Which adhesive for metal vehicles??

[mecrr]

Hey,
I'm building a Lee Town fire truck for my Fulasz firehouse and was wondering if there where any recommendations out there for the best adhesive to use with white metal castings.
Thanx in advance for the suggestions
David

[NEMMRRC]

David,

I tried using CA glue for a Woodland Scenics white metal vehicle and mixed success. Some of the parts did not do so well so I had to use 5 minute epoxy on them.

I am not familiar with the Lee Town line of vehicles.

Jaime

[DaveInTheHat]

I use Loctite CA glue. Test fit the parts and do any clean up or filing. Then soak all the parts in white vinegar to remove any mold release. Wash with original Dawn dish detergent. Rinse in warm water. If the metal isn't clean "stuff" on the metal can keep the glue and the paint from sticking.

[gnatshop]

I agree with Jaime - 5 minute epoxy is the best answer.
But I've had fairly good results with Loctite Gel CA from the big box home centers and WalMart.

[mecrr]

Jaime, Lee Town is the predecessor for Alloy Forms/Jaks who bought there dies. Dave (in the Hat) thanx for the procedure. David, think I'll go with the AC and have the 5 minute as a back-up where glue excess won't show.
David

[gnatshop]

Let me emphasize the GEL CA as it is much thicker and works like the gap-filling CA.
You still have to be carefull to not get too much to prevent excess glue from showing.
It is thick! Use a pointed toothpick or a cut-off needle in a pin vice to apply.
I personally like a cut-off needle in a pin vice as it is easier to clean off. If it dries on there,
just use an old X-acto blade or razor blade to scrape it off. A pointed toothpick will absorp the glue.

[Ken Hamilton]

On metal, I typically use CA with a twist: I tack the parts in place with a tiny dab of Walther's Goo,
then apply super glue to the seam with the end of a toothpick or a small piece of wire.

Footnote: Car modelers (....like DaveintheHat...) are pretty particular about washing plastic,
metal & resin parts, and it's a good habit to get into.

[bparrish]

Gents...

I have built a lot of white metal vehicles: Woodland Scenic, Walker (now Wiseman), Rio Grande Models and Western Scale..............

CA works best for me but there is a catch.......... I'm not sure what happens but each surface that is to take clue must be scraped clean with an Xacto blade. I'm not sure if it oxidation or some mold release............. but CA does not like sticking to it. Clean metal takes it and holds it.

To handle small amounts of CA ...... try this.............. The surface tension of CA glue is really weird. It likes to be either next to nothing or a whole bunch........

I tried using pins and all sorts of stuff to get a consistent application of glue. I found the best way (for me) is to put a #78 drill in a pin vice and use that as an applicator. Smooth wire has nothing for the clue to hold on to........... A twist drill has all sorts of places to latch on. I save the small plastic bags that small parts come in from the various kit manufacturer. I put a drop on the plastic and off we go !

I don't keep the plastic baggie for any further purpose.

Down side................ The #78 drill will not work well for drilling metal after the CA glue has been on it......... even after carving the dried glue off with a knife. It attacks the metal or something.................. moral.............. use drills that you don't care too much about.

see ya
Bob

[Zephyrus52246]

On my Wheel Works dump truck I used the Loctite and it worked well, until it ran out. I finished with some other CA, you know the one with the purple label. It worked fine as well, except on the wheels where I had to scrape a bit of the paint off for it to adhere.

Jeff

[mecrr]

Jeff, Ken, and Bob, thanx for the suggestions and info
david