Flare & bodywork questions!!

dave blackburn · 11-23-2002, 08:21 PM

I am at the point where I have to install my fiberglass flares. Does ANYONE have any real life experience doing this? How difficult is it? The flares fit pretty well, what I am wondering about is the bottom of the flare where the rocker pannel will attach. Would I cut off the bottom of the flare or the part of the metal that is in the way of the flare? Also, where the edge of the flare meets the body there is a gap of up to 1/4' in some spots. Will this go away some what when I cut down the fender? If not, what should I do? I have read all the tech articles and they do not answer any of my questions. I am half decent at body work, but once I start this there is no turning back. I do not want to go to a body shop as they would charge an arm and a leg (how would I drive?) IF they would even look at all. Thanks everyone, Dave

John Kelly · 11-24-2002, 09:15 AM

Hi Dave,

I don't work with fiberglass, but I'm told epoxy based resin will do a better job attaching to steel than regular fiberglass resin. As far as the gaps go, do you have any pictures? Sometimes you can trim pieces to fit better, other times the contours will not match up as well if you trim, so you have to fill the gap instead. Use a flexible machinist's ruler or equivalant to bridge the gap. This will show the contour, and give you a better idea what to do.

http://metalshapers.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?ownerid=9990093068868

John www.ghiaspecialties.com

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

...And sometimes you just have to put a screw in the middle of the mis-fit to draw it down to the metal. That's why there's an old saying in the FG parts world: "Some fitting may be required."

--DD

DDS · 11-24-2002, 10:22 AM

fender flares?

BTDT. There's lots of discussion on this in the archives.

rallyman · 11-25-2002, 05:13 AM

Jeez Dave that car oughta haul a$$....I haven't seen a car that yellow in I dunno how long! Looks nice!

pbanders · pbanders's Garage

My fiberglas flares have been on the car since 1977 or so, no cracks, they look great. I didn't do the job, but spoke with the guy who did it recently. He used glas pieces and resin to do the job, no fillers, no screws. See pics at my web site.

DDS · 11-25-2002, 01:40 PM

Thanks. Yup, its that extra fast L13K yellow too. It'll have l13k yellow 8" BBS's all round with 245s - so lots of black too. ;-) Those 6" cookies are just the shop wheels. Valances and rockers will be black. We'll have to see how the 'look' compares to polished fuchs. No six unfortunately (yet), so it'll look faster than it is.

dave blackburn · 11-25-2002, 06:06 PM

Thanks guys. pbanders.. how did you flares get attached with no filler? It seems that I will have to use alot of filler. I am working on getting a digital camera so I can post some pics. DDS, very nice!! now I don't know if I should still paint my car midnight blue or yellow!