Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

[Gabriel D.]

Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible. How complicated would it be to make this repair? Any idea how much labor involved or cost to correct this 3-4 Inch crack that seems to be coming apart at the bonding strip?

Somebody said front springs could be getting compressed And that may have caused this problem?

[Richard M.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Gabriel,

I suspect that area was a prior repair. The top surround was one piece, so that area appears to be from a left front hit at one time.

Evidence may be seen with hood open and a mirror or borescope.

Regardless, it could be quite a task to correct. No idea of time or cost until further evaluation.

Where are you located?

Rich

[Harry S.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Rich, I just looked at Gabriel's profile. He is in Rhode Island and joined NCRS yesterday, July 11th.

Gabriel, there are Corvette restoration shops in the New England area.

Take a look at the New England Chapter www.newenglandncrs.org for contacts

[Gerald C.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Gabriel,

Welcome to NCRS! Don't hesitate to post any questions you may have on your Corvette. This group has been very helpful to its members over the years!

[Gabriel D.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Thank you!

[Ronald L.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

I have the Same Split on a no-hit otherwise perfect 66 body survivor, original coat of silver AOL body.

So curious how it really happened, and more of how to repair this corner so it doesn't come apart in the future?

[Gabriel D.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Somebody told me could be because of front spring compression?

[Gabriel D.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Picture of the crack on your car.

[Mark M.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

I would take the front left tire off and look for any evidence of the tire hitting the body. Too big of a tire could be issue. The crack looks to be at the joint of the hood surround and parking light panels on the backing strip. Also check the front body and radiator mounts for issues. The radiator core support may have dropped as they rust and the weight could cause a crack in that area.

[Gabriel D.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

I checked inside the left front fender and no issues with the tire hitting the fender. Radiator core support is good, wondering if the car just sags a little with age putting stress on that corner.

[Richard M.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Thanks Harry, on my cell it's awkward to navigate the list.


Gabriel, Spring sag mostly affects ride height only. Body flex might happen if aggressive manouvers happened like in Dukes-of-Hazard, but who knows.

There are 2 vertical support bars from lower outer radiator support to the inside headlight bucket openings. Check those out to see if present and not bent.

Again, see if you can see just behind the cracked area.

But, now I realize this is under the surround. I thought it was on top. Hard to view on the cell.

A few photos right behind the crack will be tough to get. A borescope video might be a way.

Either way, to repair it would mean removing bumpers and grille so hands could get in there.

If it's at the bonding strip joint maybe a 3M 8115 epoxy nozzle could fit in there and some clamping could re-bond it.

Rich

[Ronald L.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Stock 66 rims - no hit - remember no hit means never ever nothing.
And to rationalize physics, how would an oversized tire -- and or failed spring allowing the tire to contact the top surround or fender skirt affect the nose?

The fender skirt is bonded to the front lamp panel, the hood surround and the fender quarter at the bottom, with rubber isolation front and rear to the top hood surround cap.

If the tire was to hit something its not the nose.
I'd expect lots of damage to the fender inner skirt and fwiw the top cap is too far away to get into it.

[Tom E.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Interesting to note in the last photo that paint appears to be in the bonded area in some locations leading me to believe the separation began a long time ago and perhaps it’s a stress fracture from body flex over many working cycles. When I restored my 67 I found one of the rear fender inner supports near the antenna had separated on the lower 4 inches. As Richard stated I clamped it with 3M epoxy and it’s still holding.
Tom

[Mark M.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

Ronald I've seen more than one c2 with oversize tire that would only hit the outer edge of front fender while turning and suspension moving up as pulling in a driveway. There is a rubbing sound and I've seen damage to the body. It could stress a weak area.

[Gabriel D.]

Re: Fiberglass repair question on 65 convertible

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