Best adhesive for window blanks?

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 08:43:29 AM

I just got my eight 16 gauge steel window blanks and I am wondering what is the best adhesive to install them.

Normally I use 3M 08115, but is there something better?

I am gluing the edge of the steel panel into the aluminum window opening recess from the outside of the bus.

The aluminum window opening has a 0.5" lip that I am gluing to.

Thanks!

PS: If anyone ever needs a .DXF file of the 4106 window opening just let me know!

My goal was to block off the windows and once i had my interior built see what was available for window locations within the space of the blanks.

I wanted to preserve the unique window lines of the 4106 so I went with a insert rather than just skin everything over.

I am having to choose from rectangle shaped windows with radiused corners because Peninsula was not able to make an insulated window in a parallelogram shape, and there is no way im going back with uninsulated windows.

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 09:12:54 AM

Ok, im an idiot.....

I had asked Peninsula about insulated windows for the 4106 and they said it was a no go because of the corner radius 5.5" and 9.5"..

Well I just talked to Jeff and they can make Model 1800 insulated sliders in a parallelogram with 3" radius corners, so I could still get a 4106'ish parallelogram insulated window using my steel blank as an adaptor to fix the radius! Cooool....

Im about to draw that up to see what It would look like

Insulated slider windows with screens for the 4106 mmmmmmmmm... He said about $625'ish each.

bevans6 · October 14, 2015, 09:20:13 AM

I would use a double sided industrial strength tape to attach the steel blanks.

Brian

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 09:30:42 AM

Like this? > http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Adhesives/Tapes/Applications/~/Bus-Body-Side-Panel-Bonding?N=8640133+3294386696&rt=rud

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Adhesives/Tapes/Brands/3M-VHB-Tape/

http://www.zoro.com/3m-double-sided-vhb-tape-12-in-black-36-yd-5952/i/G4579005/?gclid=CMDh9K-6wsgCFUYWHwodoToANQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Will tape last? My brain cant wrap around the idea of tape lasting...

Iceni John · October 14, 2015, 09:50:56 AM

I used 3M 5200 adhesive/sealant to attach a piece of aluminum over the front cap and to attach two pieces of 0.080" 6061 to cover two windows on each side. It takes a week to fully cure, but it's as strong as mechanical fastening. 3M touts it as strong enough to attach keels to hulls underwater, or something like that! There's also a quick-curing version of it, but apparently it's not a strong. If using VHB tapes gives you the willies, 5200 could be an option.

John

bevans6 · October 14, 2015, 09:55:50 AM

My Peninsula windows in my MC-5 are installed using double sided tape and a couple of screws, they supplied the tape as part of their install kit. My car hauler has all the wall and roof panelling held on with double sided tape and nothing else. Yep, it's strong enough. Has the big advantage of no corrosion points and zero leaks around the window.

Brian

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 10:01:38 AM

Quote from: Iceni John on October 14, 2015, 09:50:56 AM
I used 3M 5200 adhesive/sealant to attach a piece of aluminum over the front cap and to attach two pieces of 0.080" 6061 to cover two windows on each side. It takes a week to fully cure, but it's as strong as mechanical fastening. 3M touts it as strong enough to attach keels to hulls underwater, or something like that! There's also a quick-curing version of it, but apparently it's not a strong. If using VHB tapes gives you the willies, 5200 could be an option.

John

Thanks John,

http://www.amazon.com/3M-5200-Adhesive-Sealant-cartridge/dp/B0000AY6AC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444843272&sr=8-1&keywords=5200+3m

luvrbus · October 14, 2015, 01:15:51 PM

Never fear the 3M VHB tape that is good stuff and easy to use it's just expensive,the 5200 is a good adhesive

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 02:32:42 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 14, 2015, 01:15:51 PM
Never fear the 3M VHB tape that is good stuff and easy to use it's just expensive,the 5200 is a good adhesive

Thanks luvrbus, I think i will give it a try!

luvrbus · October 14, 2015, 02:38:08 PM

The tape comes in different thicknesses be sure to buy what you need

Darkspeed · October 14, 2015, 03:10:32 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 14, 2015, 02:38:08 PM
The tape comes in different thicknesses be sure to buy what you need

I have a 0.5 contact area so i was going for this > http://www.zoro.com/3m-double-sided-vhb-tape-12-in-black-36-yd-5952/i/G4579005/?gclid=CMDh9K-6wsgCFUYWHwodoToANQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

wonder if I need the primer? > http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/65952O/3mtm-tape-primer-94.pdf

Darkspeed · October 20, 2015, 08:53:52 AM

Well the 3M VHB tape was a disaster.. While the blanks were flat the window frame was not so there were too many areas where it was not making full contact with both surfaces. Im redoing it with 3M 08115. I will save the remaining VHB for attaching trim and such.

LowTide · October 20, 2015, 09:42:31 AM

I used Locktite spray adhesive to put up a large section of material in the bedroom of our coach and I was more than surprised at the outcome. I tried to pull the stuff off a day later just to see if it would hold and I could not get it removed.
Here is a link to what I used.
http://www.zoro.com/loctite-spray-adhesive-1675-oz-37312/i/G5402704/?gclid=CKibndPE0cgCFVKDfgodXu4PKQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I don't have too much faith in 3m spray adhesive as it's generally used for a temporary hold.

VHB tape generally holds real well as we use in the the fabrication of some sign faces at the shop.

Good luck
Mike

solardude · October 20, 2015, 07:52:02 PM

Darkspeed, I think you are on track using panel bonder, I have used it extensively on my project. VHB tape is good stuff for sure, however if you plan to use any duraglass or body filler on the panel you really want a ridged bond to the substraight. VHB is made to bond materials with different coefficient of expansion, you could argue that is what you have, however Panel Bonder is also designed for your specific need, and is ridged.

I have recently accidentally found another AWESOME adhesive, PL s30. It's roof flashing sealant. I discovered it by having to remove some windows it had been used to install with. I have just one word for the stuff "AMAZING". It was so strong that I destroyed the windows getting them out as the PL s30 was near impossible to remove. It is similar to 3M Windshield adhesive, but much cheaper, and I would argue stronger too, with better adhesion.

I don't really know why it is marketed as roof flashing sealant with such high performance. I would certainly pay more than $5 a tube for the stuff.

My .02 cents.

SolarDude

Darkspeed · October 20, 2015, 08:03:30 PM

Thanks SolarDude, I will check it out.

I use tons of http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm as adhesive and seam sealer. I accidentally bonded two pieces of dirty aluminum together and i had to end up recycling the pieces because they would not come apart. It is great!

I will try the 3M 08115 on friday.