2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Is it safe to repair with fiberglass

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-29-08, 12:15 PM
  #1  
Turbovert done.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
rogrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,046
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Is it safe to repair with fiberglass

Rust holes in the chassis of a convertible. Typically were the drain holes are.

I really dont want to have to get rid of the car.

Hope I can get pics later
Old 08-29-08, 12:37 PM
  #2  
Why? Why?? WHY???

iTrader: (1)
 
DBookatay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Danbury, CT
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Aside from welding in new metal, fiberglass is the way to go.
I work at a dealership/ bodyshop and we use a lot of glass and glass type options, and as long as you sand down all the rust, and affix the glass to bare metal (no paint of seam sealer) you wont have a problem...
Old 08-29-08, 12:38 PM
  #3  
I aint got time for Jive

 
Elite_Insane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Make sure you eradicate all of the rust by cutting/sanding before doing so.

Im sure if its not huge and goes on well i dont see why not
Old 08-29-08, 12:40 PM
  #4  
Mazda Tech
iTrader: (4)
 
MazdaMike02's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Tottenham, ON
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Glass is a cheap fix for rust repair, and its not permanent. Make sure all rust is gone and cut out the old metal and weld in new. Don't cheap out on frame work unless you have a death wish.
Old 08-29-08, 01:03 PM
  #5  
Turbovert done.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
rogrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,046
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by MazdaMike02
Glass is a cheap fix for rust repair, and its not permanent. Make sure all rust is gone and cut out the old metal and weld in new. Don't cheap out on frame work unless you have a death wish.

The rust doesn't effect any main supporting parts.

Thanks for the info guys.
Old 08-29-08, 01:30 PM
  #6  
Crash Auto?Fix Auto.

iTrader: (3)
 
classicauto's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hagersville Ontario
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
You should know (and none of the "body shop emloyees" mentioned) that fiberglass (speaking of real matting and polyester or epoxy resin) will NOT ever form a permanent bond to sheet metal. They're two dissimilar materials with no chemical bond.......you're basically takign the expensive duct tape route by doing what you're doing. It'll hide a hole sure, but its going to provide zero intergrity, won't stop the corrosion (since its behind/inside the chunk you're glassing over) and *will* fall off or seperate eventually.
Old 08-29-08, 01:58 PM
  #7  
Turbovert done.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
rogrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,046
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by classicauto
You should know (and none of the "body shop emloyees" mentioned) that fiberglass (speaking of real matting and polyester or epoxy resin) will NOT ever form a permanent bond to sheet metal. They're two dissimilar materials with no chemical bond.......you're basically takign the expensive duct tape route by doing what you're doing. It'll hide a hole sure, but its going to provide zero intergrity, won't stop the corrosion (since its behind/inside the chunk you're glassing over) and *will* fall off or seperate eventually.

I know in aviation they use honeycomb and zinc sheets to make composite material...but I do feel safer with welding...I just have find a body shop who will do it for not so much.
Old 08-29-08, 02:49 PM
  #8  
4th string e-armchair QB

iTrader: (11)
 
Trots*88TII-AE*'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
even easier then fiberglass while more permanent would be to just rivet some sheet metal on there after cutting out the rusted area, then seam-seal it and/or fiberglass overtop for looks if you want. no need to weld it, structurally it's great.
Old 08-29-08, 03:10 PM
  #9  
Turbovert done.

Thread Starter
iTrader: (11)
 
rogrx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,046
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Trots*88TII-AE*
even easier then fiberglass while more permanent would be to just rivet some sheet metal on there after cutting out the rusted area, then seam-seal it and/or fiberglass overtop for looks if you want. no need to weld it, structurally it's great.

That would probably be worse...specially since I live in florida...
Old 08-29-08, 03:18 PM
  #10  
4th string e-armchair QB

iTrader: (11)
 
Trots*88TII-AE*'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
riveted sheet metal has a great deal more strength then fiberglassing over a rusted hole, and it won't just flake off. You can do whatever you want.
Old 08-29-08, 03:24 PM
  #11  
FC guy

iTrader: (8)
 
Rob XX 7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 8,714
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
your really talking about the floorboards, I have a vert and I know what your talking about. I also have removed all my drain plugs, I figure if water gets in let it get out and let air get in too.

For what your talking about fiberglass will be fine.
Old 08-29-08, 03:29 PM
  #12  
Crash Auto?Fix Auto.

iTrader: (3)
 
classicauto's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hagersville Ontario
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Water will surely get in now that the drains plugs are out
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Turblown
Vendor Classifieds
12
10-17-20 03:25 PM
sukimoto
Rotary Car Performance
3
10-26-15 02:37 PM
NickNac113
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
13
10-01-15 09:25 PM
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
3
09-28-15 09:25 PM



Quick Reply: Is it safe to repair with fiberglass



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 AM.