I couldn't find a how-to to explain this to me. How does one go about fiberglassing plastic parts? I've read about people doing this many times now and I'm just wondering how easy or hard it is, how much it costs, and of course, how to do it. Any info is great. Thnx
iplaytuba

 

I can help you out with this since I manage a paint and body shop, but I need to know what your goal is first. Fiberglass is sometimes used to repair plastic bumpers and other panels in extreme situations, but you cannot convert a plastic bumper to fiberglass if that is what you are wanting to know. Plastic bumpers are much better than fiberglass ones anyway. They are much easier to repair, do not break nearly as easily and are usually lighter.

 

i think wes talking about out trim peices and center console. wanting to cover those up with fiberglass so its a clean smooth look and not ridged. maybe not but its a guess :P

 

Yeah, that's right. I just heard of some people covering up the plastic parts with fiberglass so that they were nice and smooth. It sounded interesting to me and I'm planning on doing some mods to my car this summer, so I just wanted to know if anyone could explain how to do this.

 

if you want to have the smooth look and you are not changing shape then, take your plastics out of your car. sand them down with 100 grit until the grain is gone. then clean them with a paint prep degreaser. hit them with 2 coats of high build primer. the wet sand with 400 and paint.

if you do want to change the shape.... fiberglass does not bond to plastic. there is a way to go about it, but it will take some explaining....and a few attempts

 

how does one wet sand?

 

you go to autozone/walmart/lowes and get a pack of 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000 wet/dry paper. or just get the 400. get a spray bottle or a small tub and fill with water. without giving yourself and project a bath, and claning the paper often, begin to sand normal. with every few strokes, check your paper and if it looks clogged, rinse

 

It is not wise to ever go below 180 grit on plastics. Anything below that will sevrely chew it up. Trust me. It is very hard to make that crap go away.

 

hey, i donno what the mods are going to say, because i know there isnt one on here yet but there is a REALLY REALLY good how to on j-body.org.. i can send the link to it.. if this is out of line.. just delete thread
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.ph...=74970&t=74970

there are ALOT of pics good luck

 

i have always used 100 grit to knock down the grains of the plastic. never had a problem.