Repair Procedure
Important: Follow these guidelines when performing Sheet Metal Compound (SMC) repairs:
• | Clean, scuff, and solvent wipe all the areas to be repaired. |
• | For added strength and durability, V-groove and reinforce at least
one 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 or E-coated steel, 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 a water-based cleaner.
- Cracks in SMC should be grooved 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,
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 manuacturer'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.