Resin type?

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Jan 17, 2011 | 07:42 PM

wirenut

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 326

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From: washington

Resin type?

I know that polyester resin is correct for my 63, but have heard that epoxy resin is stronger and less likely to shrink. Can I use epoxy over the original fiberglass for structrual repairs? Is epoxy really stronger? If epoxy resin is used, what kind of filler or glazing compound would you use? Thanks in advance.

Jan 18, 2011 | 01:01 AM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

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From: New Hill NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirenut

Actually epoxy resins tend to be more flexible than polyesters, so they may be even more likely to show shrinkage. But, these characteristics are more related to the kind of fillers that are used in the product. You can buy epoxies that have very hard fillers and they do work well on finished surfaces. However, I personally would use polyester on the 63 body simply because it is the same as the original panels. If there happens to have been reproduction SMC type panels used in repairs etc. then you would want to use epoxies on those. The bonding strength of epoxies, especially on SMC or other hard to bond materials, is generally better than polyesters.

Jan 18, 2011 | 06:09 PM

DUB

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 19,294

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From: Charlotte NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by wombvette

However, I personally would use polyester on the 63 body simply because it is the same as the original panels.

100%

Not all polyester resins are the same. And a lot of times..."people" do not activate the polyester resin correctly because they want it to harden fast...or figure it won't matter...which is the WRONG thing to do....if you care about a good, strong repair....in my opinion. Under normal conditions...it should take 24 hours for your polyester resin to harden...AND...if your repair is hard in an hour or so...then you added too much hardener (MEKP). Some companies add cobalt to their resin to make it harden quicker...even if you follow the directions on the can...for the number of drops of MEKP for the current temperature per volume of resin. In any case...it is always a good idea for "first timers" to slow down and do a test mix...apply it to something...and see how it hardens. If not...it may be a "would-a, could-a, should-a" kind of thing.
"DUB"

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