Bonding at Top of Front Fender
 

The bonding at the top of the passenger fender has come loose (see photo I found on the web - the area circled in blue is the part I'm talking about). I managed to chip out what was left of the old adhesive and scuff up the backside of the fender and the bonding strip with 80 grit. How can I apply some panel adhesive in this area with the fender on the car?

EDIT: I forgot to add that I have SEM 39747 and the required applicator gun for this job. My question is what is the best method to get the adhesive in place without making a big mess.

Thanks for you help.

Adam

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...bc8a10350d.jpg

Adam,
The area you circled in BLUE is NOT bonded to the steel portion of the 'birdcage'. It is pop riveted on with 3 pop rivets and is also bonded further down. BUT a sealant is applied UNDER this area where the pop rivets go to stop leaks into the birdcage.

IF you look you will see the three pop rivets and it needs to be removed....then that area cleaned up really good and use your SEM 39474 ( if you choose to) ALONG WITH the 3 new 3/16" diameter pop rivets. I actually use the SEM BEIGE CATALYZED SEAN SEALER in this are when I pop rivet it back on along with the area further down that I bond on like the factory did.

This area that you circled is the area that can weaken and break loose when people jack up their car and put the jack stands where GM says to put them. In time...this area gets stressed and the rivets or panel can let loose. IF jack stands are put where GM says to put them...due to they are about right under this area....all of the stress of all the weight of the engine and front end parts is pulling on this panel you currently have an issue with.

And even if your door gap to fender do not widen when you set the car on jack stands in GM's location... TRUST ME....in time...fatigue in this area will beign to show movement. GM NEVER planned on this car lasting 50 years.....think about it. A new car is one thing....but a 50 year old car is another situation all together.

DUB

Hey Dub,

Thanks for the response and excellent info! I should have clarified more in my question. The bonding strip is still solidly attached to the firewall with the factory rivets. The problem is that the bonding strip is no longer attached to the backside of the fender. Someone didn't scuff it up enough when they replaced the front clip, so I have scuffed the backside of the fender with 80 grit.

My question is really more about application of the 39474 without making a huge mess. Any thoughts on how to get it between the bonding strip and the fender?

Thanks again,
Adam