C2 underbody finish

[Julio G.]

Good morning Gents,

I'm restoring my 66 roadster and I had the body soda blasted, including the underside. I realize the correct appearance for judging is the fiberglass as it left the molds with occasional spots of black out and bonding adhesive, I would like to somehow seal up the exposed fiberglass without losing originality. What's the best method everyone is using out there? Can I spray a light coat of the correct gray gel coat? Put a light coat of dull clear coat on? Perhaps a light coat of clear finishing resin?
Any advice for a properly NCRS restored car from anyone who's had similar experience would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Julio

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio,
What is your thought process on wanting to seal up the exposed fiberglass? Do you plan on driving your restored car in inclement weather when finished? If not, and this is going to be a fair weather driver, there is no need to seal up the exposed fiberglass...it will outlive all of us.

[Al R.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Leif, depending on where he lives, you never know when those afternoon storms may pop up and ketch ya. But I agree with you, if there are no spots where the fiberglass is damaged or showing signs of road wear, why seal it?

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Thanks for your input guy's. The only time I plan to get the car wet is when I wash it, however I am just worried about staining the glass from road grime and oil and so on, glass is quite pourus when exposed. Wouldn't the factory finish be the gray gel coat though? At least the reproduction parts I've ordered have that gray gel coat in and out. Just curious.
Thank you,
Julio

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Mid years never used gel coat. And your overthink all this. It lasted 50 odd years without any paint it will last a few more. If it makes you fell better you could spray a dull clear coat. But if judging is in your future expect point loss or two

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

The soda blasted fiberglass if it looks “rough” is destroyed as far as looking original. The unaltered surface should be smooth and exhibit the rosin and fibers as quite smooth and not pores or gritty looking. What is your like?

Hopefully it is smooth. If it’s not as above just leave it be.

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Hi Gene,

its not horrible, in fact the soda blasting is quite nice, but it could use a little attention. I was considering mixing up some grey tinted resin and apply it lightly and squeegee it off for a smooth factory finish. I'm guessing this will get it as close to factory as possible.

regards,
Julio

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Problem with gray tint is it colors over the glass strands too which are white and then.............. deduction.

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

I'll opt for a clear resin then. Should do the trick.

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio have you tried the clear on a small area to see what that looks like? I am thinking the resin will be a lot of work unless you have the body upside down and how can you get it to flow out, you only have a short work period before it hardens.

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Hi Edward,
i will have the body upside down, I'll do a quick test in the tunnel. If it produces desirable results I will evenly distribute the resin with a bondo squeegee, leaving a fine coat and removing excess. Should be able to do it in a gallon. It's cold in Oregon right now, pit life should be around 25 minutes or so. I will try and post pictures when the time comes.
regards,
Julio

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio

Are you pleased with the result of the soda blasting? More importantly, is your painter?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio

Are you pleased with the result of the soda blasting? More importantly, is your painter?

Thanks,

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

yes I think it turned out well and I think overall he was happy with the results. Just make sure they go easy on it. The body is all in primer now awaiting paint.
Julio

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio,
Did you have any pictures of the underside after applying the clear resin? Would be interesting to see how that turned out.

[Julio G.]

Re: C2 underbody finish

Julio,
Did you have any pictures of the underside after applying the clear resin? Would be interesting to see how that turned out.