Important: The application of heat can degrade the mechanical properties of certain high strength steel panels. With the exception of welding processes, do not use heat to repair or straighten the following panels:

This is intended to provide general guidelines for adhesive bonding of exterior panels to partially alleviate the requirement for extensive spot welding and plug Metal-Inert Gas (MIG) welding procedures. Bonding cannot be used for butt weld type joints. Bonding is not recommended for vertical lap joints unless specified in the repair procedure. Bonding is most effective on horizontal lap joints. The benefits of panel bonding are:

The scope of this specification is intended to provide the performance guidelines of structural adhesive systems used to repair (metallic) automotive bodies in the aftermarket. These types of adhesives are intended for use when bonding replacement body panels as an option to welding as the attachment means. Holden information outlines the use of room temperature cure acrylic adhesives that contain glass bead technology.

Bonding procedures in general are applicable only to a factory seams type approach.

Sectioning or partial panelling of full panels is not supported by Holden unless specifically documented in a Service Bulletin or Manual.

Applicable components for this technology are EXTERIOR PANELS ONLY, including door skins, tail end panels, roof outer panels and quarter panels.

Important: Do not use adhesives for vehicle underbody or upper body structure type repairs such as structural rails, shock/strut towers, floor pans, upper fender rails, body side pillars, door rings--side or rear, rocker panels, unless specifically documented in a Holden Service Bulletin or Manual. If in doubt, use only the procedures referenced in the Service Manual for the specific vehicle being repaired.

Adhesives currently meeting the performance requirements include Holden materials and products manufactured by 3M, Lord Adhesives and Dow. Refer to Collision Repair Specifications .