1971 Journey
#1241
Team Owner
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Hi Craig,
On my car the rear quarters, the rear deck, the tail-ight panel, and the exhaust filler panel are the same material.
Regards,
Alan
On my car the rear quarters, the rear deck, the tail-ight panel, and the exhaust filler panel are the same material.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; 03-14-2018 at 07:42 AM.
#1242
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
That seems interesting information Alan.
So does that refer to SMC introduction in 71 or to the use of Gennite in 70 and 71.
A couple of quotes from my searching.......
“The first SMC panel was used in `71 and just happens to be the rear quarter fender. All of the earlier versions of corvette fiberglass that fender came in, polyester glass(1968-69), Gennite 70-71, and SMC (71-73) were all press molded, but used different base materials.”
"The `71 had a mixture of panels ranging from the old polyester to Gennite and the first SMC panel which was first used on the rear fenders sometime during the year."
Looks like it was a fast and continual development in the early 70’s.
Gennite would appear to have been a transitional product between the older style press moulded fibreglass and SMC.
Now I just need to decide if to redo the rear quarter repair.
So does that refer to SMC introduction in 71 or to the use of Gennite in 70 and 71.
A couple of quotes from my searching.......
“The first SMC panel was used in `71 and just happens to be the rear quarter fender. All of the earlier versions of corvette fiberglass that fender came in, polyester glass(1968-69), Gennite 70-71, and SMC (71-73) were all press molded, but used different base materials.”
"The `71 had a mixture of panels ranging from the old polyester to Gennite and the first SMC panel which was first used on the rear fenders sometime during the year."
Looks like it was a fast and continual development in the early 70’s.
Gennite would appear to have been a transitional product between the older style press moulded fibreglass and SMC.
Now I just need to decide if to redo the rear quarter repair.
Last edited by CraigH; 03-14-2018 at 04:37 PM.
#1243
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
From the NCRS site...
"This is the way the panels evolved. They were polyester until late 69. In late 69 Genite panels started to be worked in. The first was used on 69 doors. The genite panels are generally medium gray in color and show much less surface fibers. The first SMC panel was installed on 71 rear quarters and worked in for other parts until the whole car was SMC by 74. These early SMC panels tended to be lighter gray in color and had a little more marbling, but they are dificult to tell from the Genite."
"This is the way the panels evolved. They were polyester until late 69. In late 69 Genite panels started to be worked in. The first was used on 69 doors. The genite panels are generally medium gray in color and show much less surface fibers. The first SMC panel was installed on 71 rear quarters and worked in for other parts until the whole car was SMC by 74. These early SMC panels tended to be lighter gray in color and had a little more marbling, but they are dificult to tell from the Genite."
Last edited by CraigH; 03-14-2018 at 05:05 PM.
#1244
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
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Hi Craig,
?
The paragraph I posted is from the Oct/Nov 1970 issue of the Corvette News.
It was the issue that introduced the 71 model year cars.
Regards,
Alan
?
The paragraph I posted is from the Oct/Nov 1970 issue of the Corvette News.
It was the issue that introduced the 71 model year cars.
Regards,
Alan
#1245
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Been reading through more NCRS stuff but its not fully clear in my mind if Gennite is closer to Polyester or SMC
A comment re bonding
"panels which could have been made of Polyester, Genite or SMC coumpounds. Because of this, recomending an adhesive is difficult except to say that epoxy should work OK at least for the bonding part on all of them. However, you would not want to use polyester adhesive on an SMC type panel."
That would infer Genite could be bonded with the Polyester glue.
A comment re bonding
"panels which could have been made of Polyester, Genite or SMC coumpounds. Because of this, recomending an adhesive is difficult except to say that epoxy should work OK at least for the bonding part on all of them. However, you would not want to use polyester adhesive on an SMC type panel."
That would infer Genite could be bonded with the Polyester glue.
#1246
Been reading through more NCRS stuff but its not fully clear in my mind if Gennite is closer to Polyester or SMC
A comment re bonding
"panels which could have been made of Polyester, Genite or SMC coumpounds. Because of this, recomending an adhesive is difficult except to say that epoxy should work OK at least for the bonding part on all of them. However, you would not want to use polyester adhesive on an SMC type panel."
That would infer Genite could be bonded with the Polyester glue.
A comment re bonding
"panels which could have been made of Polyester, Genite or SMC coumpounds. Because of this, recomending an adhesive is difficult except to say that epoxy should work OK at least for the bonding part on all of them. However, you would not want to use polyester adhesive on an SMC type panel."
That would infer Genite could be bonded with the Polyester glue.
RVZIO
#1247
Race Director
FOR WHAT THIS IS WORTH.
The early design SMC panels ...ro what is called 'genite'...is just that. The process of making these panels changed...and thus....it is wise to treat it as if it was a current design SMC. So...I would not sue polyester resin to repai cracks in this pajnhel or lamiante on. BUT..adn this is wher it gets confusing. i WOULD sue Vette Panela Ahdesibv to fill over and reapir blemishes int teh SMC or 'genite' panel.
The reason I say this is due to the numerous Corvettes I have worked on that are in this transition era of body material GM used. And I have seen polyester resin sticks like glue and I have also seen polyester resin filet right off the panel.
So..I err on the side of caution and use the epoxy resin and have never had an issue with adhesion.
And to throw another 'stick into the works'....and to confirm what was previous mentioned...The 1973 Lingentfelter drag car I am working on has SMC or if you want to call it genite exterior panels but the floor pans, fire wall and rear tub area are all polyester press molded.
DUB
The early design SMC panels ...ro what is called 'genite'...is just that. The process of making these panels changed...and thus....it is wise to treat it as if it was a current design SMC. So...I would not sue polyester resin to repai cracks in this pajnhel or lamiante on. BUT..adn this is wher it gets confusing. i WOULD sue Vette Panela Ahdesibv to fill over and reapir blemishes int teh SMC or 'genite' panel.
The reason I say this is due to the numerous Corvettes I have worked on that are in this transition era of body material GM used. And I have seen polyester resin sticks like glue and I have also seen polyester resin filet right off the panel.
So..I err on the side of caution and use the epoxy resin and have never had an issue with adhesion.
And to throw another 'stick into the works'....and to confirm what was previous mentioned...The 1973 Lingentfelter drag car I am working on has SMC or if you want to call it genite exterior panels but the floor pans, fire wall and rear tub area are all polyester press molded.
DUB
#1248
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
So my current plan is to redo the repairs to the rear quarter and tail light panel in Epoxy just to be sure.
I will leave the door ones as they are more cosmetic and non stressed locations.
The repairs to the Halo will also be done in epoxy.
I can the wipe the repairs with VPA and/or FiberTech.
After that can you use products like Evercoat Rage filler over the epoxy repair ?
I will leave the door ones as they are more cosmetic and non stressed locations.
The repairs to the Halo will also be done in epoxy.
I can the wipe the repairs with VPA and/or FiberTech.
After that can you use products like Evercoat Rage filler over the epoxy repair ?
Last edited by CraigH; 03-14-2018 at 07:42 PM.
#1249
Racer
So my current plan is to redo the repairs to the rear quarter and tail light panel in Epoxy just to be sure.
I will leave the door ones as they are more cosmetic and non stressed locations.
The repairs to the Halo will also be done in epoxy.
I can the wipe the repairs with VPA and/or FiberTech.
After that can you use products like Evercoat Rage filler over the epoxy repair ?
I will leave the door ones as they are more cosmetic and non stressed locations.
The repairs to the Halo will also be done in epoxy.
I can the wipe the repairs with VPA and/or FiberTech.
After that can you use products like Evercoat Rage filler over the epoxy repair ?
#1251
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Now the halo repair.
What it looks like is someone backed the Vette into a half open garage door and cracked both sides of the halo in the same spot. Very strange as damage is in same spot on each side and is mostly just the edge.
It may be hard to see but the repair is 3 seperate applications of glass. First a layer from under the Halo then when it is firming up a layer to the edge of the halo and finally on the top.
I had ground out the broken areas first.
When its good and hard I will start to shape it into the proper curves.
What it looks like is someone backed the Vette into a half open garage door and cracked both sides of the halo in the same spot. Very strange as damage is in same spot on each side and is mostly just the edge.
It may be hard to see but the repair is 3 seperate applications of glass. First a layer from under the Halo then when it is firming up a layer to the edge of the halo and finally on the top.
I had ground out the broken areas first.
When its good and hard I will start to shape it into the proper curves.
Last edited by CraigH; 04-10-2023 at 06:10 AM.
#1252
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
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Hi Craig,
NICE!
You're right... an unusual damage at an odd location!?!
One comment.
I think it's a good idea to slightly 'ease' the edges on the valance where it sits against the rear tail light panel and the lower quarter panel joint.
This seems to give a more pleasant appearance when the paint is finished and the panel installed.
(Yes, I know the bumpers hide some of those joints but it's still nice to have them well done.)
Regards,
Alan
NICE!
You're right... an unusual damage at an odd location!?!
One comment.
I think it's a good idea to slightly 'ease' the edges on the valance where it sits against the rear tail light panel and the lower quarter panel joint.
This seems to give a more pleasant appearance when the paint is finished and the panel installed.
(Yes, I know the bumpers hide some of those joints but it's still nice to have them well done.)
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; 03-20-2018 at 08:02 AM.
#1253
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Hi Craig,
NICE!
You're right... an unusual damage at an odd location!?!
One comment.
I think it's a good idea to slightly 'ease' the edges on the valance where it sits against the rear tail light panel and the lower quarter panel joint.
This seems to give a more pleasant appearance when the paint is finished and the panel installed.
(Yes, I know the bumpers hide some of those joints but it's still nice to have them well done.)
Regards,
Alan
NICE!
You're right... an unusual damage at an odd location!?!
One comment.
I think it's a good idea to slightly 'ease' the edges on the valance where it sits against the rear tail light panel and the lower quarter panel joint.
This seems to give a more pleasant appearance when the paint is finished and the panel installed.
(Yes, I know the bumpers hide some of those joints but it's still nice to have them well done.)
Regards,
Alan
By ease the edges do you mean take off the 90 degree edges or increase the gaps.
#1254
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
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Hi Craig,
I meant take off the 90 degree edge.
I use a piece of fine sand paper and slide it along the edge to slightly round it off.
Not enough to change the apparent gap....just not a sharp/cut edge on the fiberglass.
You DO do nice work!
Regards,
Alan
I meant take off the 90 degree edge.
I use a piece of fine sand paper and slide it along the edge to slightly round it off.
Not enough to change the apparent gap....just not a sharp/cut edge on the fiberglass.
You DO do nice work!
Regards,
Alan
#1255
Race Director
YES...I apply VPA on my laminations when completed if they are important enough to do so. Seeing how you have the VPA now....I would use it. Because if you have both. The VPA and the Fiber Tech...you can clearly see they are quite different. But use what you are comfortable with using.
DUB
DUB
#1256
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Worked the Halo corners.
First ground down the excess epoxy and glass with a Dremel and 80 grit wheel. Followed by a rasp to get basic shape then 40 and 80 on as long a block as possible.
First ground down the excess epoxy and glass with a Dremel and 80 grit wheel. Followed by a rasp to get basic shape then 40 and 80 on as long a block as possible.
Last edited by CraigH; 04-10-2023 at 06:10 AM.
#1257
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
So a first try of the VPA I got from Brad.
Mixed a small amount to see how it goes. Don't want to waste its a precious resource :-)
Mixes smoothly, applies nicely and sets up hard fairly fast.
Worked it while it was still hardening.
Still some more sanding but will wait till its 100% dry.
Overall I like it. Such a shame its not available here.
Mixed a small amount to see how it goes. Don't want to waste its a precious resource :-)
Mixes smoothly, applies nicely and sets up hard fairly fast.
Worked it while it was still hardening.
Still some more sanding but will wait till its 100% dry.
Overall I like it. Such a shame its not available here.
Last edited by CraigH; 04-10-2023 at 06:10 AM.
#1258
Le Mans Master
So a first try of the VPA I got from Brad.
Mixed a small amount to see how it goes. Don't want to waste its a precious resource :-)
Mixes smoothly, applies nicely and sets up hard fairly fast.
Worked it while it was still hardening.
Still some more sanding but will wait till its 100% dry.
Overall I like it. Such a shame its not available here.
Mixed a small amount to see how it goes. Don't want to waste its a precious resource :-)
Mixes smoothly, applies nicely and sets up hard fairly fast.
Worked it while it was still hardening.
Still some more sanding but will wait till its 100% dry.
Overall I like it. Such a shame its not available here.
#1259
Race Director
Very nice.
#1260
Race Director
Looks VERY GOOD and you are getting there....that is for sure.
YES... Now you may see why I try to let people know to use it (VPA) because it is in a world all its own.
I hate it that the suppliers there can not get a case when they order RAGE gold or whatever. It makes no sense.
DUB
YES... Now you may see why I try to let people know to use it (VPA) because it is in a world all its own.
I hate it that the suppliers there can not get a case when they order RAGE gold or whatever. It makes no sense.
DUB