Fiberglass repair_DIY or Pro?

[Justin S.]

Above the rear wheel on the B pillar of my '70 I have a puncture a few inches long and about 1/4" deep at the bottom. I've done everything else on the car except the engine machining and was wondering if this was a doable job for me or should I take it to a pro?

[Mark E.]

I can't make out where this is on the car. Would you post more photos? Location and how you feel about the appearance of the backside will determine whether to repair or replace the panel.

Fiberglass repair isn't difficult (much easier than metalwork) but it's important to understand the proper method.

Two suggestions: learn by reading (the '70 CSM is one resource) and watching some YouTube videos; secondly, practice on a scrap body panel before hacking into your car.

[Douglas C.]

Fiberglass is fairly forgivable. If you screw it up, it's fairly easy to grind off the bad repair and do over. Overall, I've found that the paint work, especially color matching paint is more problematic than the actual fiberglass repair. Much depends on where the damage is located and any body lines that have to be reconstructed.

[Justin S.]

Thanks, Gents.

It's on the outer skin of the pillar so the backside is fine.

Would part of the process be to fill in that 1/4" indentation with some other material or would the contents of the repair kit have everything I need.

I'll read the CSM and find some tutorials.

[Mark E.]

Would part of the process be to fill in that 1/4" indentation with some other material or would the contents of the repair kit have everything I need.

Use only fiberglass matting (NOT cloth) and resin.