ddn

Where should I buy all the stuff I need to do some 'glass work? Can I just get stuff at any marine supply company? Or should I use a certain companies resin etc etc.

Fill me in! I want to do some fiberglass!

Edit: As long as I'm on this subject, can I use the same resin and stuff for carbon fiber? I've got the issue of Car Craft where they did CF stuff, and it's really not hard, so I'd like to try that too.


[Modified by ddn, 10:37 PM 12/18/2001]

wombvette

On a 68 you should use standard polyester resin and glass mat. You can get them at any auto parts store or your friendly Lowes or H.D store.

blue72

I just found this website... Lot's of good info for fiberglass, plus they sell all the stuff. http://www.fibreglast.com/
-jason

ddn

www.fibreglast.com had some good information, but it seems like www.uscomposites.com has MUCH better prices. I'll probably order from them

redvetracr

Before you buy, make sure of the shipping charges as some of that stuff may be "hazardous material" ...redvetracr

Techno

http://www.acp-composites.com/
http://www.shopmaninc.com/
http://www.fiberglasssupply.com
http://www.fibreglast.com/
http://www.marinecomposites.com/ info
http://www.westsystem.com/

You can use epoxy if you want, it is superior to polyester resin in every catagory. Including costing more. For Carbon fiber or Kevlar use epoxy . Kevlar is almost impossible to cut unless you have a great pair of scissors.
I don't think you'll be using either of these unless you just want to blow money. You may be able to use the poly resin from an auto store, it's cheaper. The boat stores in your area may be more expensive than buying from the mail. Small bags of folded mat or glass is the most expensive to buy. buy off a roll if you can, this also avoids creases in the mat.

ddn

Techno: Thanks for the great info! I read that fiberglass mat has a polyester soluble binder so you should use a polyester resin with fiberglass. I don't NEED to use carbon fiber, but I'd like to experiment with it just for fun.

Techno

You can use epoxy with it or get, I think E-glass. This doesn't really matter since the use of epoxy and mat are counterproductive. Mat is on the low end and epoxy on the high. On a 'Vette the mat and poly are fine.
Check the price of the CF and you may think "small"
I had to do a kevlar repair to my boat and wasn't too thrilled with the price for that!
If you are using carbon fiber for looks I would get herring bone weaved glass and paint it. No one is going to be able to tell the difference.
$8 per yard for 3 oz. glass or $80 for CF.

73Dave

Be carefull... This stuff can be messy. For some good info on composite materials go to http://composite.about.com/ . There is a TON of information there.

Also, a little more information. Vettes are made from fiberglass & polyester resin based materials. There are a few different forms. (Sheet molding compounds, mats, woven roving, fabrics, etc.)

IMHO, I'd stick with the fiberglass mats and a resin system like WEST systems (they are epoxy based). Why? Because they are EASY to use. They come in kits that will allow you to mix the proper amount of curing agent to the resin.

Unless you have a real reason to, avoid Carbon Fiber, kevlar and the other exotic fibers. Most accesories you can buy made from thes materials utilize a molding process to insure a good suface finish. It is very difficult to get a good surface finish without a bunch of experience.

Lastly, when playing with these materials remember that cleanliness is the key to success. Sand/abrade the surface you are going to repair, brush clean, then wipe down with a solvent such as acetone, MEk or Isoproply alcohol. Don't touch with your hands. Our hands are great carriers of natural oils that can screw up a freshly prepared surface. Use gloves.

I'd suggest you go to the auto parts store, DIY store, etc. and buy a fiberglass repair "kit" and do some playing with these materials before you play with the car. These things can be a bear to work with if you don't know what you are doing.

Good luck!

Dalannex

http://www.evercoat.com

Here's what I use. It's available at most parts stores, and is a great product.



[Modified by Dalannex, 5:46 AM 12/20/2001]