Best way to repair fiberglass damage
Discussion
Hi,
I have a front-damaged Chimaera (see attached pic). The damage seems to be only cosmetic, i.e. only the body shell is crushed at the upper right side, nevertheless, I need to replace the damaged part. What is the best way to repair this? I expect an answer on what materials to use and if I should cut and replace only the damaged part or the whole front section.
Many thanks!
Andy
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Attachment:
I have a front-damaged Chimaera (see attached pic). The damage seems to be only cosmetic, i.e. only the body shell is crushed at the upper right side, nevertheless, I need to replace the damaged part. What is the best way to repair this? I expect an answer on what materials to use and if I should cut and replace only the damaged part or the whole front section.
Many thanks!
Andy
---
Attachment:
You will need:
Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
pistolar said:
You will need:
Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
Wow! I was not expecting that much of details! Thank you very much! Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
pistolar said:
You will need:
Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
Talent....Repair section
Resin
Catalst
11/2 oz chopped strand matt
Acetone - For cleaning brushes etc
Catalyst dispenser, syringe
Resin mixing pot, cut the bottom off a plastic 4 pint milk bottle
Aluminium roller approx 150mm long 20mm diameter
Gloves,surgeons type
Barrier Cream - optional
Blocks approx 50mm long 20 wide with a hole in each end.
Self taping screws to secure blocks to body
4" Grinderette with sanding pads
Hacksaw blade
patience
...if you need to ask the question then you should take it somewhere who already knows the answer.
As suggested earlier take it to a proper bodyshop, fibreglass repairs are not as easy as they may appear, I can't imagine you'd attempt to fix similar damage on a steel bodied car so why assume fibreglass is any easier?
You did ask for information, so heres some more:
Temperature.
It is not advisable to GRP under 15 Degrees. The items must also be dry.
Catalyst.
The catalyst ratio is 10-15ml / 1kg of resin
Layup.
The ductwork is to have two layers of 11/2 oz fibreglass matt
Fibreglassing
I. The area to be worked in is to be protected with plastic sheeting.
II. Cut fibreglass matting.
III. Ensure catalyst is in dispenser.
IV. Ensure all tools and materials are at hand.
V. Ensure all materials are in good condition and clean.
VI. Pour resin into mixing pot.
VII. Add catalyst to resin.
VIII. Mix resin and catalyst.
IX. Using brush, paint resin on area to be glassed.
X. Apply first layer of matt to wetted area to be glassed.
XI. Using brush, dab resin into matt.
XII. Ensure matt is fully wetted.
XIII. Apply second layer of matt.
XIV. Using brush, dab resin into matt.
XV. Ensure matt is fully wetted.
XVI. Using Aluminium Roller ensure that all trapped air is eliminated.
XVII. When the GRP is dry prepare surface with emery cloth.
XVIII. Personal protective equipment will be supplied and worn at all times.
XIX. Work area to be kept clear of debris.
Temperature.
It is not advisable to GRP under 15 Degrees. The items must also be dry.
Catalyst.
The catalyst ratio is 10-15ml / 1kg of resin
Layup.
The ductwork is to have two layers of 11/2 oz fibreglass matt
Fibreglassing
I. The area to be worked in is to be protected with plastic sheeting.
II. Cut fibreglass matting.
III. Ensure catalyst is in dispenser.
IV. Ensure all tools and materials are at hand.
V. Ensure all materials are in good condition and clean.
VI. Pour resin into mixing pot.
VII. Add catalyst to resin.
VIII. Mix resin and catalyst.
IX. Using brush, paint resin on area to be glassed.
X. Apply first layer of matt to wetted area to be glassed.
XI. Using brush, dab resin into matt.
XII. Ensure matt is fully wetted.
XIII. Apply second layer of matt.
XIV. Using brush, dab resin into matt.
XV. Ensure matt is fully wetted.
XVI. Using Aluminium Roller ensure that all trapped air is eliminated.
XVII. When the GRP is dry prepare surface with emery cloth.
XVIII. Personal protective equipment will be supplied and worn at all times.
XIX. Work area to be kept clear of debris.
earthian said:
Hi all,
Thank you very much for your very informative replies. However, are there any other alternative ways in repairing? Maybe different materials? I have heard some garage mentioning microfibre, do you know anything about that?
Kind Regards,
Andy
Quite frankly think from this question you maybe out of your depth.Thank you very much for your very informative replies. However, are there any other alternative ways in repairing? Maybe different materials? I have heard some garage mentioning microfibre, do you know anything about that?
Kind Regards,
Andy
No alternative method of repairing - Options are get someone else to repair or sell the car
Microfibre - Is fibreglass fine tissue coat
Hi, I wonder if I can help?
I am currently having my accident damaged Chimera repaired. I have access to a very good mould which could be used to make an exact repair panel. This panel could be cut to shape and fitted to your car. I have seen this done on both GRP cars and racing boats. Please contact me directly if I can be of help. 07790 504935
Lord Candleford
I am currently having my accident damaged Chimera repaired. I have access to a very good mould which could be used to make an exact repair panel. This panel could be cut to shape and fitted to your car. I have seen this done on both GRP cars and racing boats. Please contact me directly if I can be of help. 07790 504935
Lord Candleford
Hello everybody,
Thank you all for your replies. This was really helpful. I already have the car in a not very known garage where they perform the repairs. I watch the process in pictures and all looks good so far. I asked the question mostly to double check if the materials and ways of repair used by the garage are correct/acceptable/known/etc. Good news to me they use what you have described here. The garage seems to have some experience with TVRs. They call themselves TVR.DEAN and they have a lot of classifieds here on PH where they are offer breaking of TVRs and have some for sale. If you have much experience with them please let me know via a PM!
Thanks again for your replies.
@those who offered me materials/help/etc - I noted your contact details for the future!
Kind Regards,
Andy
Thank you all for your replies. This was really helpful. I already have the car in a not very known garage where they perform the repairs. I watch the process in pictures and all looks good so far. I asked the question mostly to double check if the materials and ways of repair used by the garage are correct/acceptable/known/etc. Good news to me they use what you have described here. The garage seems to have some experience with TVRs. They call themselves TVR.DEAN and they have a lot of classifieds here on PH where they are offer breaking of TVRs and have some for sale. If you have much experience with them please let me know via a PM!
Thanks again for your replies.
@those who offered me materials/help/etc - I noted your contact details for the future!
Kind Regards,
Andy
earthian said:
Who is this Plasticman?
David Hillis. Based up near Bedford. He expertly handles all body repairs, modifications etc. He has most recently built two convertible Sagaris.If you are around on 14th/15th August weekend, he is displaying some of his work at 'A British Affair', which is being held at Old Warden airfield, near Bedford.
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