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I believe the phrase is "FML"
jps - 29/8/17 at 08:23 PM

After a LONG time not really getting to work on my car (2 kids, 2 new jobs, a new house/renovation project ) I got a few hours here and there over the last few weeks and finished off my transmission tunnel panels and rear bulkhead and did all the necessary prep to get to the point where they could be fitted. So I went and bought some Sikaflex and, today, actually got two panels fitted. Almost to the second - as I popped the last rivet - I felt a drop of rain (nothing forecast....) which quickly became a torrential downpour - which has barely let off all afternoon/evening... I just had time to get some bin bags over the panels and then some umbrellas - then a patio parasol...

So I went from this:
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Via this:
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To this:
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In a lull in the rain this evening i've managed to the the chassis back into the garage and all the bits which DID get wet towelled off - but I am now stressing that water will have got in somehow and compromised the Sikaflex... I am not happy - especially as I was looking forward to basking in the warm glow of progress by this time tonight...

adithorp - 29/8/17 at 08:33 PM

You should be ok. Sikaflex relies on moisture in the air to cure it.

dinosaurjuice - 30/8/17 at 09:35 AM

Sika flex will cure if fully submerged, they just don't recommend it!

jps - 30/8/17 at 09:41 AM

quote:
Originally posted by dinosaurjuice
Sika flex will cure if fully submerged, they just don't recommend it!


That is very reassuring to read! At worst there were just a few drips and splashes on some small sections - but the datasheet was worryingly silent on the question of direct water contact. I did feel a bit better once I did some Googling and found lots of mentions on sailing websites of Sikaflex- not necessarily bone-dry enviroments!!

bonzoronnie - 30/8/17 at 01:00 PM

I have used sikaflex & other PU adhesives in a marine environment many times.
Heavy shower of rain or a quick dunk in water has never affected the cure of the product.

For what it's worth.
I quite often have to drag stuff outside to work on.
Our Cornish weather is prone to sudden prolonged downpours.
I keep a cheapo plastic tarp handy.

Feel your pain, puts a right downer on your day.

Neville Jones - 30/8/17 at 07:04 PM

I hope you took the blue plastic off around every rivet.

It's a real PITA if not.

How do I know???

Cheers,
Nev.

jps - 13/10/17 at 03:26 PM

The warm glow of progress has now arrived - finished off applying the Sika and pulling the rivets last night - only cost me half a dozen Peronis to get my nephew to help me flip the chassis over once the floor panel was on!

There's a few pics on my blog here: https://meandthekitcar.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/panelling-1/

Next job is get some bodywork on - hopefully this step won't take another 10 months!

loggyboy - 13/10/17 at 03:28 PM

Ex uses that phrase - hate it. Mainly because it always relates to 1st world problems!