Under the paint?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Under the paint?
Hi,
I have a project car where the paint is peeling off. In most places under the paint is a solid grey surface - is that the gelcoat? In some places the fiberglass weave is showing.
What should I do to the places where the weave is showing? Should/can I reapply gelcoat? Is it urgent to reprotect the raw fiberglass?
Thanks,
Chris
I have a project car where the paint is peeling off. In most places under the paint is a solid grey surface - is that the gelcoat? In some places the fiberglass weave is showing.
What should I do to the places where the weave is showing? Should/can I reapply gelcoat? Is it urgent to reprotect the raw fiberglass?
Thanks,
Chris
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Gelcoat is possibly the most certain way to seal the surface of your body but it is not the only way. Yes it is important to seal the raw glass since it acts much like a sponge for contaminants. I chose an epoxy primer to seal and protect my 1977 project for several reasons; not the least of which is my ability to add protection in small sections as I exposed more raw glass. It might seem a bit early to choose a paint supplier yet, but whatever materials you use under the shine must be compatible with those topcoats. Pick a supplier, talk to your local jobber and use the products they recommend. Be absolutely certain the raw glass is clean and dry before you seal it! Good luck with the project and have fun.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There was no gelcoat on factory fiberglass. The gray you see could be factory primer or could be a bare panel. You should not see a weave pattern in factory fiberglass. Factory panels have a marble-like look.
Any good quality primer/surfacer should seal factory fiberglass.
Post pics of what you've found. You may be looking at collision damage.
Any good quality primer/surfacer should seal factory fiberglass.
Post pics of what you've found. You may be looking at collision damage.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Well, at long last, I've gotten pictures. You'd think my driveway was halfway across the country, eh? Work, work, work... :-)
Here are shots of various parts of the car showing various views of layers on it.
My original concern
Compared with fewer layers here down near the lights. You can't see it in this shot, but this grey is all fuzzy with fiberglass hairs
Another view of the front fender. This shows some cracking along the edge that concerns me.
The right fender, near the windshield. You can see fully FIVE layers of coatings here.
Right rear quarter, near the roof join. Also shows about 5-6 layers.
Left door, also 5 separate layers visible.
Here are shots of various parts of the car showing various views of layers on it.
My original concern
Compared with fewer layers here down near the lights. You can't see it in this shot, but this grey is all fuzzy with fiberglass hairs
Another view of the front fender. This shows some cracking along the edge that concerns me.
The right fender, near the windshield. You can see fully FIVE layers of coatings here.
Right rear quarter, near the roof join. Also shows about 5-6 layers.
Left door, also 5 separate layers visible.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Broken Arrow Oklahoma
hit that with a power sprayer and you could shave days off sanding that one (and about 100 lbs in weight :-) ) . that looks like someone has repaired the body and never prepped it befor painting it. and looks like a few layers of paint.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
All the fiberlass cloth areas (crosshatch pattern) indicate repair work. Fiberglass matte should have been used.
The bare gray areas might be factory primer, but one or two look like bare fiberglass.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but once you have the old red off this car, you can expect to find surprises, probably more than one.
Good luck.
The bare gray areas might be factory primer, but one or two look like bare fiberglass.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but once you have the old red off this car, you can expect to find surprises, probably more than one.
Good luck.
