C2 Replacing Body Panels

[George C.]

I have a cracked right rear quarter on my 65 roadster. I am tring to decide if I should try to fix the crack or replace the panel. The crack is about 2-3 inches long right in the center of the wheel well opening, it runs perpendicular to the wheel opening. I have read some articles on repair and feathering around the crack, but the panel isn't very thinck and I don't know how succesfull this will be. The panel may be a replacement already, the runs around the bonding strip look to sloppy to be factory. Can someone share a photo of a factory installation on the bonding strip?

Thank you,

George

#36809

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: C2 Replacing Body Panels

I'm not sure of your question. When you say runs around the bonding strip are you talking about on the inside of the wheel well opening and do you mean runs of bonding adhesive? If so, there can be lots of gobs of adhesive squeezed out along the bonding strip. If your crack is only 2-3 inches long, repair it properly and you will be way ahead. Review one of the fiberglass repair books like Ecklers for proper repair techniques.

[George C.]

Re: C2 Replacing Body Panels

Scott,

Sorry for the confusion, yes my question was about the gobs of adhesive running out below the bonding strips. Thank you for the response, I have read several how to articles, my biggest concern is tapering the good glass because the panel doesn't appear to be more than about 1/8 of in inch thick. Everything I read says you need multiple layers of cloth or mat to retain the strength, and I don't want to end up with a butchered look inside the fender.

Thank you for the response,

George