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Topic: body repair

in Forum: C3 Body


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body repair (1/8)
 4/22/09 6:01pm
flemgunner
Former Member

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Scott, LA - USA

Vette(s):
77 L82 coupe


Joined: 2/26/2004
Posts: 303

Howdy I have a small amount of fiberglass work to do (about a 2" crack) and I was wondering what the best stuff to use on this is?
Thanx
Glenn


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body repair (2/8)
 4/22/09 6:25pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Fiberglass.   Go to autozone or other like it, and get the resin, hardener, and glass matting.  It maybe all in one package.  Get some of the plastic/latex gloves to keep the stuff off of your hands.  If you can get to the back of the crack, clean the area.  Cut sections of the matting about 2 inch wide or more, and longer than the crack by about the same amount.   Mix the resin and hardener in just enough volume for what you need.  Soak three cut sections of matting in the resin.  Layer the matting over the damage area.  Use a spreader, roller, or gloved hand, and work all air out of the matting.  Let it set a bit and harden.
Now go the from the front open the crack up a bit.  Put some of the matting into the crack and fill it up.   You may have to mix a bit more resin to do this,  the old stuff will be hard as a rock.   Fill the crack with fibers and resin sand it smooth, prime and get ready to paint.    It' s really not too hard to do.  Just be sure not to get resin on what you don't want it on.  It will stay there.
 
If you can't get to the back side, just do the same thing on the front.   It will be fine, but if you can layer the back it will be stronger.
body repair (3/8)
 4/22/09 6:30pm
flemgunner
Former Member

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Scott, LA - USA

Vette(s):
77 L82 coupe


Joined: 2/26/2004
Posts: 303

Cool thanx man. Ive work with fiberglass before but wasnt sure if I had to do anything special for a vette body

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body repair (4/8)
 4/23/09 9:28am
Gribble123Lifetime Member
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Kingston, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 L-82 originally white/buckskin interior. Currently undergoing a frame-off resto. and modifications.YEEHAW!!!


Joined: 11/26/2003
Posts: 636

Listen to Zen Master Ken...the only thing to use to fix fiberglass, is...fiberglass.

Alan
body repair (5/8)
 4/23/09 11:02am
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

The only thing I would add is that doing it Ken's way will leave a bulge on the back.  If your car is all original you might not want that.  In that case, grind a wide groove in the back, fill like Ken said, and sand perfectly level.  Then do the same thing from the front.  After painting, the repair will be invisible from both sides, and as strong as original.
body repair (6/8)
 5/20/09 3:48pm
DickT75
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W Kingston, RI - USA

Vette(s):
75 T-Top Auto recent purchase runs but am completely overhauling.


Joined: 9/27/2007
Posts: 2

I just saw this post and the only thing I would add is that you have a 75 which is SMC construction. The standard resins that yoiu get at Autozone and such are not best suited for this since there is release agent in the SMC. A better product would be All Resin by USC or any Epoxy Resin. I have found out the hard way that the standard resins will stick but it is not a secure bond. Look for something that is SMC approved.
body repair (7/8)
 5/20/09 8:22pm
flemgunner
Former Member

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Scott, LA - USA

Vette(s):
77 L82 coupe


Joined: 2/26/2004
Posts: 303

Cool thanx for the info. One question though how do I know if it is SMC approved?

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body repair (8/8)
 5/22/09 12:15pm
DickT75
Former Member

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W Kingston, RI - USA

Vette(s):
75 T-Top Auto recent purchase runs but am completely overhauling.


Joined: 9/27/2007
Posts: 2

I only buy products that specify SMC approved right on the can. I buy my supplies at an auto paint supply house but beware even there sales force don't always know the right products. Ones that I have used with good success were by Evercoat SMC Panel Adhesive, bonds panels well and works as a light filler. Also Proglass by USC, a great filler and All Resin also by USC, which can be used with any fiberglass material. There are others but these are the ones I am familiar with. They can be used on SMC or regular fiberglass bodies. Then seal with an epoxy primer.
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