25 replies to this topic

[sonikk4]

The bit i like about it would be NO GRINDING that's the one bit of bodyworking that grips my backside. Going on from that what product do you use for bonding panels with, any particular brand that stands out?? also how expensive are they??

[fusionfanatic]

I have done much research relating to bonding metals for a completely different application but two like metals this includes buying and testing professional adhesives. there are many elements which are critical including selection of the adhesive, surface preparation, void elimination, temperature, clamping, joint surface area. Cars companies using adhesive will be spending lots of pounds in research and development. I wish welding were an option for me but the deformation of the thin metals through welding is prohibitive.

I hope people are not reading this thinking do I buy a welder from machine mart and get practicing or a few tubes of araldite from B&Q?

For the record I am using Permabond to bond stainless steel parts which costs £25.00 for around 100ml there is a short and long pot life versions.

I really don't see how bonding a front end on could be an easier, cheaper or overall better option that welding. especially with conductive paints available now for spot welding to seal the joints.

[Vulcan]

I like butt-welding thin steel, for me that's the fun part of body repair!!!! I agree with sonikk, grinding is a right pain in the nethers, but when you get a weld just right and grind it flush, linish it right back to a bright finish, is there anything better in the world?

Call me sad, but I think not.

[Midas Mk1]

My old wings were bonded on, never again...

[corrado vr6]

I love these threads especially when the original question still hasn't been answered lol

[ClitheroeMini]

Why what went so wrong with your bonded wings?

[Wise Old Elf]

I love these threads especially when the original question still hasn't been answered lol

I think that is because no-one can say.

The car would need to be presented to a garage with the old panels removed, the flanges cleaned and primed in weld-thru and any areas that needed repair already repaired. Then the panels supplied would need to line up in the first attempt. Then the question would be; how long would it take to spot weld the panels on = no more than half a day labour.

But realistically this would never happen and it is more likely that the garage would need to do repairs and clean up, line up poorly fitting panels and the cost would more likely be at least 2 days labour. Labour charges vary and as I very rarely use garages others would be better to advise on this.

Hope this helps.

J

[Vulcan]

If you can find someone who properly knows one end of a welder from the other, you're looking at £35 per hour at least.

[fusionfanatic]

I love these threads especially when the original question still hasn't been answered lol

I think that is because no-one can say.

The car would need to be presented to a garage with the old panels removed, the flanges cleaned and primed in weld-thru and any areas that needed repair already repaired. Then the panels supplied would need to line up in the first attempt. Then the question would be; how long would it take to spot weld the panels on = no more than half a day labour.

But realistically this would never happen and it is more likely that the garage would need to do repairs and clean up, line up poorly fitting panels and the cost would more likely be at least 2 days labour. Labour charges vary and as I very rarely use garages others would be better to advise on this.

Hope this helps.

J

I would say someone in their own garage (friend of a friend) £15 per hour Top end body shop £65+ per hour independent reasonable job £35 ish. IMO

[ClitheroeMini]

Ah right well maybe I'll have to call in a favour with some of the lads from the forge near my house!

[fusionfanatic]

Whatever you do make sure you have fun with your mini!