Reattaching fiberglass to metal if already has VHB on it?

[bpu699]

Some of the fiberglass panels are loosening up, and coming off the metal frame. These were put on with VHB tape 20 years ago, so it lasted awhile.

Optimally, disassembling the whole thing would be the way to go, and removing the original VHB.

Problem is, its very hard to get to the VHB in certain locations.

Is there an adhesive that would attach the fiberglass back, by gluing the existing VHB to the frame? The VHB tape released from one side.

Thoughts?

Was also just thinking of riveting it on in the locations its loose, but worry that rivets would cause stress points for the fiberglass to crack...


Of note, my rear bumper was also attached with VHB. I disassembled the entire thing, and reattached with new VHB tape. Within 4000 miles half of the tape has already let go from simple vibration/driving...

[Hufficon]

3M Panel Bonding Adhesive - 38315

Auto Body Tool Mart has a whole line of products that might help.

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/pro...otive-adhesive

[Gary RVRoamer]

I had a similar problem with the front wheel well panels on my '04 American Tradition, allowing the panel to flap a bit. Getting the old bonding out of the gao looked nigh impossible, so I cheated and applied a fiberglass cloth soaked in resin like a strap, from the back side of the panel, across the vertical backer support it was originally bonded to, and then to the other side of the panel. The panel was wedged in place against the backer until the resin set up. Worked like a charm!


Sorry, I no longer have pictures of my repair.

[153stars]

One of 3M marine adhesives sealers will stick about any thing. But takes a couple days to really cure.

[bpu699]

Anyway to make the new vhb, stick to the old/dusty/greasy vhb? Acetone?

3m website suggests it can be reactivated with soap and water…

Really???

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...structions.pdf