Alternative to welding aluminum frame of Komet?

On Oct 19, 2:47*pm, John Smith wrote:
Bruno wrote:
I just noticed that a few of the welds on the top aluminum framework
of my Komet trailer have broken. *Maybe I am just lazy but I am
concerned about getting the welds redone with the fiberglass top right
next to it. *Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bonding agent
to use on the broken welds?

Considering what a trailer is meant to bear and how long it will
hopefuly remain in use, I would bite the bullet, remove the top and have
the welding job done by a pro without compromises.

Actually most good welders can do it without too much heat. Also you
can usually slip an asbestos shield with a wet rag behind the welds to
minimize the heat transfer to the glass matrix. There should be no
need to pull the whole top off. I have seen several and helped get
one welded a few years ago.

On Oct 19, 11:40*am, Bruno wrote:
I just noticed that a few of the welds on the top aluminum framework
of my Komet trailer have broken. *Maybe I am just lazy but I am
concerned about getting the welds redone with the fiberglass top right
next to it. *Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bonding agent
to use on the broken welds?

Thanks,
Bruno - B4

Bruno,

If you decide to go with gussets, suggest roughing up the area of
overlap with sandpaper, then acid etch with dilute phosphoric acid
(Jabsco Metal-Prep at Home Depot or AlumiPrep) wash with water and
dry. Then use Loctite Depend 330 adhesive (available from McMaster-
Carr on-line) along with mechanical fasteners if you wish, though
those won't really be needed using 330.

330 comes as a two part (gel and spray primer) almost instant setting
acrylic adhesive (actually one minute for bond - - 24 hours full
strength) that is ideal for lots of materials. It has a shear strengh
of 2,500 psi IIRC and, unlike most epoxies that cure brittle, retains
some elasticity so it accomodates dissimilar thermal expansion of
materials and shock loads etc.

Do not buy a lot more than you need, though, as it has only a 1 year
shelf life - - and they mean it! I think on day 366 the stuff stops
working. A little goes a long way and a medium size "kit" from MC
costs about $27.

bumper
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