Partial Panel Replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Partial Panel Replacement
I'm have to replace the front half of my right front quarter panel. I have a replacement panel that I will be installing from approximately the center of the wheel forward. I was wondering if there was any alternative to purchasing a full-length bonding strip for $80. Is there any alternative? Can I possibly back it with layers of fiberglass as if was repairing a crack? I'm gessing no but, if there is anyone who has done a similar job without the typical bonding strip, please let me know what method you used. Is there any type of fiber resin board that can be heated and bent to the proper contour?
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I think the question is whether or not you want your car to maintain its original look. You can fiberglass the panels together, though, to answer your question.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
He's saying the right front quarter - I assume he means the fender. He also says his replacement panel is not the entire fender. To my knowledge there is no bonding strip in the middle of the fender.
The '77 body is SMC (sheet molded compound) and fiberglass resin will not stick good enough. You need SMC adhesive, Evercoat makes pretty good stuff that comes in a 1qt can. It doesn't require the expensive mixing applicator gun like 3M (Duramix).
If you want it to look 'correct' I'd replace the entire fender and glue at the stock bonding strips. If you glue the replacement panel that you already have and use fiberglass mat and the Evercoat glue it won't look correct but will be a lot cheaper and easier and good enough for the next 30 years
The '77 body is SMC (sheet molded compound) and fiberglass resin will not stick good enough. You need SMC adhesive, Evercoat makes pretty good stuff that comes in a 1qt can. It doesn't require the expensive mixing applicator gun like 3M (Duramix).
If you want it to look 'correct' I'd replace the entire fender and glue at the stock bonding strips. If you glue the replacement panel that you already have and use fiberglass mat and the Evercoat glue it won't look correct but will be a lot cheaper and easier and good enough for the next 30 years
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Why can't he do what that guy in the flare install on corvettefaq did? He scored the outline of the replacement panel, dropped 1" or 2", then scored a second line. Cut on the scores and you have yourself a custom made, perfectly shaped bonding strip...
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/flares/
Maybe I'm just dumb... don't know much about glass work, but that makes sense to me. Plus, it saves $80 on a bonding strip. I would think if done right, it would not show.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/flares/
Maybe I'm just dumb... don't know much about glass work, but that makes sense to me. Plus, it saves $80 on a bonding strip. I would think if done right, it would not show.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
It's actually going to be more labor intensive to section it, than to replace the whole panel. And if the spliced area isn't glued spot on, you'll have a kink that will always be there.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
If it's done right, you'll never know it when viewing the outside. I did a '75 about 10 years ago and I saw the car recently. It still looked perfect. However, I do agree to replace the entire panel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
The worst place to make a splice is in the center of the wheel well opening .This area is prone to stress. Not saying it can't be done strong, but time-wise it is more efficient to just do the complete panel. 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
I'm have to replace the front half of my right front quarter panel. I have a replacement panel that I will be installing from approximately the center of the wheel forward. I was wondering if there was any alternative to purchasing a full-length bonding strip for $80. Is there any alternative? Can I possibly back it with layers of fiberglass as if was repairing a crack? I'm gessing no but, if there is anyone who has done a similar job without the typical bonding strip, please let me know what method you used. Is there any type of fiber resin board that can be heated and bent to the proper contour?
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
I got to go with the full fender guys on this one, you will spend a lot more than $80 worth of your time fartin around with it. It can be done and can be made to look good and last a long time, but will take more time.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth TX
Just bonding new glass/epoxy resin to old lay-up without installing a doubler behind the fender will only provide a short-term fix. that the stress in the unsupported section of the fender will fatigue rapidly. An $80 kit is by FAR the most cost effective repair... short of a fender replacement (which is what I would do).
rg
that the stress in the unsupported section of the fender will fatigue rapidly. An $80 kit is by FAR the most cost effective repair... short of a fender replacement (which is what I would do).rg
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Here is an old, old trick you might want to try.
Mark and cut out the damaged section.
Measure your old bonding strips and you cut strips out of the old fender. It is easier to grind the paint, dirt off while still in a bigger section. If you feel the strips will be too thick, you can grind them thinner.
Now you have bonding strips and they do work well and with some experience they can also look close to original
Mark and cut out the damaged section.
Measure your old bonding strips and you cut strips out of the old fender. It is easier to grind the paint, dirt off while still in a bigger section. If you feel the strips will be too thick, you can grind them thinner.
Now you have bonding strips and they do work well and with some experience they can also look close to original
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
thanks for the replies. The entire fender is not an option. Unfortunately, I do not have enough overlap between the replacement panel and original panel to make a bonding strip. I will just but one. I'm sure it will look good. Thanks!
