Fiberglass Auto Body Repair can fix a wide variety of issues, including holes, cracks, rust, and collision damage. A trusted auto body shop typically performs it.
First, the damaged area is scuffed with coarse grit sandpaper and cleaned with acetone to remove any wax or grease that may prevent proper bonding. Next, a catalyzed high-build polyester primer is applied to and around the repaired area.
Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material that can be molded to create sleek, aerodynamic body panels for racing or high-performance cars. Its also a popular choice for car manufacturers who want to add a custom look or accentuate certain body features. However, fiberglass auto body repair requires special care to give it a finish that looks like sheetmetal. The preparation process is a bit different from other types of repairs, but following these tips can make the difference between a sloppy repair and a great one.
Getting Started
When it comes to repairing a fiberglass body, theres no such thing as being too prepared. The first step is to make sure the fiberglass and the surrounding area are clean, free of rust and any other debris, and dry. After that, you can start preparing the surface to accept a fiberglass filler.
This means sanding the area with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until you reach 80-grit. A good sanding will remove any bumps and unevenness in the fiberglass surface, making it smooth enough for a plastic body filler to bond with it.
Before applying the filler, it’s important to let the fiberglass cure completely. This will help to work out any air bubbles in the resin and tighten the body, which can affect panel fit and paintwork. Some manufacturers claim their fiberglass bodies are so well assembled and fitted that they require little more than scuffing before painting. But painters tell a different story. “Foam bodies rarely ever go together right,” Dennis Taylor of Dennis Taylors Reproductions says. Its often a matter of having to trim, shimming and even re-engineer panels to get them to fit correctly.
Molding
Fiberglass is very strong and resistant to impact, but it’s not indestructible. Over time it can be damaged by road debris or a collision. It can also crack, chip, or deteriorate from exposure to the sun. If you have damage to your fiberglass car body, a technician can repair it using filler and bonding agent. They’ll start by sanding the surface of the damaged area and removing any loose fiberglass fragments.
Once the area is cleaned, they’ll apply a thin coat of resin. This layer should extend about 2 to 3 inches beyond the damaged area. They’ll then place a piece of fiberglass cloth over the area and saturate it with the mixed resin. Then, they’ll continue to add more fiberglass pieces and resin until the entire area is repaired.
It’s important to wear gloves when handling fiberglass, as it contains dangerous shards of glass that can imbed in the skin. It’s also a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator mask, as some resins can release harmful gases into the air.
Fiberglass requires a combination of three materials to form: mat, resin, and activator. The mat is chopped or woven glass fibers that provide strength. The resin is a liquid that holds the fibers together, and the activator is what makes it harden. Depending on the weather, the resin and activator may need to be heated or cooled to achieve the best results.
When working with fiberglass, it’s important to allow enough time for the resin and activator to set. If you don’t, the fiberglass will be hard to shape and might delaminate over time. This is why it’s so important to prepare the surface of the vehicle and plan ahead before starting work.
Application
Fiberglass is a versatile material that can be used to repair a variety of things on a vehicle, including body panels, fairings and bumpers. When properly repaired, fiberglass can be stronger than the original material. However, like any other material, it can become damaged by rough conditions or accidents. It is important to understand how to use a fiberglass repair kit to fix these problems.
To begin, the area being worked on must be sanded down to prepare it for the resin mix. This should be done with a coarse-grain sandpaper until the surface is dull and smooth to the touch. Then, the sanded surface must be wiped down with a cloth dampened in acetone to remove any remaining oils or dirt. This will ensure that the fiberglass repair will bond with the surface it is being applied to.
Once the sanding and cleaning are completed, it is time to begin the application process. First, the fiberglass resin must be mixed. It is best to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask during this step, as the resin can produce fumes that are dangerous if inhaled. Then, a piece of fiberglass cloth should be cut to the size of the damage and soaked in the resin mixture until it is completely saturated and no white areas remain. It must then be applied to the damaged area of the vehicle.
The next step is to apply a layer of fiberglass mat to the fiberglass resin, making sure that it is pressed firmly into place with no air bubbles. Once this is complete, the entire area should be sanded down again using a fine-grain sandpaper. Then, the entire surface should be wiped down again with a cloth dampened in acetone and then vacuumed to remove any remaining dust or debris. This process can be lengthy, but it is necessary to ensure a quality fiberglass repair.
Curing
Fiberglass is an excellent material for auto body panels because it is both durable and flexible. It is also resistant to impact and won’t rust. However, it’s important to remember that fiberglass is fragile and needs to be taken care of properly. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you take your car to a professional if it has any damage to its fiberglass body.
Fiberglass repair kits are a good option for people who want to fix their own vehicles. These kits usually contain all of the materials and tools needed to perform a DIY repair. The kits also include instructions that explain the process of repairing fiberglass. They can be purchased online or at many automotive stores.
When you’re ready to start working on your fiberglass repair, begin by cleaning the area using a wax and grease remover. Then, wipe the surface down with a cloth to clean it of any debris or dirt. You can then use a sandpaper to smooth the surface of your repair. Once the sanding is done, use a primer to prep the area for the filler.
After you’ve applied the primer, it’s time to add the fiberglass filler. It’s a thick, epoxy-like resin that’s similar to body filler or Bondo. The filler will need to cure for a few hours before it can be sanded and painted.
While fiberglass is a strong material, it isn’t indestructible. Over time, it may develop cracks or holes under stress or in harsh conditions. These problems can cause structural damage, which will require expert repairs from a shop like Juanito’s Auto Body. We’ll carefully inspect your fiberglass for any underlying issues that may need to be addressed.
Finishing
Fiberglass isnt indestructible, and while it resists stress well enough to hold its shape, it can be damaged by impact or environmental exposure. This may result in cracking, holes or structural weakness. In these instances, it is best to bring your vehicle to a shop that can restore fiberglass auto body damage to its original integrity.
Dennis Taylor has a unique approach to finishing fiberglass bodies, and he doesnt shy away from the areas that most people would ignore. For example, he finishes the rough edges that run along the backside of the hood and trunk lid, which would reveal a cars fiberglass construction if uncovered. He knocks down the roughness with a 24-grit grinder; covers the area with Rage body filler; blocks-sands with 36 grit; and adds a second thinner layer of body filler.
This process ensures that the finished product is smooth and even, enabling a smooth, flawless paint job. This step can take time, but it is crucial for a showroom-grade finish.
Once the final body filler is applied, a clear coat is applied to protect it from moisture and other contaminants. This will also help the repair blend in with the rest of the car body and improve its strength.
Although the process of restoring fiberglass isnt as complex as repairing steel, it does require careful attention to detail and time. Despite this, if you follow the steps outlined above, you will be able to successfully repair fiberglass auto body damage.
