I need to strip my car back to a bare chassis for some straightening work () and as such need to remove the side and rear panels which have been both bonded and riveted on. One of the side panels is cracked anyway, so not the end of the world to damage it, however the rear is fine and I'd like to reuse it as far as possible.

So, what is the best way to remove bonded panels? Best suggestions so far have included a hacksaw blade or knife between panel and chassis. I'm not especially looking forward to this task!

Not sure but I think they remove windscreens with what amounts to cheese wire...

If you have access to an air hacksaw or possibly electric reciprocating saw that is the best/easiest way without doing loads of damage. They take windscreens out using reciprocating air saw with either a saw type or sharp knife type blade.

the cheese wire approach is what autoglass used on my last screen.

you can buy the t handle and wire here

http://www.jthandtools.co.uk/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/millhouse/jthandtools/shop/shania?ACTION=SHOP&THISPAGE=page1.html&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!


Pete

We use air vibrating knife's at work to remove fiber glass panels ,alloy panels and big windows on buses / coaches
you can buy something similar at B&Q that is electric
Jacko
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-tools/hobby-multi-tools/multi_function_tools/Mac-Allister-10-8V-Multi-Tool-Starter-Kit-12518574?skuId=13039280
something like this

[Edited on 3/6/13 by jacko]

Cheers. I'll try a simple knife blade first and then move on to a cheese wire or reciprocating saw as necessary. I hope it won't be too bad, but expect that it will be incredibly time consuming and frustrating!

quote:

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Originally posted by OliilO
Cheers. I'll try a simple knife blade first and then move on to a cheese wire or reciprocating saw as necessary. I hope it won't be too bad, but expect that it will be incredibly time consuming and frustrating!

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If you want a locost potential solution, I have used that plastic strapping stuff that goes round heavy parcels as a flexible saw to remove my windscreen. Takes a while, but got there eventually using a combination of that and a stanley knife.
I suspect the proper tool for the job would do it a bit quicker/easier, however.

Rivets or rivnuts, you probably still want some form of sealant on the panels to reduce the colander-effect. I am looking at using Tek-screws on my panelling.

DH2

[Edited on 4/6/13 by DH2]

If using the cheese wire method apparently the thinnest grade of wire cable sold by B&Q is the bees knees for removing windscreens, it has quite a coarse braid so it gives a good sawing action.