1997/98 Chevrolet Corvette
Collision Repair
3-37
Some Guidelines for SMC Repair
•
Clean scuff and solvent wipe all areas to be
repaired.
•
For added strength and durability, V-groove
and reinforce on at least one side of an SMC
joint using a tacky mesh tape or equivalent.
•
When partial panel replacement is
performed, use two inch backing plates
made from SMC or E-coated steel, as a
reinforcement for all butt joints
Repairing Sheet Molded
Compound Panels
1
Scuff area where repair is to be performed.
2
Clean bond area with lint-free rag using a
water-based cleaner.
3
Cracks should be grooved and reinforced on
at least one side of an SMC joint using a
tacky mesh tape or equivalent.
4
Sectioning joints require backing strips 50mm
(2 inch) wide, cut strips from leftover pieces
of SMC.
5
Use US Chemical and Plastics System 2000
Structural Adhesive or equivalent (the US
Chemicals customer service number is
1-800-321-0672). Apply ahesive to the entire
‘joint’ area extending across the cut lines and
across the backer. Use tacky mesh tape or an
equivalent reinforcement matting. Allow to
cure according to adhesive manufacturer’s
recommendations.
6
Apply a thin coat of Goodwrench Structural
Bonding Epoxy (P/N 12345726) or equivalent
as a final coat to blend in the repair to
resemble OEM appearance.
SMC Repair Procedures
Bonding Undamaged SMC to
Epoxy Coated Steel
1
Prime all bare metal areas with an
anti-corrosion primer such as PPG’s DP90, or
equivalent. Some paint manufacturers
recommend a pre-primer when bonding to
epoxy. Always refer to paint manufacturer’s
recommendations. Do not combine paint
systems.
2
Clean bond area with a lint-free rag using a
water-based cleaner.
3
Scuff both surfaces to be bonded using a
scuff pad such as 3M’s Scotch-Brite “Red”
scuff pad P/N 07447 or equivalent.
4
Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before
applying adhesive. Use compressed air. Do
not final wipe surface with hand or rag.
5
Determine whether adhesive is applied to the
vehicle or the replacement panel. Refer to
specific procedure of part being replaced.
6
Apply a consistent adhesive bond to
prepared surfaces.
7
Mechanically retain panel in place to “wet
out” adhesive along entire bonding surface.
8
Allow to cure according to adhesive
manufacturer’s recommendations.