Bonding early C3 fiberglass to late C3 SMC
09-16-2013, 02:02 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
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Bonding early C3 fiberglass to late C3 SMC
At some point I'm planning on repainting my '79 and was thinking I'd like to modify it at that time to put the 68/69 gills in place of the '79 fender opening. Can I just use ordinary fiberglass resin and matt to bond the early C3 fiberglass to the '79's sheet molded compound, or can I use sheet molded compound resin and matt to do the job?
09-17-2013, 07:18 AM
#7
Nam Labrat
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Moar good info for a rookie...............................lik e me........
09-17-2013, 06:15 PM
#8
Race Director
Priya,
This is a great idea to personalize your car. But be aware. The plenum is different so if you just plan on cutting and adding the outer "gill" section...you may find that you will have to modify the plenum so the rear gill will be closed off like the factory did....or you will be getting air/water, etc into your cowl vent area.
Watch your contours...the fenders are different and the contours may not be the exact same. 1986-1969 Corvettes do not have the "mud flap/flare" at the bottom rear of the fender...thus causing the fender to roll under. Just something to be watchful of.
Also...I would advise you applying a thin layer of Vette Panel Adhesive over the exposed laminated section. This reduces the chance of the resin showing up in regards to air bubbles, fuzz from exposed rough fiberglass, etc. It saves on numerous primer coats to remove any issue that may show up when you go to prime....as long as the Vette Panel Adhesive is applied and sanded correctly.
Sounds like a fun job to tackle.
DUB
This is a great idea to personalize your car. But be aware. The plenum is different so if you just plan on cutting and adding the outer "gill" section...you may find that you will have to modify the plenum so the rear gill will be closed off like the factory did....or you will be getting air/water, etc into your cowl vent area.
Watch your contours...the fenders are different and the contours may not be the exact same. 1986-1969 Corvettes do not have the "mud flap/flare" at the bottom rear of the fender...thus causing the fender to roll under. Just something to be watchful of.
Also...I would advise you applying a thin layer of Vette Panel Adhesive over the exposed laminated section. This reduces the chance of the resin showing up in regards to air bubbles, fuzz from exposed rough fiberglass, etc. It saves on numerous primer coats to remove any issue that may show up when you go to prime....as long as the Vette Panel Adhesive is applied and sanded correctly.
Sounds like a fun job to tackle.
DUB
09-18-2013, 06:12 PM
#10
Race Director
The plenum is the area of the body...at the firewall. It is the sections of the firewall...where GM added these panels at the number 2 body mount area. The number 2 body mount area is the body mount in front of the firewall on each side...but behind the tire. There is a steel gusset plate riveted to this plenum panel and it allows the fender to bond to it...and also closes out the chance for engine heat and air to enter into the cabin. The rear section of your air vent in your current fender is bonded to this plenum panel. That is where you may have an issue. This plenum panel may need to be cut and moved in...and closed off.
DUB
DUB