Fiberglassing Tips? - Page 5

Fooch · 10-24-2005, 09:57 AM

Which would you prefer, or is easier to work with, matt or weave? And how much does that foam cost? That foam that is used in surfboards. That is easy to form and sand to the shap you want and then fiberglass over it.

Also, I was looking at the stuff on that site. What exactly do I want? Like the 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, resin/hardener kits. Waht is the difference? Just the speed of drying? Are they the exact same thing just the hardener bottle is smaller?

Where can I get good filler stuff? Like bondo, something Gold I can't remember the name. I don't want too much because I am just trying this out. I don't want to buy a lto of fiberglass and stuff and find out that I suck at it and have wasted $100 lol.

By the way, thanks for the reply.

98EXL · 10-24-2005, 10:28 AM

well.....I have only used fiberglass to work on a sub box in my spare tire well. I used chop mat, since I needed it for structual integrity, and it didn't have to look nice (all covered up).

As for the foam, I know what you are talking about, but it escapes me at this point in time, as well as the gold filler stuff.

About resin, I do not suggest bondo branded resin, you can't keep brushes from hardening up in acetone with that stuff.....but I am going to keep using it since it was $30. From my own personal experience, 1 gallon of resin per 5 square yards of glass is what you need....and I got polyestrye (sp) resin, don't know about the ratio stuff

TheLTC · 12-27-2005, 06:02 PM

I have never heard of anyone using fleece material. As for finishing, more people should look into covering their parts with vinyl/thin leathers for an enhanced factory look.

Escalade182 · 02-10-2006, 09:39 PM

I made a boat bench today. woodframe, then fiberglass.

for the first layer of fiberglass, I did at everyone suggested and used fleece....bad idea. I would highly not recommend it. I thought all was going well until it dried, it was too flexible and didnt even make an attempt to bond to the wood... after that, I did 2 layers of chopmat. this, on the other hand, i would highly recommend. its a pain in the *** to get to stay still and strands from the ends bunch up and fall off...but its a really good material to use. ill post pics later.

JasonWW · 02-11-2006, 11:43 AM

The fleece method is to get nice, smooth curves. Not to make seats and such. It's been proven time and again and has been used for years on high end audio installs. Keep in mind that it's mainly to get the shape. The strength comes from the layers of fiberglass that is added to it.

Escalade182 · 02-11-2006, 05:35 PM

yeah I know that now...

lol

Sidewalksalvage · 03-22-2006, 11:42 PM

Okay i havent yet started but am VERY interested in fiberglassing...
I want to start with the rear deck in my camry. Is that too big a job to start with? Should I practice on something esle first? How do I go about starting.
I want to put speaker enclosures within the deck. Where can i get speaker support rings? Do I need to make them myself?
Also, I read about "kitty hair" in one how-to. What is it exactly and what is it for?

Thanks
-Luke

JasonWW · 03-23-2006, 08:03 AM

Kitty hair is Bondo that has either long or short fiberglass strands mixed in it. It is more for strength while the regular Bondo is more for sanding and finishing.

Is the rear deck removable from the car?

It may be too much work to start off with. What were you planning to do exactly? Have you seen any other cars with custom rear decks or have any pictures of what you planned?

98EXL · 03-23-2006, 09:21 AM

I would start FG-ing random ****, and then do the deck

Sidewalksalvage · 03-23-2006, 04:29 PM

yeah i think i may start with some random things and move up.
The rear deck comes out pretty easy (remove the back seat (4 bolts) and pull the deck out.)

I basically want to have a smooth finish with 2 6.5 inch speakers in it.

JasonWW · 03-23-2006, 09:30 PM

On the rear deck, you need to have each and every little thing planned out. You'll need a list of materials, tools, sandpaper, paint, everything so that you don't get halfway into it and end up ruining it. Then you'd have to get a new rear deck.

I would start off with a second rear deck from a salvage yard for starters. Do you plan to add foam and reshape it? Or do you just want to cover the whole thing in fiberglass, sand, add bondo to smooth it out and then paint it. Do you want it wrapped in vinyl? If so, then the shape will have to have smooth curves so the vinyl won't wrinkle or bunch up. Are you going to paint it yourself or have a pro do it?

If you expect it to turn out real nice, you have to plan every little detail. It's certainly a good idea to mix up bondo as well as fiberglass resin and just get a feel for them as well as how quickly they harden. The set time will vary with the ratio of material to hardner you add.

Speaker rings can be made if you have a router. What kind of tools do you have? Do you have wood working experience? If not, you might need to buy rings. You'll definetely be doing a lot of sanding, so having a powered rotary sander will come in very handy.

redbullah · 03-25-2006, 05:33 PM

I have more but not on this computer. I'll post more this evening.

none of them works.

Sidewalksalvage · 03-25-2006, 10:34 PM

I have some experience with woodworking and am a quick learner. I like taking on big tasks. My current car is really a constant project so if i screw it up its not the biggest deal. I have routers and such but I am more interested in the fiberglass part, so Im happy to buy the rings.. but where? As for the shape, i would like somewhat smooth and nice, no vinyl tho. I am going to paint it myself just cuz im short on cash

JasonWW · 03-26-2006, 02:52 AM

If you have a router you can make the rings. Here, check these out:
http://www.ajquick.com/cars/tutorials/fiberglass.php
http://web.njit.edu/~cas1383/proj/main/

Sidewalksalvage · 03-26-2006, 10:05 AM

Very helpful. Thanks