Epoxy Adhesive Question

[Bill D]

My aluminum mono tub is powdercoated. I want to epoxy on 4x9 fuel filler plates onto the sills to give the illusion of an original mono tub. Do I need to remove the powdercoating where the adhesive will go?

Thanks
Bill D

[Big-Foot]

Originally Posted by Bill D

My aluminum mono tub is powdercoated. I want to epoxy on 4x9 fuel filler plates onto the sills to give the illusion of an original mono tub. Do I need to remove the powdercoating where the adhesive will go?

Thanks
Bill D

I would think you'd be fine by just roughening up the PC where you want the epoxy to stick.

[Gregg]

My two cents:

1. Call the powdercoater and ask his opinion;
2. Call the epoxy manufacturer and ask his opinion.

Epoxy's generally do not generate much heat when they cure, but I do not know what product you are using.

I have always found the BEST advice is to go to the source i.e the manufacturer regarding their product etc.

I would trust the epoxy manufacturer's advice over the powdercoater's advice.

[Bill D]

I'm using JB Weld. I just got off the phone with them and they said all I have to do is rough up the powdercaoting and it will work.

Thanks guys.

[David Morton]

Instead, try using Riv nuts - if you can.

[Bill D]

Dave
I would like to, but it's the fuel tank. Drilling holes would result in a fuel leak

[Gregg]

Bill, Is there are reason why you did not epoxy the filler plates prior to powdercoating?

[SpyderMike]

Why not VHB adhesive tape? It is a 3M product. We use it to bind items to powdercoated aluminum.

[David Morton]

In which case as Mike says VHB. Nothing that I've use 3m's VHB on has ever come off again and it holds up some of the signs on the motorways here.
Surely your tank is below the skin on the sill / step area?

[Bill D]

Gregg-
Because I'm polishing them to contrast with the black powdercoat.

Dave-
The tank is indeed below the skin. No bladder

I will look into the 3M VHB

[Gregg]

Bill, that is a good reason.

[Pantera1889]

I roughed up the powdercoat and used JB weld. Worked like a charm!

[Mark Charlton]

I use 3M VHB tape all the time and I suggest it is the right approach. Should you ever decide to re-locate the covers, or remove them for some other reason, the VHB tape an be "snapped" off (using quick prying action) and will likely NOT destroy the powder coating. It will, however stick extremely well. We use it (following correct 3M install procedures) to install metal dimensional lettering onto exterior glazing. Trust me, if it works there (and it does), it will work for you.

The other benefit is that the 3M tape will not have the potential for a sharp bump to break the bond in the way some epoxies can.

Mark

[FRPGUY]

Bill, see if you can get a sign maker to lend a roll to you. A roll of VHB is not cheap! Sign makers that use a lot of plastic use VHB tape.

[Mark Charlton]

Originally Posted by FRPGUY

Bill, see if you can get a sign maker to lend a roll to you. A roll of VHB is not cheap! Sign makers that use a lot of plastic use VHB tape.

True, but it's also available from some commercial auto supply shops since it is also used to apply vehicle badges and trim.