the firewall attaches to it. Leave the primer coat, but take away the powder coat. He told me that when I bond the clips back on, I should do the same. He doesn't recommend bonding directly to the powder coat. Makes sense to me, but I'm curious if that opinion is shared here. And I'll most certainly be following the advice on this thread about what adhesive to use.

zwede

We used "Marine Tex" and it works well for both fiberglass<->fiberglass as well as fiberglass<->metal. It does not require any applicator and is available at most auto paint supply stores.

Easy Mike

It is my understanding factory birdcages were not powder coated. Is the powder coat something you asked them to do?

luisv

Thankfully no. Truth is though. Most of the real work has been done in the back. For example, sanding the body down. Fiberglass repair. The real heavy duty work has been farmed out. For example, the sandblasting of the frame, etc.

In the end, the car is really just being assembled up front. What they are "seeing" is the adding of shiny new parts. Regardless, I tend to put up a tent and side panels. In reality, not much is "seen". I am as considerate as possible.

luisv

What I would do is ask the person that powder coated the cage. I say this because it likely depends on the product. I do plan on scuffing the finish for better adhesion but I don't think I'd go down to the primer. Remember that the metal to glass bonding is always supported with rivets.

Your question did make me curious though. I will ask my powder coater.

Yes, from factory they are painted, not powder coated. I don't know about 80Baby, but in my case, I wanted the extra protection it gave me. I also sprayed the interior of the frame and cage with rust converter from Eastwood. Great product.

luisv

Thanks! I'll look it up and see which seems better to work with.

Awesome!

Paul L

There is a body/paint section where products are often discussed.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paint-body-138/

Priya

Thanks for posting that! I didn't know that section existed, it'll be a big help.