How to Repair a Crack in a Corvette's Fiberglass Body
- Find Out How Bad The Crack Really Is. We sanded away the paint and bondo to find out how big the crack really is. ...
- Look At The Backside. Here's the old bondo job that didn't really fix the crack. ...
- Repair the Backside. Here's what the layup looks like from the underside of the fender. ...
- Fix the Top Side of the Crack. ...
- Sand the Body Filler. ...
- Prime and Paint. ...
Full Answer
Can I fix a crack in the fiberglass bodywork of a corvette?
This project fixes a crack in the fiberglass bodywork of a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. The crack was on the top of the right rear fender in the actual fiberglass panel, so it had to be repaired and couldn't be smoothed over with filler. In fact, someone did smooth it over with filler in the past, and the crack has continued to worsen under the paint!
How to fix a Damaged fiberglass body?
Sanding the repair smooth and then using a body filler and high-build primer to finish it. One extra step should be taken, which is to use a sprayable polyester primer. This seals the fiberglass much like a gel coat for a factory-perfect finish. The last step after the bodywork is the polyester primer.
Can the body of a corvette be repaired?
For that reason, it is essential that you find a shop that has plenty of experience repairing the earlier Corvette fiberglass bodies. The primers, sealers, color coat (basecoat) and clearcoat can also shrink. This is less of a problem with modern two component (2k) catalyzed paints than it was with lacquer paints.
How is body filler applied to a fiberglass car?
Several coats of body filler were applied and, following each coat, the surfaces were block sanded to feather the body filler into the surrounding fiberglass.
Can you fix fiberglass body panels?
There are several factors that go into making a good fiberglass repair. The key is locking the new material to the old. While cleanliness is paramount, that is only half of the equation. Even with the surface clean and prepped, a mechanical bond is needed to secure the actual repair.
How do you fix a crack in a Corvette?
To fix the crack, we first ground away material around the crack from the topside with the D-A sander, and we used a body grinder to get rid of the Bondo from underneath, being careful not to do more damage to the fiberglass of the body. They then applied fiberglass cloth with resin to support both sides of the crack.
How do you repair auto body with fiberglass?
4:3523:01How to Fix Rust Holes on a Budget Using Fiberglass - NO WELDINGYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fiberglass cloth will go in behind and overtop of the hole. This will help keep the repair levelMoreThe fiberglass cloth will go in behind and overtop of the hole. This will help keep the repair level with the original body shape. Clean the surface using a wax and grease remover.
Are Corvette bodies made of fiberglass?
Corvette's use of advance materials began in 1953, when the first Corvettes were produced with all-fiberglass bodies. Every Corvette since has featured a composite-material body. Fiberglass, the lightweight, rust-proof composite material, was first considered for use on a GM vehicle by legendary designer Harley Earl.
How do you fix a crack in fiberglass?
Fiberglass is rather easy to repair....How to Repair a Crack in FiberglassDrill a tiny hole at each end of the crack. ... Examine the crack. ... Wipe the crack with a dry rag to make sure it's clean and dry. ... Fill the crack with a fair amount of fiberglass epoxy resin, using a plastic applicator. ... Let the epoxy dry for a day.
What's the difference between Bondo and fiberglass resin?
0:301:21Types of Bondo® Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt also has a smooth texture that makes it easy to mix and apply bondo fiberglass resin and bondoMoreIt also has a smooth texture that makes it easy to mix and apply bondo fiberglass resin and bondo fiberglass resin jelly are great for repairing minor rust out in a variety of materials.
Can Bondo be used on fiberglass?
Bondo Body Filler cures fast, shapes in minutes and is formulated to be a non-shrinking and permanently durable material. In addition to its uses on vehicle exteriors and other metal surfaces it is also a suitable repair option for wood, fiberglass and concrete.
Should I use fiberglass or body filler?
Both fiberglass fillers are stronger than regular body filler. The long hair filler provides the most strength out of the two. However, these fillers are very difficult to sand. The filler is also thick, which makes it hard to level and smooth like regular body filler.
What is the difference between SMC and fiberglass?
What's the difference: SMC vs. fiberglass? SMC is a combination of glass-fiber and polyester material molded into panels using a compression process. Fiberglass is glass strands that are woven into cloth or matted together.
Is the 2021 Corvette made out of fiberglass?
It's going to remain a mixture of panels made of composites, plastics, and carbon fiber. The Corvette hasn't been an actual fiberglass car since 1973.
What are Corvette frames made of?
These included aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. A new hydroformed frame was constructed from annealed, 4mm-thick 5745 aluminum alloy. The standard C5/C6 steel frame is 3 mm thick and weighs 502 pounds, while the Z06 frame is 4 mm thick and tips the scales at 392 pounds (22.5 percent lighter).
How do you fiberglass a car parts?
2:5112:00How to Make Fiberglass Car Panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't have to polish the wax is because when you put your gel coat on it will create enoughMoreYou don't have to polish the wax is because when you put your gel coat on it will create enough sleep to melt the wax. Anyway. You've got to make sure with any car panel that you're going to copy.
How do you bond fiberglass to fiberglass?
What is the best adhesive to bond fiberglass?Cyanoacrylate – also known as instant adhesives, super glue, crazy glue, ca glue, etc. ... Two component epoxies – Permabond two part epoxies cure at room temperature and provide strong bonds to fiberglass.More items...
How do you apply a fiberglass patch?
1:194:10Making a Fiberglass Patch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea you cut your first piece out just big enough to cover your distressed. Area you put down resinMoreArea you cut your first piece out just big enough to cover your distressed. Area you put down resin first on it. Then you cover your distressed area with the cloth.
How do you use fiberglass Bondo?
10:5538:43How To Fix Fiberglass Using Bondo Filler - Corvette RestorationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou basically want to start your your feather out or you know you want to feather it out as you'reMoreYou basically want to start your your feather out or you know you want to feather it out as you're putting it on with your spreader. You don't want to put it on super super thick.
How long does it take to clean a T-top?
To help the process along a stiff bristle brush was used to scrub the surface of the t-tops about 30 minutes after applying the paint stripper. After scrubbing the surface, and allowing the stripper to sit for another 30 minutes, a putty knife was used to gently scrape the surface clean.
Does fiberglass repair affect hood fit?
Although this repair does give the hood skin a bit of extra thickness it doesn’t unacceptably affect the fit of the hood frame. Here’s the top side of the hood ready to receive some additional fiberglass matt and resin. You can also see that the fiberglass repair piece does a good job recreating the lip of the hood.
What is the key to fiberglass repair?
There are several factors that go into making a good fiberglass repair. The key is locking the new material to the old. While cleanliness is paramount, that is only half of the equation. Even with the surface clean and prepped, a mechanical bond is needed to secure the actual repair.
What car had a purple metal flake?
Take for instance the 1967 Corvette convertible we have here. In the 1970s, this was a cool show car with a deep purple metal flake paint job and an 8-71 blower hanging out of the hood. The car had been sandblasted, which is a huge no-no for fiberglass, but moreover, the glass itself was in rough shape.
How long does it take to mix polyester resin?
Polyester resin is a 2-part substrate that when properly mixed yields a work time of about 15 minutes. The hardener, MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide), is added in very small amounts compared to the resin base.
How long does resin last?
Resin age is important as well. Fiberglass resin (the base) has a shelf life of about 6 months. It can be used beyond that, but more hardener is required.
Is fiberglass a fickle material?
Fiberglass is a fickle mistress. While amazing things can be created using a little bit of resin and fiberglass strands, it remains in a constant state of hardening. Sure, once the initial cure is completed, this process slows down significantly, over time the resin gets brittle. In the automotive environment, this means cracks, ...
What happens when fiberglass is damaged?
Once a panel is damaged, it's exposed to the elements, as well as dirt, oil, and other contaminants. The new fiberglass actually bonds with the old--picture the fingers of both hands interlaced. New strands intermingle with old. A repaired fiberglass panel should be just as strong as the original.
Is it cheaper to repair gearheads?
The structures favored by gearheads are lightweight and inexpensive, and therefore popular. The low cost of many 'glass panels makes repairing and repainting them a bad investment. "You have to decide if repairing the part is cost effective," declared John Morrow, bodywork honcho at Johns Customz & Performance in Torrance, California.
Do Chevy Vettes have fiberglass?
On the other hand, Vettes certainly aren't the only Chevys running around with fiberglass body panels. Thanks to the aftermarket, thousands of other Bow Tie models run the streets--and the strip--wrapped in this lightweight composite material. All these 'glass hoods, fenders, bumpers, and front clips are at least as prone to battle damage as their ...
Can you use "fiberglass" and "chevy" in the same sentence?
On the other hand, Vettes certainly aren't the only Chevys running around with fiberglass body panels.
Is fiberglass hardener or resin?
Speaking of fiberglass' sponge-like quality, the mix of resin and hardener used to bond in new fiberglass mat is critical. "The rate of hardening can varies according to the mix," Morrow told us. "But add too much hardener, and the material will crystallize, making it brittle and breakable.".
What is the FRP on a Corvette body?
Two different construction techniques have been used to manufacture Corvette body panels over the years. When the ‘Vette made its debut, the new “FRP” body was a major innovation. “Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic” was a construction method that could be used to make lightweight panels with curves and design features that could not be easily duplicated in stamped steel. The body was basically built just like a fiberglass swimming pool or a boat hull: A “chopgun” was used to blow fiberglass strands and resin into a mold that was first coated with resin to produce a smooth surface finish on the body parts. This technique was used through the 1981 model year.
What colors do you need for Scotchbrite pads?
Finally, you’ll need a couple of sheets of Scotchbrite pads. Scotchbrite pads come in different colors to designate the “grit” of the pad: red, green and grey are the most common. Pick up two sheets of the grey stuff.
How to finish off paint job?
To finish off your paint job, you’ll need to be able to buff it out. Don’t do this by hand: Get an electric buffer. Your paint supply store can then sell you a good foam pad to go on it.
Can you use aircraft stripper on a Vette?
Never use “Aircraft Stripper” on a ‘Vette. Remember the movie “Alien” when they cut the Alien’s knuckle and the “blood” ate its way right through the floor and didn’t stop going? That’s what Aircraft Stripper will do to your FRP or SMC panels: you can’t get it to stop “eating.” We once spent 2 days with a Hotsie, steamcleaning and solvent wiping a ‘Vette that a customer had tried to “strip,” before we were able to get the stuff to quit eating away the body. There are other chemical products out there intended for ‘Vettes, but I’ve never trusted them enough to use them.
