Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Fiberglass...

Anybody worked with it? Most kits usually need some kinda body work done to it. I know it's something you can't really play with but I'd really like to help my cuzin put the kit on her car. With money being an issue for her could you guys give me some advice on using fiberglass?

need more info for everyone to provide advice. what part of the body are you trying to modify (wing, skirts, f/spoiler or whole bumper, etc...)

werd what do you plan on doing to it?

Need help with the rear bumper and the front. They both are either short on one end or a lil too short near the headlights.

You are going to need a little more than fiberglass to fix a kit. This is a breakdown of some of what could go into a repair. It involves several step most of which I have left out, but can give you a good ex. if you want it.

Fiberglass can be used to build up material that is to be remove gradually through sanding etc. to get the original or preferred shape/fitment. Most of the time both the front, back, or sides of the area are worked to get contours back to spec. i.e. a 1 in. tear may require 4 in. of work area to repair & conceal damage.

An epoxy repair kit can be used on abs plastics to repair tears & small holes. Basically it is used the same except there are no mats like fiber glass.

Bodyfiller is used over either of the 2 above or alone & is sanded down before paint can be (re)applied.

Fiberglass is a "mat" coated with resin & hardener & is usually cut to shape before application.

Epoxy & fillers are pastes/liquids that are mixed with hardeners then applied.
If you do not have body experience do not try to fix a kit in the backyard. The resins & hardeners used on fiberglass, epoxy, & filler can make an even bigger mess than you've started. There really isn't a cheap way to get around bodywork. Make a friend in the bizz if you have time & try to pick up a few tips from them. Every shop does it a little different so you will get 50 ways to do it right each time.

http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/~satoshi/mod01Hen.html


like this?

Satoshi... I have the same work done on my R2 Front... in a few places

the first Time i watched them repair it, I was amazed at how easy it was

... much respect to the industry and the 'trade-secrets'

That is easy if it's your problem, corners, missing chunks, & big cracks are a different story. That was my focus.

Veilside...

inside