Is this panel SMC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: GA
Is this panel SMC
I think that my 74 is all SMC except for the front surround and I am hoping someone can confirm. I have the car stripped and will be painting in the spring. All of the car has the marble appearance except for the front surround which is brown. Please look at the pictures and let me know what you guys think.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0012.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0001.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0012.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/IMG_0001.jpg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
I thought that SMC started with C4 body panels. I also heard that they stopped offering black C3's because of waves in the body work, and Black reappeared as an option on C4's because the SMC panels do not warp/wave over time like regular fiberglass. This is just what I heard at one point I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to C3s. I'd love to hear the real story from someone with C3 knowledge.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: GA
Thanks for your reply. I believe GM starting using SMC panels after
1972 from what I have learned so far from the forum. But sometimes they mixed and matched in the early years. That is why I am hoping someone will give me a idea about the front surround piece above the front fenders. It definitly looks different, maybe aftermarket replacement.
1972 from what I have learned so far from the forum. But sometimes they mixed and matched in the early years. That is why I am hoping someone will give me a idea about the front surround piece above the front fenders. It definitly looks different, maybe aftermarket replacement.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
I thought that SMC started with C4 body panels. I also heard that they stopped offering black C3's because of waves in the body work, and Black reappeared as an option on C4's because the SMC panels do not warp/wave over time like regular fiberglass. This is just what I heard at one point I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to C3s. I'd love to hear the real story from someone with C3 knowledge.
I have heard however that the SMC compound has evolved through the years which makes sense.
Btw, black did stop for a while on C3's but did come back in 1977 and was available thru 1982.
Roger
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
Thanks for your reply. I believe GM starting using SMC panels after
1972 from what I have learned so far from the forum. But sometimes they mixed and matched in the early years. That is why I am hoping someone will give me a idea about the front surround piece above the front fenders. It definitly looks different, maybe aftermarket replacement.
1972 from what I have learned so far from the forum. But sometimes they mixed and matched in the early years. That is why I am hoping someone will give me a idea about the front surround piece above the front fenders. It definitly looks different, maybe aftermarket replacement.
Take a look at the panels on my '69 in my photo gallery while it was stripped. None of those panels are SMC. It's all original except for the replacement green colored panel on the lower right front fender.
Roger
Last edited by roger55; Mar 5, 2007 at 12:58 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
From: Galena KS
I thought that SMC started with C4 body panels. I also heard that they stopped offering black C3's because of waves in the body work, and Black reappeared as an option on C4's because the SMC panels do not warp/wave over time like regular fiberglass. This is just what I heard at one point I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to C3s. I'd love to hear the real story from someone with C3 knowledge.
I know that I saw C-3 surround molds (and other parts) in and out of the presses from time to time. The black you talk about will be IMC In-mold coating. The last I heard, the molds went to Brazil.
The smc would have imperfections in it so a coating would be put on the part in the press to slick up the A surface to make it paintable.
All SMC parts at our facility ( up to and including C-5's, that is when I left) used IMC on the A surface.
I hope this sheds some light on the subject.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 246
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From: GA
Georgia1974 that looks like true fiberglass to me FRP you can tell by the glass fibers on the surface.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
if you are talking about the polyester primer like feather fill or slick sand then I would skip the epoxy and go right to the poly, primer . there's no reason to use the epoxy. epoxy is either used for corrosion protection,or for good adhesion. you have glass ,so that answers that .and if you sand the repairs you dont need it for adhesion.you can also use epoxy as a sealer just before the top coat if you wanted to.I hope this Helps
