Cracks...

Hey guys...
I noticed some cracks on my fiberglass body. I have a few where they go tight through the body cutting it into two pieces. (One happens to be on the driver door). Another few are just deep scratches on the body. My question is that I know Bondo makes a fiberglass self filler http://www.bondo-online.com/catalog_browse.asp?parNbr=24. I hate the fact of using Bondo on a car. But there is no fiberglass in Vegas that I can find that will even touch an old car like mine... What else can I do?

thanks
-Louis

You can get fiberglass at AutoZone and other places like them. It's a kit with fiberglass and resin. There would be plenty to do the repairs you are talking about. As for just scratches or gouges, there is a fiberglass reinforced body filler under many name brands that will work fine. Due to the fact fibeglass is a bit porus, you want to use a very thin layer of regular filler to get a very smooth surface.

You're on the right track (kind of). Structural repairs to these cars should always be done with re-inforcing. However, cosmetic type work, scratches and surface imperfections are best repaired with filler (Bondo).

I guess I should have explained further. Yes a full crack needs reinforcement. This is done by putting several layers of fiberglass on the inside of the crack before fixing the outer section.

Dave, thanks for the addition.

|UPDATED|10/9/2004 9:00:39 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

No Prob!
Another point I think should be made is the type of glass reinforcement. I always use the mat. Woven fiberglass fabric seems to want to "telegraph" through.

Thanks guys. I need to do a bit more research into this, and talk to my dad.

-Louis