The co-cure manufacturing process effectively merges the various composites parts in wings, fuselage, and frames in aerospace applications. The current study investigates the combined effects of co-cure manufacturing technique and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforcement on shear strength and fundamental natural frequency of single lap joints (SLJs). In continuation, results were compared with SLJs fabricated through co-bonding and secondary bonding. Shear analysis affirmed that SLJs prepared using co-cure manufacturing technique along with 0.25 wt% MWCNT addition increased the shear strength by 104.25 %, 88.2 % while comparing with co-bonded and secondary bonded joints, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated uniform dispersion of 0.25 wt% MWCNTs increased the joint strength, deviated crack propagation path, formation of shear bands and uneven surfaces in the adhesive layer. The experimental modal analysis revealed that 0.25 wt% CNT addition with co-cured manufacturing technique enhanced fundamental natural frequency, whereas higher wt.% MWCNT addition increased the damping factor of lap joint due to nanoparticle agglomeration increased the interaction between adhesive and adherend. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd