Firewall To Cage Adhesive

[Tommy F.]

I'm just about to the point of re-mounting the front clip to the birdcage on my '74 coupe. I'm not sure what type of adhesive was used to seal the joint. It was not the standard issue bonding agent....black and pliable, almost like a roofing cement. I can't find any references in AIM, CC, or any of the other restoration manuals that I have. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tommy Flick

[Chuck S.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

Sealing and bonding are two different tasks and require two different products.

On your 74, there is likely to be SMC body panels; use a Lord Fusor epoxy structural adhesive to bond the front clip to the bird cage. With the epoxy based adhesive, you can be SURE a bond will last if it is done properly.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

I think he means the material between the bonding strip and the cage. This material is a non hardning structural type adhesive or sealer, put down first and then the bonding strip is riveted to the cage. The frontend is bonded to that. I use construction adhesive from the hardware store.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

Oh...Like Liquid Nails Deck and Subfloor adhesive!?

[Wayne W.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

You got it.

[Tommy F.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

Wayne,

It is the riveted joint...so a non hardening construction adhesive should do it?

( I think Chuck is pulling my chain ).

Thanks

[Chuck S.]

Re: Firewall To Cage Adhesive

Would I pull a Corvette bud's chain??!!

Actually, it was Wayne that described the product...I just gave you a brand name (Liquid Nails) and Wayne agreed. Initially, I thought you were talking about bonding the body panels to the bonding strips that are riveted to the birdcage. For that, you would use the Fusor.

The Liquid Nails helps to supplement the strength of the riveted joint while providing some slight flexibility in the joint. Liquid Nails is a very tough adhesive, but it does not handle UV light well...this will not be an issue in this application. Thanks to Wayne for a good idea.