I noticed a couple of weeks ago the seam between the bumper fascia and upper fender (at the belt line) gap was "growing". Today, I was able to take a closer look at the problem and the entire seam has popped loose. Is there some way to fix this at home or is this going to require a trip to the body shop?

Any body out there help me out?

 

There's another thread about this very problem right now, if you wanna give it a look.

I believe his car (in that thread) was comming 'unglued' at the same spot.

That point is easy to look at- Remove the wheel well, and take a look with a flashlight. The bottom of the quarter panel right there has a plastic strip about a foot long glued to it, and that strip is bolted to the bumper fascia. It sounds to me like one of them came apart.

It is possible to fix it yourself with patience, some SMC bonding adhesive, and the right applicator gun. A auto paint/body supply store should be able to direct you on the 'how to.'

 

mikey, I found the other thread. You are right, it sounds as though we have the same problem. The "bonding strip" is still attached to the lower section, and has pulled loose from the upper part of the fender.

I hate the idea of spending $200+ for the applicator gun to use only a couple of times (I hope). It would surely be cheaper to have someone do it? I'll check into it, thanks.

 

Try to borrow or rent an applicator gun. If you were 1500 miles closer I would loan you mine.

 

check ebay for fusor application guns. I had purchased 2 of them from ebay for $77..........

 

She hasn't been foolin around with one of those Dodge Vipers has she? Could be preggers!

 

I don't think she has been out! In our neck of the woods I can't even remember seeing one of them thar beasts.

 

I stopped by the local Body shop this morning, He has a "Panel Bonding Adhesive" 3M brand "Automix 8115 Adhesive" is this the correct stuff to make the repair? He said that he used it to bond a fiberglass door panel on a Camaro (State Trooper Patrol car).

 

Sounds good.

I believe I used a SEM adhesive 33997 (I'm not sure of the number exactly- I think that's what it was).

What you got should would... One thing to check is the drying time. An hour or so is good.

 

mikey, shows "Work Time 90 minutes Handling Time 4 hours* Cure Time 24 hours*

*May be accelerated with heat"

 

Actually there was a Service Bulletin out on this. The official product GM recommends is Fusor 320/322. But that is tuff to get, the 3M product your referring to above is more for securing body panels together. There is another model of AutoMix that I just got to repair a fracture. I think its 8137 Adhesive but I'll re-check this when I get home. It sets in less than 3 minutes. Workable in 30 minutes.

They want $50. for the gun to depense it. I just did this on Sunday, I used two of those quick clamps and two long/large sockets. I have a picture of this I'll post also when I get home.

EDIT Home now...

Its 3M Automix 8227 Adhesive. Work time 4 minutes, 30 minutes hold time and 2 hours cure time. This variation is much better for small fixes.

It comes with two mixing tips, but after using one, when I did my second coat over the repair area I just squeezed equal amts onto a piece of cardboard and mixed it with the applicator. I couldn't really tell if it was a good mix from the tip as one part is black and the other is clear. So it was much easier just squeezing out without the tip to see equal parts.

I just noticed that the picture doesn't show the sockets, they are up inside the two tube ends in this image, because I just finished and forgot to extract them.

And here's the picture of how I made a dispensing unit (sort of but it worked):

 

The body shop is going to fix mine Friday. Thanks for all the input and suggestions.

 

Awe come on Teebee....A little dap tile and tub bathroom caulk squirted in there and she'll be like new!!!

 

Hey petdoc, I think that is what the guy said he was going to use!