Why all the hate on Fibreglass?

[redstrosekNic]

I have always wondered why many 911 guys cringe at the thought of fibreglass flares and other body parts on our cars. I think fibreglass is great! It is light, and if done properly, looks no different than steel.

Why is is disliked by so many?

[wasserkuhl]

There are lots of aftermarket bumpers/flares, luggage hoods available that have been made from patterns of patterns of patterns (you get the idea) and its fair to say that they don't fit that well. Taking alot of time to adjust and fit.

I've never come accross a FB part that hasn't needed some attention (ie: 5 Hours +) to be just right.

[Tspringer]

Originally Posted by wasserkuhl

There are lots of aftermarket bumpers/flares, luggage hoods available that have been made from patterns of patterns of patterns (you get the idea) and its fair to say that they don't fit that well. Taking alot of time to adjust and fit.

I've never come accross a FB part that hasn't needed some attention (ie: 5 Hours +) to be just right.

This is true - but as long as you understand that going in, its not that big a deal. Fiberglass is easy to work with. Its very messy and stinky, but its not rocket science.

Guys building hotrods go to huge lengths drilling out various bits and pieces or replacing stuff like hinges with different versions all in the name of saving weight. Then they leave the steel hood on the car. Doesn't make much sense to me, you will save more weight by replacing just one panel with fiberglass than on all the drilling holes in stuff.

[wasserkuhl]

Originally Posted by Tspringer

This is true - but as long as you understand that going in, its not that big a deal. Fiberglass is easy to work with. Its very messy and stinky, but its not rocket science.

Guys building hotrods go to huge lengths drilling out various bits and pieces or replacing stuff like hinges with different versions all in the name of saving weight. Then they leave the steel hood on the car. Doesn't make much sense to me, you will save more weight by replacing just one panel with fiberglass than on all the drilling holes in stuff.

I don't mind the stuff but alot of people complain about it as it requires finesse and craftsmanship!!

[RSBob]

And here I always thought the majority of the disdain was due to snootyness... "Ah your fenders are not steal? You must not only be cheap but a knuckle dragger and mouth breather. No go away and let me feel even better about myself." And the whole time it was about fitment. Boy do I feel bad now.

[wayner]

Lots of fiberglass flare on steel fender jobs popped off giving the technique a bad rap.

[Joe Bob]

You notice BAD glass work, the point of GOOD glass work is NOT to notice.....

[Tippy]

It's cheap and generally fits poorly.

[Kraftwerk]

It doest marry well with steel. so Its not the fiberglass thats the problem or the steel its when you try to marry them. I love my fiberglass sailboat!