Repair Procedure
Important: Follow these guidelines when performing sheet
molded compound (SMC) repairs:
• | Clean, scuff, and wipe all the areas to be repaired with a naptha solvent. |
• | For added strength and durability, dish cove and reinforce at least 1
side of SMC joints using a tacky mesh tape or equivalent. |
• | When partial panel replacement is performed, use 50 mm (2 in)
backing patches made from SMC as a reinforcement for all the butt joints. |
- Scuff the area where repair is to be performed.
- Clean the bond area with a lint-free rag using naptha solvent.
- Cracks in SMC should be dish cove and reinforced on at least 1 side using
a tacky mesh tape or equivalent.
- Sectioning joints require backing strips 50 mm (2 in) wide,
which can be cut from leftover pieces of SMC.
- Apply a thin coat of Goodwrench Structural Bonding Epoxy GM P/N 12345726
(Canadian P/N 88901676) or equivalent, to the entire joint area extending across
the cut lines and across the backing strip.
• | Use tacky mesh tape or an equivalent reinforcement matting. |
• | Allow to cure according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations. |
- Shape and refinish the repair areas as necessary to resemble the original
appearance.
Bonding Procedure
Important: Prepare the surfaces to be bonded according
to adhesive manufacturer's recommendations. Many adhesive manufacturers have different
preparation methods.
- Use supplies and repair materials from the same manufacturer. Do not intermix
systems. Mixing materials from different manufacturers can produce unsatisfactory
results.
- Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying adhesive.
- Apply a consistent adhesive bond to the prepared surfaces.
- Mechanically retain the panel in place in order to wet out the adhesive
along the entire bonding surface.
- Allow the area to cure according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.