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Hi all, I've read threads here but never posted, but I am looking at a c3 corvette to purchase to work on myself. I've done a good amount of research and have purchased a pair of restoration books. But I was wondering what you all thought about a crack in this one I am looking at.
Thanks in advance
Hi all, I've read threads here but never posted, but I am looking at a c3 corvette to purchase to work on myself. I've done a good amount of research and have purchased a pair of restoration books. But I was wondering what you all thought about a crack in this one I am looking at.
Thanks in advance
Anything can be repaired with fiberglass. That is probably the result of an amateur repair gone bad. My guess is a panel that was not bonded to the bonding strip before the outer surface was glassed. In any case it would probably have to be completely removed and done over. The good news is the panel could probably be saved.
The car I'm working on now had the rear tail light panel replaced. Some idiot completely cut off the bonding strip and basically made a butt joint that cracked right out.
Hi r,
The front of the body was made of mainly 3 large pieces of fiberglass.
The entire top surface (hood surround) and a left and right fender.
There was a long seam on each side that ran from the front of the door to the front of the car.
You're seeing a crack in that seam.
What caused it and just how damaged the seam and it's backing (bonding strip) may be will determine what needs to be done to repair it properly.
I'd think it could very likely be repaired in place.
A person knowledgeable with Corvette bodies could pretty quickly assess the damage and suggest the best repair method.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
This is a 71 but the seam is in the same place. In these pictures the original 'bonding material' is still in place. You can see the seam because of it's color but you can't feel it with your fingers. If you look carefully at the first and third pictures you can see a similar seam between the rear deck and right rear quarter panel.
Hi rtrunner, I would think that repair could be made on the car. In my restore I do not want the seams bleeding through the paint down the road so here's what was suggested to me by an experienced person.
I did a V shaped bevel along the seam area. Then VPA (vette panel adhesive) was used to fill the beveled groove. Once sanded you are ready for primer or whatever you are doing. Not sure if you are painting car, removing all the paint?
RVZIO
Just gives you an idea of how to fix you problem. The bevel I describe is just to make a shallow groove for the VPA to sit in.
Good Luck
RVZIO
thank you all for a quick response im actually pretty surprised on all of this so really thank you all. I got some great info and feel better moving forward on this.
corvette crack question
