Carrera tail crack help

[ghnat]

I have 2 pics. The first shows the area of the crack. the second shows what broke.

My question is how easy is this to fix? The base part of the tail is fiberglass, right? What would be the best method to fix this? I have never done work with fiberglass...

thanks for any input!
This image shows where the crack is located in the tail


This image shows the damage

[bell]

i would clean up the surfaces with a dremel, then fill in some "gorilla hair" (it's fiberglass with cloth strands mixed in)
then maybe 1 thin cover of fiberglass weave over the whole area.
you could use a bolt when you hair it where the hole needs to be, then when it hardens simply unscrew it, if you try to drill after the repair it'll probably chip heavily.

[scottb]

Go to your local auto parts store or Home Depot and buy a fiberglass repair kit. It will have all of the necessary items you'll need (cloth, resin, etc.) and instructions. Follow the instructions, work slowly, allow time to cure and set-up, and you'll be fine. You may need to do this a few times to build up the damage so it is flush with the surrounding fiberglass. Use your Dremel for the coarse finishing, and then progressively finer wet/dry sandpaper. A coat of primer and then paint...VOILA, you're back in business. Fiberglass isn't too difficult to work with, but you have to be patient and go slowly.

I don't have a whale tail, so what I'm about to way may be completely inaccurate. If so, ignore it. It looks to me that that's a mounting hole, and a bolt passes through it and screws either into a nut or a threaded part of the car. It also looks like a PO or wrench tightened it too much and that's what cracked the fiberglass. Would it make sense to put a steel spacer (or a couple of washers) in there first, and then do the repair over and around it? Don't put in anything too thick, but thick enough that it won't allow the fiberglass to compress too much. Just a thought and, as I said, if I'm off-base then ignore....

Post pics of the progress of your repair. Good luck.

[SLR]

Yep I did the 2 years ago and did the same as the others above recommended and it's still ok. good luck

[midlife]

Suspenders help prevent tail crack.

[ghnat]

Thanks bell and scottb, SLR
glad to know it is not a tough job. The more I take a part the car, the more I see the neglect of the PO.

I'll get a repair kit and put this in the ever growing "To Do List". Placing a bolt in is a great idea.

Hey midlife,
I don't want a droopy tail. Remember crack kills

[scottb]

Keep us posted. Let's see pics!