We applied the recommended pinchweld primer to both the painted coupons and the steel tubing, and bonded them together with the glass urethane. The samples were allowed to fully cure before heating them in a small convection oven. The samples were heated to 121 degrees C (250 degrees F), 149 degrees C (300 degree F), and 177 degree C (350 degrees F). Each sample was left in the oven for ten minutes once the specified temperature was reached.
    The samples were then removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature. The urethane on the samples that reached 149 degrees C (300 degrees F), and 177 degrees C (350 degrees F) expanded and the adhesion to the pinchweld primer failed (see Figure 3). The samples were able to be pulled apart by hand relatively easily. The urethane on the 121 degrees C (250 degrees F) sample did not show any obvious signs of degradation, however the temperatures of the samples were monitored using a non-contact thermometer and should not be considered exact.

    The basic intention was to determine if excessive heat has the potential to adversely affect the urethane adhesive that bonds the glass to the vehicle. In the test we conducted, we found that it does. Knowing this, industry professionals may want to consider complete replacement of the urethane adhesive when replacing heat-damaged stationary glass. This would require completely removing any remaining adhesive after the glass has been removed, without leaving an existing 1 or 2 mm adhesive bed as would be done when normally removing and reinstalling the glass. Refer to vehicle-specific service information or the adhesive manufacturer’s procedures to determine how the vehicle flange and glass should be prepared for re-bonding.
    Although not related to the subject of this article, another interesting fact we discovered while conducting this test was that the urethane took an extended amount of time to fully cure in the relatively dry, cool atmosphere of our repair facility. This condition is not uncommon during winter months in many parts of the United States and throughout Canada. Exposure to humidity was the key to initiating a full cure of the urethane adhesive.

Conclusion
Stationary glass is an important part of the vehicle structure. A vehicle fire may cause damage to the glass that is not easily seen. A smoky haze on the glass or adjacent heat-damaged parts are indications that the glass should be inspected further. Replace the glass if there are any signs of the glass delaminating. If there are any indications or concerns that the structural integrity of the urethane adhesive has been compromised, complete removal of the urethane should be considered.

    This Advantage Online article first appeared in the I-CAR e-newsletter, which is published and distributed free of charge. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for-profit international training organization that researches and develops quality technical education programs related to collision repair. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free e-newsletter, visit http://www.i-car.com or contact I-CAR Supervisor of  Marketing Communications Brandon Eckenrode at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it