Sikaflex

Ralph_C · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2005, 04:26 AM

Want to mount a radiator shroud, but will need to bond some brackets to the bodywork....

Assume Sikaflex is the best, but which one?

The Sika site says (re: high strength adhesives):

Quote:

Sikaflex®-252 can be used to bond plastic mouldings, car decals and badges, styling kits and roof racks.

Quote:

Sikaflex®-260 can be used to bond and seal metal joints, bond inner and outer skins of doors, panels, engine hoods and boot lids.

Is 252 strong enough for this?
Bunnings sell 252, but where can I get 260 (no local auto shops seem to sell Sika range)?

SCOBRAC · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2005, 08:14 AM

I'm not sure you will be able to use either in a hot environment. Sikaflex 260 is a good weatherproofing adhesive to seal welded joints and bond non structural elements, inner and outer body panels to keep them from flexing, rattling and vibrating.

Most radiator supports are mounted to the frame or psrts of a sub frame. To bond a vibrating piece of machinery prone to thermal expansion to fiberglass is asking for trouble and will probably break loose sooner rather than later.

SCOBRAC · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2005, 08:27 AM

http://www.rekabuk.co.uk/cobra/engine_lights.htm

Ralph_C · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2005, 04:49 PM

misunderstanding - shroud is to close up the gaps around the radiator (particularly the top - have 6" gap above the radiator). Shroud would run from radiator forward to ... somewhere ... obvious thing is to attach to some brackets well in front of the bonnet line, but this means a bracket attached to the fibreglass. can't screw or bolt, so what is good enough to bond metal to fibreglass, withstand vibration, and a fairly light weight (aluminium shroud - maybe a few hundred grams (1 lb) max).....