Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

OK, I have heard some of you say not to use contact cement for the sides. I have also read some posts saying you use Henry's glue. I have tried to find this product at both HD and Lowes and they don't carry it. So, I called the company to ask them for a retailer. They told me that they would not recommend using it for glueing alumimun to plywood. It is only for interior use and for glueing down flooring. So what now?? Any suggestions from you builders out there? Thanks, Rod

I got mine at an ACE hardware store. Henry's 663 is for exterior use. The glue just really holds the aluminum in place and keeps it against the side of the tear. The real securing device is the trim pieces around the edge and around the door opening.

Roddy Riggs wrote: They told me that they would not recommend using it for glueing alumimun to plywood.

They know nothing and should crawl into their little holes and shut up.

We're talking teardrops, so listen to Kerry here and others.

By the way:

Hi, Rod!

I'm curious: Why not use contact cement?

TomK

tk wrote:I'm curious: Why not use contact cement?

TomK

It doesn't flex at all. You want an adhesive that will hold the Al skin on--but not like Crazy Glue.

tk wrote:I'm curious: Why not use contact cement?

TomK

When you take it out int he sunshine, the heat expands the aluminum at a much higher rate than the plywood under it. When this happens with contact cement holding the two together, the weaker one will give. In other words the plywood will just rip apart. The Henry's will stay slightly pliable and prevent this from happening. So, when the Aluminum cools again, it will just settle back snugly against the plywood and you will not be able to tell it had separated at all.

...others have covered the Henry's 663...pretty good stuff, I hear...now, let me tell how we doit...we use NOTHING, allowing the Al skins to float and relying on the top and bottom trim along with doors, fenders and other hardware to locate and hold the skins in place...we did shoot 4r5 staples(air) into the top edge to hold it place while we installed said trim...ALL the trim pieces are sealed up using EVIL BLACK STUFF(aka auto windshield sealant/adhesive)........Jack

Roddy Riggs wrote:OK, I have heard some of you say not to use contact cement for the sides. I have also read some posts saying you use Henry's glue. I have tried to find this product at both HD and Lowes and they don't carry it. So, I called the company to ask them for a retailer. They told me that they would not recommend using it for glueing alumimun to plywood. It is only for interior use and for glueing down flooring. So what now?? Any suggestions from you builders out there? Thanks, Rod

I take it that you solved your aluminum cutting problems?

I used the Henry's carpet glue. I bought one can at Lowes and when I needed to get more, I bought another at Home Depot (it's closer). It wasn't obvious, I had to really look for it but both places had it. Lowes definitely, not shure if all the Depots here had it.

I don't see why the manufacturer is saying that it is only for interior use. The tub I have says "Outdoor Carpet Adhesive." I think it is no longer called 663. When I first found them, it said 663 on it, but the ones I evetually bought don't.

I was working by myself so I needed a faster way to apply it. I used a gloved hand (you'd better be wearing gloves anyway) scooped it out, and smeared it all over the side, then I used a notched trowel to even it out.