need information in fiberglassing

[Gennybro]

I've never done fiberglassing on an automobile body,and I need some info on how to do it. Got a couple of good sized holes in my rocker panel that I need to repair. Any in fo would be appreciated,thanks.

 

[jps4jeep]

honestly, if you can, welding in new metal would be the best bet regarding strength, fit and finish.

even if you rough up the painted metal real well, I think there might be an issue with the fiberglass having enough tooth to properly adhear to the metal.

If your really set on using fiber glass, here is how I would go about it. I would wrap a large flat surface (sheet metal, plywood what ever) with plastic wrap (the kitchen type) then I would lay out a thin fiberglass mat and start adding resin, let dry then add another, more resin and then let dry. Once cured, I would pull it off the flat surface, start sanding off the plastic wrap and apply thin layer of bondo to smooth. then I would cut the patch pannel out and line it up with the body, then fiberglass from the rear to hold the patch in place.

 

[rubn1out]

honestly, if you can, welding in new metal would be the best bet regarding strength, fit and finish.

even if you rough up the painted metal real well, I think there might be an issue with the fiberglass having enough tooth to properly adhear to the metal.

If your really set on using fiber glass, here is how I would go about it. I would wrap a large flat surface (sheet metal, plywood what ever) with plastic wrap (the kitchen type) then I would lay out a thin fiberglass mat and start adding resin, let dry then add another, more resin and then let dry. Once cured, I would pull it off the flat surface, start sanding off the plastic wrap and apply thin layer of bondo to smooth. then I would cut the patch pannel out and line it up with the body, then fiberglass from the rear to hold the patch in place.

Agreed...metal is always better...save the fiberglass work for your sound system

 

[Gennybro]

Would brazeing a piece of metal in place be an adaquit way of doing it,or would the heat from the torch warp and buckle the surronding sheet metal on the body? Figure tig welding it would be the best, but I dont have a tig welder,but got oxy acetelene,thanks.

 

[elevatorman]

Fiberglass on a metal body will not hold up. Been there done that! As metals and fiberglass have different qualities for heat and stress expansion will cause them to separate.
Not to mention separation that will occur after a "mild" off road adventure.
This will also allow unforseen moisture to become trapped between the two materials.
You could try the brazing but warpage could occur. or just weld in a piece. Either way it will need grinding and touch up. Thats why they make bondo