I'm Freaking Out!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Sorry guys, its just that I'm stressed/overwhelmed. Does this mean that THe whole corvette is SMC? or is it FRP? How can I figure out which one it is...I need to figure out what kind of resin I need now.
Alright, so is working with SMC any different from working with regular fiberglass? Is the only difference the type of resin used. I heard that you have to use epoxy resin, and not polyester resin. Could I just buy a resin formulated for SMC instead...and all my problems will be fixed?
What about the bonding strips? are those SMC too? I planned on grinding out the filler they used to smooth out the joint where the panels bonded...then fill them in with fiberglass matt and resin. But, the problem is, what if the bonding strips are just fiberglass and not SMC? That means that I'll be trying to bond matt and resin (formulated for specifically for SMC) to the bonding strip (which is not SMC) and the SMC body panels...so theoretically the matt and resin will not stick. to the bonding strip.
Alright, so is working with SMC any different from working with regular fiberglass? Is the only difference the type of resin used. I heard that you have to use epoxy resin, and not polyester resin. Could I just buy a resin formulated for SMC instead...and all my problems will be fixed?
What about the bonding strips? are those SMC too? I planned on grinding out the filler they used to smooth out the joint where the panels bonded...then fill them in with fiberglass matt and resin. But, the problem is, what if the bonding strips are just fiberglass and not SMC? That means that I'll be trying to bond matt and resin (formulated for specifically for SMC) to the bonding strip (which is not SMC) and the SMC body panels...so theoretically the matt and resin will not stick. to the bonding strip.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Just use an epoxy resin. It is good for both types including the bonding strips.
If you are unsure as to your supplier, you can go with West Systems, a simple way to apply and mix.
You will only get a physical bond, not chemical, so prep is important, use a 20 grit to prep your bonds and deep repairs. Your matt will be fine.
Epoxies have a longer setup and cure time in general and are more flexable than polyester (les cracking).
Corvette engineers are coming up with new compounds every model year, so don't drive yourself nuts.
If you are unsure as to your supplier, you can go with West Systems, a simple way to apply and mix.
You will only get a physical bond, not chemical, so prep is important, use a 20 grit to prep your bonds and deep repairs. Your matt will be fine.
Epoxies have a longer setup and cure time in general and are more flexable than polyester (les cracking).
Corvette engineers are coming up with new compounds every model year, so don't drive yourself nuts.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Isn't epoxy resin a pain in the *** to sand though...because it turns rock solid once it cures? What's the difference between epoxy resin and polyester resin? Is epoxy resin stronger than polyester?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
No big deal. Use repair materials formulated for SMC.
Those of us with earlier cars (68-71) and OEM sheet metal have to ensure we use the old stuff.
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