McClarin Plastics - How to Repair Fiberglass

[LonestarNavy]

can I use this method if i cracked the bumper of my car?

[NorthStarPA]

@LonestarNavy Yes, you can use the method on the video to repair a car bumper, although the instructions could be more specific if it was known whether the bumper was a thermoplastic or a thermoset composite.

[NorthStarPA]

@LonestarNavy Yes, you can use the method on the video to repair a car bumper, although the instructions could be more specific if it was known whether the bumper was a thermoplastic or a thermoset composite.

[NorthStarPA]

Yes, you can use the method on the video to repair a car bumper, although the instructions could be more specific if it was known whether the bumper was a thermoplastic or a thermoset composite.

[NorthStarPA]

@LonestarNavy Yes, you can use the method on the video to repair a car bumper, although the instructions could be more specific if it was known whether the bumper was a thermoplastic or a thermoset composite.

[celicapunkracer]

My fiberglass front bumper literally broke straight down in half. Would it be feasible to put the two back together and reinforce with fiberglass repair?

[NorthStarPA]

@celicapunkracer Yes, it's feasible but will be a more extensive repair! I would highly recommend a trained Body Shop person for this! Hold & clamp the bumper to its original shape. Bring the cracked area together like a puzzle before repairing. CLEAN & PREP AREA THOROUGHLY BEFORE ANY RESIN & GLASS WORK. Double (at least) the amount of glass & resin to hold the shape & extend the width of the reinforcement on the back. A steel cross member within the fiberglass is recommended for added strength.

[KCKONG100]

would this technique work on a boat?

[NorthStarPA]

@KCKONG100 Yes. See previous post.

[KCKONG100]

i have a boat that has a quarter size chunk taken out. The puncture is down to the fiberglass. Could i use this same process on my boat?

[NorthStarPA]

@KCKONG100 Yes, you can use the same process on your boat. You will need to consult the boat dealer for a small amount of paint or gelcoat that matches your boat for the " finish" of the repair. Use car body filler to take up the space of the chunk before using the paint or gelcoat. (No repair lasts forever, so be prepared to do it again depending on use of the boat.)

[monimstarfox]

im gonna need this for wood shop

[jamie12r]

i cant get at the inside of the crack what should i do ?

[NorthStarPA]

@jamie12r You will need to grind the front side carefully and fill in with as much reinforcement as possible not to go beyond the finish surface. Proceed with "body work" on front. Gelcoat or paint finish the part.

[snowman3karrotz]

O man, this is awesome, i really appreciate the video, and just so people know dont be scared to do it because youll never learn if you dont.

i never used fiberglass this is the 1st videoi i seen and im going to give it a try i feel confident! thanks again!

[SPOOKSTR]

This video is a winner. Basic but informative.

[qazplmjo]

underline

Well said!

[RelicHunters]

I have over 20 years experience in fiberglass repair. This is about as close as I have seen on Youtube to a correct repair. Here are a few tips. Always use mat fibeerglass under any cloth and use a laminating roller to work out the air. Second, lightly grind the outer surface at repair site to clean loose glass. I use fiberglass on outer surface as well, only using filler for filling pin holes. Makes a better repair. Heat & cool repair 4 times to help stop shrinkage from sun. Hope this helps.

[NorthStarPA]

Thank you. This video is general in nature given the host of unique circumstances that might be encountered with any fiberglass repair. Your input and specific suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[metamech]

I have a question:

I'm working on removing some rust damage to the bottom of my car. I've removed a lot of the rust and have holes that are about 3" wide. I obviously can't do the method of putting the fiberglass on the inside and putting on the outside because I can't get to the inside.

What do you suggest? I thought of possibly calculating the area that the fiberglass would go and denting it in, applying the fiberglass and then puttying as necessary.

Your thoughts?

[NorthStarPA]

Part 1 of 2:

First & foremost if you can remove the carpet from the car and can get to the back of the holes please do so b/c the holes will continue to grow and get worse. If you can get to the back side of the holes, for holes that size, you need to rivet some sheet metal behind the holes before using the fiberglass patch procedure.

[NorthStarPA]

Part 2 of 2:

If it is impossible to get to the back of the holes, use this procedure:

Stuff the hole with fiberglass screen material (which can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes). Then press some polyester putty material into the screen and around the hole. This gives you a good surface to lay the fiberglass matting material on top. Proceed to sand and smooth out after all of the fiberglass after it has cured overnight.

[metamech]

Thank you. Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to have to go with the second option. It's part of the frame which makes it impossible to do anything with.

I appreciate it.

[7oota2007]

just what i was looking for . i have a question, what if i need to repair a part that has been broken off ?

[NorthStarPA]

Use the same technique as in the video but the broken off piece would need to be stabilized with a piece of tape and some type of stiffener. Then sand the edges of the breaks as neatly as possible to make the break come together as close as possible. Extra fiberglass on the inside would be a good idea because after a total break this will never be as strong as the original reinforced fiberglass part.