best fix for this
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
best fix for this
what is the best way to fix this area where the surround has been cut back and is not bonded to the bonding strip? I am glassing the factory seams and don't know how to fix this. I have thought about treating it like it's own seam and glassing under the edge and working my layers out.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
What's the crappy looking stuff behind? Can you cut that out so you can get to the back? If so, it's a fairly easy repair. Place something behind it covered in aluminum foil so the glass doesn't stick to it. Then build it up like you did the seams. Shred the mat, don't cut it.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
Was this area repaired previously? The surround is ground off in that area and about half an inch is missing so the surround probably won't meet with the bonding strip for a good structural bond provided the panels are still aligned with each other. Going by the pics I would clean up the inside and lay mat to bond the fender and surround together. Then you can finish the outside with mat. This will ensure a strong repair but it won't look original on the inside.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
repair
Here are some pics from where I worked down the glassed area that I was trying to fix. I knocked it down by hand with 40 grit and then 80 grit, was afraid the DA sander might be too aggresive. I still have to work on the fender lip a little over the wheel but that will be next week. Let me know what you think. thanks for your help.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
The lower edge of your surround is still visible which means your overlyling patch is very thin and the surround edge could come back to haunt you. Did you patch the inside?
When you have 2 panels that have lost their bond and a section is missing you need to start the repair on the inside as long as there is accessibility and your wheel opening area is accessible from the inside. After the inside is done, the outer patch will bond to the inner patch and make a very strong repair. If you repair only on the outside, it will be thin and weak and will most likely crack later on.
When you have 2 panels that have lost their bond and a section is missing you need to start the repair on the inside as long as there is accessibility and your wheel opening area is accessible from the inside. After the inside is done, the outer patch will bond to the inner patch and make a very strong repair. If you repair only on the outside, it will be thin and weak and will most likely crack later on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
When I glass it I worked the glass under the edge of the surround and then built it out several layers and then starting laying it over the edge I ground out. Once I get it epoxied and primered, I will let it sit outside in the nice Mississippi heat and see how it does. Just trying my best and learning a lot.
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