Thanks for the fiberglassing advice. Pics of result

[cstreit]

My first foray into bodywork. It'll be good practice for the full fiberglass RSR conversion this winter. Thanks for the advice on the bodywork guys!

From this:

!

To this:




Paint doesn't really match, but there are only two events in the season this year, so it will do untill then

[Kurt B]

Looks real good. Fiberglass isn't too bad to work with, just stinky and messy. I can't even smell Acetone, Lacquer thinner or fiberglass anymore. I got a repair kit or two from autozone and did some work myself.

It's a b!tch to sand of course! I tended to cut strips and dip them into a bowl of resin+hardner so they were saturated, and just lay them on the spot--hasily slapping tape on things to hold it till it set. Then I would sand. However, after realizing the stuff is a nightmare to sand and nearly hard as a rock, I concentrated much more on just getting the major strength there by filling the area small and then using bondo to fill. Much faster that away, and easier to touch up.
Anyway, as I said, looks good.

[cstreit]

Thanks Kurt. I was more concerened about the filler than the 'glass. I applied most of the glass strips to the back, then used filler mixed with fiber on the front. That's a bit easier to sand and contour. I had to hand sand the lower portion under the headlight to get the proper line through there. Not much fun.

Finished with 100, 220, 400, then 600 wet sandpaper. Next challenge will be real paint work once the new body parts start arriving...

[724doorE]

Damn Chris, What body parts are you getting rid of, I call dibs on those fenders man!!!

[724doorE]

Chris, you are proving to be quite the capable fellow, You have succesfully tackled many major operations. Your very impressive!! Keep up the good work

[JeremyD]

Excellent work Chris - Fiberglass can be easy or tough to work on, especially if you have limited experience.

Let me also recommend http://www.westsystem.com/

They make epoxy - but more importantly - they have additives that can make working with fiberglass a pleasurable experience and allow you to get professional results easier...

One filler is #407 Low-Density filler it is a blended microballoon-based filler used to make fairing putties that are easy to sand or carve. Reasonably strong on a strength-to-weight basis. Cures to a dark red/brown color.

I have used this extensively redoing two Sailboats - it's easy to get a feathered edge with this product - much easier than some of the automotive products I have used. Anyway once you start using this stuff you'll wonder what you did in the past!