Are front fenders fiberglass?
07-08-2016, 10:51 AM
#1
Are front fenders fiberglass?
I have a crack in my right front fender that needs repair. Are these made of standard fiberglass material or one of the other plastics that are used on newer car construction?
Popular Reply
07-08-2016, 11:51 AM
Drifting
The front fenders are actually made out of a composition of RRIM urethane, similar to SMC but with more flexible properties. It's more similar to what the front and rear fascias are made out of. Repairs should be carried out akin to how you would service cracks or splits in a fascia.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
07-08-2016, 11:51 AM
#2
Drifting
The front fenders are actually made out of a composition of RRIM urethane, similar to SMC but with more flexible properties. It's more similar to what the front and rear fascias are made out of. Repairs should be carried out akin to how you would service cracks or splits in a fascia.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
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07-08-2016, 03:53 PM
#4
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Very informative post. Thanks.
07-08-2016, 09:54 PM
#7
1/4 mile/AutoX
07-08-2016, 10:43 PM
#9
1/4 mile/AutoX
you have to be real careful with porous materials if the stripper gets into the pores you will have a nightmare trying to keep paint from lifting !!!!!
Last edited by Pounder; 07-08-2016 at 10:43 PM.
07-08-2016, 10:54 PM
#11
1/4 mile/AutoX
07-09-2016, 11:38 AM
#12
Most of the body panels on the C5 are made from a product called SMC.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_moulding_compound
While fiberglass like they do require some different techniques for repair and painting. Google repairing SMC panels for specifics.........
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_moulding_compound
While fiberglass like they do require some different techniques for repair and painting. Google repairing SMC panels for specifics.........
The front fenders are actually made out of a composition of RRIM urethane, similar to SMC but with more flexible properties. It's more similar to what the front and rear fascias are made out of. Repairs should be carried out akin to how you would service cracks or splits in a fascia.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
You can test their composition as the front fenders are no overly structural when removed from the car & are fairly flexible. What gives the front fenders most of their support structure is actually the inner fender liners, which are mostly fiberglass. This also explains why members that have paint issues with fenders often see "cracks" or "webbings" similar to fascia paint issues.
If your fender was cracked due to a vehicle or something else hitting it I would also check that the inner fender liner was not damaged.
Great info.
...You Da Man !!!....