I have had good experience repairing the front bumper from damage occuring with the previous owner. Now I am going to repair the fiberglass that surrounds the headlights as there is a fairly large piece missing (looks like blunt force trauma). I cut cardboard to obtain the radius that I need and taped it into place. Before I apply the fiberglass is there something I could spread on the cardboard so that the fiberglass (bondo with fiberglass) will not stick? I am thinking of petroleum jelly? Any suggestions? Thanks, guys.

 

you didn't say what year, but the mid and late C3s were SMC not regular fiberglass. Make sure you use the correct resin/hardner. You can use a single layer of seran wrap on the cardboard, I wouldn't use anything like petrolium jelly, there is to much risk of contamination.

 

wax paper will do a fine job

 

A picture would speak volumes about what you have, but this is what I would do given my understanding of your job. First, I would remove the headlight housing and clean the area of anything in the way. Where there is any damage you need to gring the area to a taper and make room for the new fiberglass layers. Brace the surface on top to span any gaps and and start laying glass from underneith. The resin will not stick to plastic sheet, so you can layer your fiberglass material with resin on a work bench. When doing this, remember you need to layer glass material upside down. Place the wet glass material over plastic on your repair and roll out air. As I said, I'd do the underside first, later you can layer directly from the top side. Be sure to seperate the top bracing with plastic as well, or the underside glass will bond to your bracing. If you need strength, as where a section is missing, you will need to use fiberglass cloth first, them fiberglass mat on top. Cloth on the bottom side will not be noticable after paint and give you strength if needed. The mat will keep the cloth weave from showing through your final finish. Be sure to use mat on the top side. Do not use petroleum jelly as a release agent, use plastic.

 

Thanks, guys. The Vette is a 74. Sorry I did not include that information. I guess I should look at the VIN number to see when the car was manufactured. I appreciate all your help.

Mike

 

Takes a look at Wicks Aircraft Supply. They sell many products for composite builds and you can purchase mold release from them. You can also purchase your glass and resin there.