Small crack in Fiberglass

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PostPosted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 4:16 pm
I got a new project in:
1996 Freightliner
Front Left.JPG


The fiberglass hood and fender assembly has a few issues:
1. Wheel arch has a small crack as can be seen here:
Crack in Fiberglass.JPG


2. The gel coat is damaged in this area:
Gel Coat Damaged.JPG


3. The mud flap has a chunk missing where a bolt hole once existed.
Chunk Missing.JPG


I haven't had to do any fiberglass repair in a long, long time. Suggestions with product names would be greatly appreciated.
1968 Coronet R/T


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PostPosted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 11:16 pm
Not really that familiar with "how" these truck bodies are made. Best I could come up with is a lot of flat surfaces are done in open lay up roller pressed sheets with some of the more complicated shapes done SMC style. My only point is that I'd make sure that ALL of my materials were SMC compatible just in case. Might be cheaper just to buy a couple of repair kits like this.... http://www.evercoat.com/all-products/us ... s%20repair I've always done my research on that Evercoat site and then just bought their products from my local jobber. Where you got large sections of that gel coat missing I'd probably be using fiberglass resin brushed on and feeding in finely chopped up mat. I'd then build that up to just under the top surface and switch to more flexy surfacing putty like USC Body Icing. Those trucks sure take a pounding however that's a pretty good service life for this one.......
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 9:35 am
Thanks, I'll look into that kit.
1968 Coronet R/T


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:13 am
Darrell,
I have been told that the hood is most likely SMC rather than fiberglass. Can you tell me what the difference would be if this is true?
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:58 pm
Best stuff on the market, pick up some of the cloth and release film. youll never use another product on fiberglass

https://www.semproducts.com/product/dua ... rial/40887
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:18 pm
Hey, 68..... SMC or Sheet Molded Compound/Composite is made in compression molds. The problem with working it later on is the fact that a mold release agent is actually "in" the fiberglass. You absolutely must have a statement right in the product that it is compatible with SMC materials. Kid down the street in my neighborhood just used regular glass products for some bits and pieces he added to some ricer parts. Everything just peeled back off in a matter of weeks.
Hey, Dave.....does that cartridge system take a special tube gun?
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:24 pm
DarrelK wrote:Hey, 68..... SMC or Sheet Molded Compound/Composite is made in compression molds. The problem with working it later on is the fact that a mold release agent is actually "in" the fiberglass. You absolutely must have a statement right in the product that it is compatible with SMC materials. Kid down the street in my neighborhood just used regular glass products for some bits and pieces he added to some ricer parts. Everything just peeled back off in a matter of weeks.
Hey, Dave.....does that cartridge system take a special tube gun?


yeah but you can find them real cheap on amazon, and this stuff works with SMC
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:41 pm
Thanks guys. Dave another professional also recommend the SEM products so that is what I will go with.
The owner bought new splash shields so the one with the hole in it is going in the trash. :happy:
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 1:12 pm
'68 Coronet R/T wrote:Thanks guys. Dave another professional also recommend the SEM products so that is what I will go with.
The owner bought new splash shields so the one with the hole in it is going in the trash. :happy:


nice, let us know how you like it
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 05, 2019 3:03 pm
ohhh....something in a gun would be real handy.....
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