Full Version: Fiberglass Fender Flare Repair
My 914 fiberglass flares were cracked when I got the car, is there a way to correct this so it doesn’t happen again?
You'll need to grind out ALL the fiberglass that has failed. All of it. If you leave any cracked or de-laminated spots, they'll likely fail in the future.
Once all the bad is gone (did I say be sure you get it ALL?), you can glass in the repair.
And when it comes to "bondo" for fiberglass, I've had really good luck mixing microspheres into the resin to get a peanut butter consistency. I use it just like bondo and it sands pretty easily.
On the topic of resin, I always use epoxy resin but you'll want to test a spot to see if it bonds to your fenders. They may have used polyester or vinylester resin system.
If you'd like to talk details, PM me and we can arrange a time for a call.
Chris
Once all the bad is gone (did I say be sure you get it ALL?), you can glass in the repair.
And when it comes to "bondo" for fiberglass, I've had really good luck mixing microspheres into the resin to get a peanut butter consistency. I use it just like bondo and it sands pretty easily.
On the topic of resin, I always use epoxy resin but you'll want to test a spot to see if it bonds to your fenders. They may have used polyester or vinylester resin system.
If you'd like to talk details, PM me and we can arrange a time for a call.
Chris
Oh, and I forgot the obligatory 914 World "give them a hard time" answer:
"Is there a way to fix this so it doesn't happen again?"
Yes, cut them off and weld on steel flares...
"Is there a way to fix this so it doesn't happen again?"
Yes, cut them off and weld on steel flares...
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Oct 15 2017, 10:57 AM) 
Oh, and I forgot the obligatory 914 World "give them a hard time" answer
1100 posts and you're still not used to it, eh?
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Oct 16 2017, 06:53 AM)
You'll need to grind out ALL the fiberglass that has failed. All of it. If you leave any cracked or de-laminated spots, they'll likely fail in the future.
Once all the bad is gone (did I say be sure you get it ALL?), you can glass in the repair.
And when it comes to "bondo" for fiberglass, I've had really good luck mixing microspheres into the resin to get a peanut butter consistency. I use it just like bondo and it sands pretty easily.
On the topic of resin, I always use epoxy resin but you'll want to test a spot to see if it bonds to your fenders. They may have used polyester or vinylester resin system.
If you'd like to talk details, PM me and we can arrange a time for a call.
Chris
another issue can be rust forming under the join, swells the fiberglass and pops the filler edge,looks like these flares haven't been correctly bonded on the car to start.If there is rust underneath it will be an ongoing problem...sorry.
QUOTE(porschetub @ Oct 15 2017, 12:34 PM)
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Oct 16 2017, 06:53 AM)
You'll need to grind out ALL the fiberglass that has failed. All of it. If you leave any cracked or de-laminated spots, they'll likely fail in the future.
Once all the bad is gone (did I say be sure you get it ALL?), you can glass in the repair.
And when it comes to "bondo" for fiberglass, I've had really good luck mixing microspheres into the resin to get a peanut butter consistency. I use it just like bondo and it sands pretty easily.
On the topic of resin, I always use epoxy resin but you'll want to test a spot to see if it bonds to your fenders. They may have used polyester or vinylester resin system.
If you'd like to talk details, PM me and we can arrange a time for a call.
Chris
another issue can be rust forming under the join, swells the fiberglass and pops the filler edge,looks like these flares haven't been correctly bonded on the car to start.If there is rust underneath it will be an ongoing problem...sorry.
The first thing I thought when I just saw it was rust.
The devil rust. You can also buy Bondo with Microspheres in it all ready if you do not have any.
Been in the plastics biz for 43 years, Casting, lamenting of Acrylics and polyesters
Bob B
I used kitty hair for my fenders. When I had to build it up I added fiberglass strands to the kitty hair. Went over that with a thin bondo then glaze.
No cracks or bubbles yet in 5 years, but who knows whatll happen in 10. I also had the fenders on the car for 3 years prior to finishing and I put about 3 layers of fiberglass on the inside as deep as possible to create a stronger seam. Ive stood on every fender of mine with no sounds.
Im a metal guy and would have gone that route if I could, but these fenders fell into my lap and I fell in love with them.
No cracks or bubbles yet in 5 years, but who knows whatll happen in 10. I also had the fenders on the car for 3 years prior to finishing and I put about 3 layers of fiberglass on the inside as deep as possible to create a stronger seam. Ive stood on every fender of mine with no sounds.
Im a metal guy and would have gone that route if I could, but these fenders fell into my lap and I fell in love with them.
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