Removal Of Bonded & Riveted Side Panels - Zero

[Guest donaldthomps]

Hi, I got the part built Zero home - my first job is to remove the riveted side panels, only problem is they have been bonded too..

 

What's the best way to get the solvent off used to bond them?

 

I was told to 'chip' it off, seems a bit heavy handed - perhaps get the car outside and gently warm the stainless steel panel and solvent using a blow torch and pull back the panel once rivets are off.

 

I guess the solvent may be easier to remove / flatten heated before the replacement is bonded. maybe..

 

Some pic's here - http://www.rhocar.or...=531&tab=images

 

Thanks, Donald

[Guest Alan_builder]

Hi Donald,

 

Sorry can't help with removal of the glue as such.

 

I just have to ask why do you want to remove the panels?

[Guest donaldthomps]

Hi Donald,

 

Sorry can't help with removal of the glue as such.

 

I just have to ask why do you want to remove the panels?

 

Hi Alan, want to go for the smooth painted look (no rivets externally facing).

[Guest chris brown]

It depends what the bonding material is i.e. silicone, PU or seam sealer. If PU or seam sealer then l'm afraid you may have to wreck the panels to get them off. Silicone is easier as there are sever solvents available.

[knights_templar]

have done that in the past with a zero.

 

its hard work and you will end up needing new panels.

 

if you are painting, and the panels are well bonded, you could just take the rivet tops off and fill.

[Guest donaldthomps]

have done that in the past with a zero.

 

its hard work and you will end up needing new panels.

 

if you are painting, and the panels are well bonded, you could just take the rivet tops off and fill.

 

I am planning on fitting new stainless side panels - the car came with all stainless panels included, so just need to purchase 2 new side panels to replace them.

 

Was hoping for an easy way to get them off..

[femster87]

Petrol, and elbow grease. It melt pu. But obviously u have the associated dangers and quick evaporation. I will leave it alone

[Stewart]

Try cutting the panels away as much as possible and then use a cheese wire to cut through the adhesive

[Guest Ian & Carole]

When they repair caravan panel damage they remove most of the damage then bond the new panels over the old.

Is there any future in removing all rivit heads and over bonding onto the old panels. ?? don't know just a thought.

[Guest peter2b2002]

drill out the old rivits and fit counter sunk rivits like they use to use on air craft, can be filled to give a smooth finnish

peter2b

[Guest fatherhood]

In the bodybuilding trade we peel the panel back then cut down the sealer with a sharpened hacksaw blade. When removed clean of the rest of the sealer/glue repaint and refit.

Dave

[theduck]

Peters suggestion sounds best to me.

[Guest donaldthomps]

Peters suggestion sounds best to me.

 

They are coming off, want to retain the Stainless Steel look, but not with rivets!

[ozz]

They are coming off, want to retain the Stainless Steel look, but not with rivets!

 

I bet some or all of these tools may come in useful

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Windscreen-Removal-Tool-Set-Bonded-Windscreen-Tools-Urethane-Cut-Back-Tools-/221159913191?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item337e2876e7

[Stewart]

Erbauer ERP409HTL 10.8V Multi-Cutter wish I had one of these when we used to remove thirty foot long strech panels from the sides of coaches