fiberglass body panel to steel bracket adhesive recommendations?

[Professor David]

I'm removing the front fender (valance around the front wheel) of my rig for repair and repainting. Some of the fiberglass panels are attached to steel brackets with a gray adhesive. Must be intense adhesive though I've looked around the rig and some of these have failed and need to be redone.

Please recommend the correct specific/brand adhesive to use on this job. Any additional suggestions on clamping, set time, etc... would be greatly appreciated my friends.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

My 2004 American Tradition was similar and the brackets were held on with an epoxy resin. I had to re-attach a couple that broke loose after some years. I roughed up the old adhesive as best I could and applied new epoxy and then reinforced with fiberglass cloth (roving) laminated over the bracket to prevent a re-occurrence. I used stuff from the local auto parts store.

 

[Professor David]

then reinforced with fiberglass cloth (roving) laminated over the bracket to prevent a re-occurrence

Gary, Did you use the epoxy to laminate the fiberglass cloth?

 

[johnhicks]

I've read of 3M 5200 being used for fiberglass/steel adhesion.

 

[Professor David]

3M 5200

yes, I've also read about 3m 5200. Also, heard good things about jb weld epoxy and marine-tek. Likely all of these would do the job?

 

[Onyrlef]

Henkel adhesive by Loc-Tite is weather proof and bonds to non porous surfaces. It's commonly used to bond undermount sinks to granite countertops. Some of those sinks are quite heavy.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Gary, Did you use the epoxy to laminate the fiberglass cloth?

Yes. After re-bonding the metal bracket at the contact point, I lathered the roving in resin and layered it over the bracket and out to the either side for additional support. Sorry, but I don't have any photos.

 

[Tulecreeper]

I've read of 3M 5200 being used for fiberglass/steel adhesion.

I know it works for plastic/nylon to aluminum for thru-hull fittings on a boat.