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Topic: Fiberglass fabric

in Forum: C3 Body


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Fiberglass fabric (1/8)
 1/25/16 7:08am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

I have a project I'm planning for my 74 and will need to use fiberglass but I've never worked with it before. If I understand correctly, you can get fabric that is prep ready, then once in shape and in place, brush liquid resin over it to harden. Sounds pretty easy (although I'm sure there's a bit more to it...). Where's a good place to buy the fabric? I've seen some packages but it's always "folded" and I had read that it should always be rolled and not folded to prevent the fibers from breaking. Any good tips and tricks anyone can pass along? Thanks

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Re: Fiberglass fabric (2/8)
 1/25/16 12:22pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

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1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

Marshall,
What are you making?
Not familiar with the "prepped" style.  I've purchased either the woven or chopped I've purchased from the mass market.  Chopped is my favorite.  Key is to have a mold to apply it to unless you are doing flat surface body work.  I've used "chicken wire" to make the shape I want then apply it to it.  Get a box of throw away gloves from Harbor Freight or similar to keep you hands clean. 
The back of these motorcycle bags were squared off.  I cut off the rear, formed chicken wire to the rounded shape I wanted and glassed it in and then bondo'd the low spots.


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Re: Fiberglass fabric (3/8)
 1/25/16 1:43pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Depending on WHAT you are doing, the cloth stuff is not good for body panels that will show. Eventually, the cloth pattern will show thru the paint. Chopped, or "mat" is best for bodywork(imho), and it's sturdy when properly done.
If you're looking to do some underbody reinforcement stuff, the cloth will be easier, and you won't have to worry so much about final appearance.
Either form requires the proper resin/hardener mix. Ecklers would be the place for all of that stuff.
So....what's the project? Inquiring minds wanna know! Tongue


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Re: Fiberglass fabric (4/8)
 1/26/16 6:49am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

I have molds for what the eventual shape will be. The final result will definitely be visible clearly on the body. But I am building it on a "spare" that I got off eBay so the original will still be just that. My new piece should be an easy interchange once I get it done. Sounds like I need to look for the "chopped" stuff. I'll check Ecklers, but can't imagine getting the resin shipped will be easy with all the regulations on liquid. Thoughts on where I might find either at local type places? Do body shops sell to the public ever?

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Re: Fiberglass fabric (5/8)
 1/26/16 9:23am
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

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1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2381

  Ecklers sent me that type of thing. I also got some at local parts stores. NAPA stores carry most body repair products.

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Re: Fiberglass fabric (6/8)
 1/26/16 11:05am
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

You have a West Marine on 6370 E. 82nd street.  They have quantities of resins.  A good body shop supply will also have some.

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Re: Fiberglass fabric (7/8)
 1/26/16 8:40pm
JPD1stVetteGold Member
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Scotch Plains, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black, 4 Spd


Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 230

I have found www.autobodytoolmart.com to be a go to source.
Always willing to help. You could possibly find items less expensive. 





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Re: Fiberglass fabric (8/8)
 1/27/16 10:48am
DaveMLifetime Member
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Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

Boat repair shop or supplier would be a good source also, but where you live it's not a big boating area. Just a thought.
Dave


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