Fiberglass bodywork question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: Northampton MA
Fiberglass bodywork question
I'm looking at a 76' today to trade for my 77', but the 76' has a 1 1/2" chip out of the nose where it meets the windshield/door, at the very top. Overall the frame and underneath of the car are cleaner than mine (new england winters), but I was wondering if a lasting repair can be made to the fiberglass, the 76' needs paint I'm not sure if it's worth it if I have to replace the whole nose.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Ok
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (smonska)
To do the job right would require the removal of the front clip. A royal PITA in my opinion. I'd call it a $1000 labor, $3 parts job, but definately do-able.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (smonska)
It's missing a piece at the top rear corner of the fender ? ... sounds like an easy fix.
From your description, I don't think any body panels need to be removed.
pics ? :seeya
From your description, I don't think any body panels need to be removed.
pics ? :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (vetteboy1976kr)
pretty easy repair. The easiest would be to get a replacement piece from a wrecked car and bond that in place, then finish off with a few layers of fiberglass, then body filler and paint. That's the beauty of fiberglass, ti's pretty easy to repair.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (smonska)
I had a "bite size" piece of the edge of my driver's door break off from a precious poor repair. I was thinking new door skin until everyone told me that was not necessary. I believe your chip can be fixed without replacing the entire front clip.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Renton Wa
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (Corvette_fetish)
hehh.. I used to think (replace) but after cutting out my fender wells, I thought that was an insane idea that I was getting into. But after glassing in the new ones, I found anything can be done if you give your self enough time. Now I have flawless fender flares, and to boot molded in the ground effects and built them out at each end to meet the flares.. took me about a month but they look like they are supposed to be there.
Just layer it on and shape it. pretty soon you will have a finished peice just as strong and good as the original.
So in my suggestion, look past that body flaw and go over everything else. wheel bearings exceed glass work.
Just layer it on and shape it. pretty soon you will have a finished peice just as strong and good as the original.
So in my suggestion, look past that body flaw and go over everything else. wheel bearings exceed glass work.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: Northampton MA
Re: Fiberglass bodywork question (WashingtonRacer)
Thanks for the info, as you can tell, I'm not experienced with fiberglass. Are there any good books or online guides about doing P&B on vette's?
