Lapping & Gluing Aluminum To Aluminum.

[halfdome, Danny]

I purchased my aluminum at Alaska Copper in Seattle today and after the salesman said their aluminum was all pristine I found out it's not. I was going to get several sheets of 60" x 144" .050 for the TD but all the sheets had roller marks in several places. I ended up with some very nice 48" x 144" .032 for the walls so now I'll be over lapping the seam 4" under the door cutout since my walls are about 53" at the tallest point. I know contact cement will hold aluminum to aluminum but is there anything else out there that would hold better without mechanical fasteners? I ended up buying a .050 60" x 144" for the roof and I think the roller marks will be okay up there. Danny

[madjack]

Danny, I would look at some of the urethane based panel bonding adhesives used in the automotive industry such as SikaFlex 252/552 ...this product(252) is available from Austin Hardware...it or similar products should be available from your local auto body paint supply house........
madjack

[Joe G]

I used to work in a heavy truck body shop where we used 3M VHB Tape instead of rivets to install trailer skins.

[G-force]

3M's 5200 marine adhesive.

[halfdome, Danny]

Thanks Madjack I'll look around locally since tomorrow is skinning day.
Oh! welcome back from your sabbatical.
You earned it & it's great to have your wealth of knowledge back on these pages . Danny

[madjack]

...thanks Danny, it's good to be back...there are many different brands from differing manufacturers...be aware that some are two part products and require a special applicator...the VHB is a good alternative and should be available from the same places........
madjack

[halfdome, Danny]

I used to work in a heavy truck body shop where we used 3M VHB Tape instead of rivets to install trailer skins.

Wow Joe thanks , I have a roll of a clear membrane tape (double sided) that I use to use for gluing brass stops in store fixtures. I wonder if it's the same stuff? All it says is 3M Scotch Brand Tape. I didn't know it could be used for exterior applications. I know even lacquer thinner won't dissolve the stuff if you make a mistake. I think I'll give it a try ( at the leading edge) along with contact cement. Danny

[madjack]

Danny keep in mind that contact cement does not withstand heat and expansion very well and is really not what you want to use in this application.......
madjack

[Nitetimes]

This is what they glue cars together with these days, I didn't read through all their info but I'm sure it works on aluminium.

Fusor

I've used it a couple of times and it does seem to work well.

[TLC]

Danny:
I don't know this guys name but he was parked a couple spaces down from me at the ITG last year. He glued his aluminum skin at the joints and was very happy with the results. Maybe someone on the forum can steer you to him.
Tom

[halfdome, Danny]

Danny keep in mind that contact cement does not withstand heat and expansion very well and is really not what you want to use in this application.......
madjack

Madjack, I have a lot of faith in contact cement as I use it on a daily basis. I used it on the walls of my first TD with absolutely no problems for 2 years now. There is a counter top at a local deli where it gets constant sun exposure and the plam has shrunk about 1/8" at a seam and the plam is still intact. I plan on using that 3M tape on the leading edge of both pieces of aluminum along with contact in the field, it'll be fine. Danny

[rlnl99]

Hey Guys, After much googleing, I think 3m vhb is the way to go when glueing aluminum to aluminum. My question is, which is the better choice, 4991 or 4941? I'm leaning towards 4941 but what do you think?