Dick Axtell
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 posted on 13/3/09 at 09:35 AM |
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PU Sealant - Is Essential?
As per title. Do I have to use PU sealant on exterior side panels, or can I rely on using pop rivets only?
What have others done here?
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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smart51
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 09:41 AM |
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GRP cracks where there are stresses on holes. Rivets bend and crush and open up holes when forces pull them. PU adhesive is very sticky and cures
quite rubbery. It takes the load off the rivets. The rivets stop the glue peeling. I'd use both. I did use both.
PS, I guess you needn't use much PU. A bead a couple of inches long here and there might be fine, and a bit easier to remove should you have
to.
[Edited on 13-3-2009 by smart51]
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Guinness
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 09:54 AM |
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I'd use a bead of PU as well as just the rivets for it's sealant properties as much as the adhesion.
If you get water between the panel and the chassis, and it can sit there, rusting into your rivets and the holes in the chassis it's not going
to be pleasant in there after a while.
I put a bead of pu between the floor and the chassis rail. Then when I put the side panels on, they had a 90 degree return on the bottom, so they got
bonded and riveted to the chassis rail. Finally I ran a bead of sealant around both sides of the join to exclude water.
HTH
Mike
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RK
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 12:53 PM |
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Caterham doesn't, but I did. Can't hurt in the strength department. Also should form a barrier to slow rust occurring because of the
ally/steel next to each other.
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dhutch
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 01:12 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by RK
Caterham doesn't, but I did. C
Although Ifor Williams trailers do.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 01:32 PM |
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I used it at the base of my rear panel (ali). Unfortunately I wasn't happy with my first attempt, so I took it back off... which was a hell of
a struggle!
So, if you use PU to seal/fasten a GRP panel, expect that panel to be trashed if you ever need to take it off again.
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big_wasa
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 02:27 PM |
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As said it will make it stronger and keep some wet out.
Once its gone off thats it, there is no moving the pannel at all.
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Hellfire
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 03:06 PM |
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Use both PU Adhesive and Rivets - but only use minimal PU to get a seal and fix.
PU Adhesive can be can using a sharp blade to part the components the residue can then be removed using a Petroleum Based Distillate i.e. Petrol,
Diesel, Turpentine, White Spirit etc. It takes a while to begin to break down but perseverance will reward you...
Steve
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Dick Axtell
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 03:28 PM |
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Thanks to everybody for the advice. Both (PU and rivets) it is.
Work-in-Progress: Changed to Zetec + T9. Still trying!!
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Mix
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 04:49 PM |
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Hi
Best way to break the bond between two components joined with PU type sealants is with a stainless steel 'cheesewire' wherever
possible.
As far as whether to use or not, I would say yes as it will reduce / eliminate fretting and subsequent corrosion.
It's the way I'll be going .............. eventually.
Regards Mick
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flak monkey
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| posted on 13/3/09 at 05:27 PM |
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The only thing thats stuck on with PU on my car is the floor and the infill panels behind the seats (both are also riveted)
My side panels are held on with two bolts at the rear which also hold on the rear wings, two bolts under the scuttle (also holding that on) and two
bolts under the nose (again also hold that down). The there is one rivet underneath at the front. Super easy to get off if the need ever arises, and
they certainly arent moving anywhere.
David
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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