Expert: William Forster - 12/18/2009

Question
I'm considering the installation of a set of fiberglass side panels on a pickup bed -- the kind designed to flare out a few additional inches for coverage of a wider tire/wheel combo and/or a wider than stock axle. These are a complete replacement for the factory sheet metal. Is this a good application for some sort of "panel glue" and if so, what would work best in this application? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello Scott! I would carefully follow the manufacturer's directions- if it calls for adhesive then you need to look for an adhesive designed for SMC- sheet molded compound. A 50 cent name for fiberglass. You can't just use fiberglass jelly, you need actual adhesive for gluing fiberglass panels to steel. If you go to your local professional parts store- one that sells paint to body shops (NOT autozone or advance auto parts- we're talking about Napa, Big A, Etc.) they should have access to this adhesive- tell them to check their line of SEM chemicals. This product comes in a 2 part tube and has a special turbo mix nozzle that screws onto the cartridge. You will also need to purchase a cheap applicator gun. Bill