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How to close fiberglass body/door gap?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by sixdogs, May 2, 2009.

  1. sixdogs
    Joined: Oct 11, 2007
    Posts: 635

    sixdogs
    BANNED
    from C

    I am thinking of buying a fiberglass car that has a wider door gap than I like between the pillar (body) and the door. I am familiar with 'glass cars but not with filling the gap like this.
    I would think the door pillar would need to be built up with fiberglass? If I had an experienced guy do this, what are the odds of a successful repair? I mean, would this be a difficult job? The gap to be filled is on the order of 3/16 inch or less. Not real bad but it bothers me and if I cant do a good repair I won't buy it. It's still in gel-coat of that matters and was made six years ago.

    Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. jivin jer
    Joined: Sep 14, 2008
    Posts: 3,320

    jivin jer
    Member

    fiberglass is very easy to work with,itch.you must keep everything saturated with resin and continously work the air bubbles out of the mat/cloth, scratch.if its done right its almost bullett prove,itch.for your situation you could build up the area and finish it with a scim coat of filler,scratch.there is one thing that you need to know about this stuff however,itch.
     
  3. I Drag
    Joined: Apr 11, 2007
    Posts: 883

    I Drag
    Member

    This is not a tough repair, building up fiberglass is not rocket science. But it will take a lot of time and effort to make something like that look nice. Make sure the body is on the frame the way you want it before you go modifying any fiberglass. Go for it, you can do it.
     
  4. Xdrag48
    Joined: Mar 1, 2009
    Posts: 474

    Xdrag48
    Member

    Most people just add to the door not the pillar.But you can cut a slit along the pillar push it to where you like it ,then glass it back in from the back side.After doing your glass from back side use a skim of body filler on outsideThat way you still have a clean line on the outside.
     

  5. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 5,615

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.

    What he said BUT glass the outside also................... than skim ...........
    On glass I use a thin paint stick as a guild gap, remembering that "skim", primer & paint will make it tighter.........................
     
  6. SlowandLow63
    Joined: Sep 18, 2004
    Posts: 5,958

    SlowandLow63
    Member
    from Central NJ

    That would come out the best and look the most professional, IMO. Treat it like metal except using different materials.
     
  7. sixdogs
    Joined: Oct 11, 2007
    Posts: 635

    sixdogs
    BANNED
    from C

    Thanks to you all for letting me know this can be done correctly. I wish one of you body guys lived closer. If I buy the car I need to find someone capable near Columbus, Ohio.
    Thanks again.
     
  8. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

    I have a buddy that was into experimental aircraft. He used "micro ballons" like the boat guys do to strengthen his stuff. Sands like butta... the gaps on his 33 coupe were amazing. You might want to go outside the auto areana for some help. Gary
     
  9. Not to mention that the door MIGHT have gaps because the body might need to be shimmed a bit as it sits on the frame...
     
  10. lippy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2006
    Posts: 6,825

    lippy
    Member
    from Ks

    Good one DeSoto. Make sure it's on the frame and it's shimmed where it's gonna be!!!! Lippy
     

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