The transmission tunnel on my 1964 needs repair, especially around the shifter. I have no experience doing fiberglass work it this something I can tackle on my own, any advise would be appreciated.
Thank You.
Thank You.
-
-
Re: Fiberglass Repair
Definitely.
Working with resin and mat is easy, but messy...visualize being unable to even touch the tips of your fingers together, or anything else for that matter, without them sticking.
If you make a mistake, you can simply grind it off and start over. Properly supporting the repair until it cures is important and sometimes requires ingenuity. The biggest decision is when to repair by lamination, and when to simply replace the area with donor fiberglass...if there are large pieces missing, it's generally better to just replace the area.
I recommend you buy and study a Corvette fiberglass repair book, and purchase tinted resin to match your fiberglass. -
Eckler's Book was great...
Eckler used to have a book titled "Eckler's Complete Guide to Corvette Fiberglass Repair" which got me started on the right foot. No longer in print, but copies do turn up occasionally. I believe they have a DVD out now.
Chuck's advice is spot on. A trick I use when patching a hole that I can't easily get at the back surface: use strips of thin balsa wood to build a lattice that will support the mat. Cut them just a little longer than the gap and slide them in. I use hot glue to tack the ends in place. Before starting this, you want to feather out the edge all around the hole. Try to achieve at least 1/2" of edge taper. That's the surface you're going to overlap.
You can cover the balsa with wax paper or masking tape which will make it easier to clean up the back side when you can get at it.
Suggest just two thin layers of mat to start. Let that cure up and then you'll have a solid & true foundation to continue with building up your thickness.
You can do it! Oh yeah, buy some latex or nitrile gloves!Comment
-
Re: Fiberglass Repair
to back-up or support a hole in a fiberglass panel prior to mat and resin repairs, i use the aluminum foil sticky backed tape that is used in the heat and air conditioning industry to seal duct work. its available at Home Depot, Lowes etc. the aluminum tape can be molded to the desired shape.mikeComment
-
Re: Fiberglass Repair
My shifter area had been cut for a Hurst-style shifter. I used aluminum tape on the underbody shift support (which I had to replace since the original was also cut up) and used that as a guide. I clamped the support in place and glassed on top of it and sanded.
I plan to finish up under the body, once the body is lifted.
Comment
-
Re: Fiberglass Repair
Dave, I built a Long-E-Z airplane back in 82-83 and used Burt Rutan's methods and materials. Been using them ever since with the exception of basic material differences for SMC as found in the later Vettes.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty offers a very thorough and clearly written/illustrated practice kit with workbook for about $80 at both their site and catalog. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...racticekit.php
I suggest buying the kit, reading the "book" which is actually 11X14 sheets of very good illustrations stapled together, and doing a couple of the practice projects. They're easy and fun.
PM me if you like, I'll call you, and we can chat. But believe me when I say that going this route will save you TONS of frustration and dirty looks from Mama at the garage door due to her having heard you cussing out there in garage. Oh forgive me - that's someone else.
Comment
Comment