Fiberglass Repair

[David L.]

Dear old Bubba for some reason decided to cut an opening in the firewall where the fuse panel is located on my 1958. It is almost the size of the fuse panel. I'd like to fill the opening so it is original in appearance and without the backside of the fuse panel exposed. I plan to disconnect the harness fore of the firewall and pull it all back under the dash. My question is, "How do I fill this large opening?" My gut instinct is to work from the engine side of the firewall. I will need some type of backing under the dash side to work forward. What is an easy, proven method to correct this problem? Thanks, David 5133

[Mike M.]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

i use the aluminum sticky tape used in heating and air cond ductwork. it flexes very little. mike

[Ray C.]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

I would clean the edges and then hollow grind or taper away from the opening by at least one inch around the opening. (one side only) I then take plastic packaging tape and cover a piece of cardboard from the back of a writing tablet. Tape the cardboard firmly to the firewall over the hole on the opposite of the taper. Cut three pieces of glass matting (not the screen type) increasing the size until the third piece is the size of the tapered opening. Mix your fiberglass resin and coat the taper edges. Secure the smallest piece of mat and coat with resin. Repeat the process until the three pieces are used. After the resin has cured, sand the tapered side until you have a flat surface. Remove the cardboard, and hollow grind the opposite side of the repair. Then repeat the process until it rises slightly above the panel. Block sand to even. You can use plastic filler on the engine firewall side and cover with blackout paint.

Ray

[David L.]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

Thanks Mike and Ray. This gives me an excellent starting point. David

[Dennis A.]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

David....
I have used vinyl shelf lining material for a bridge support. It is strong and, smooth and pliable....be sure to fiberglass mat...not cloth.

[David L.]

Re: Fiberglass Repair

Dennis, Fiberglass mat it is! Thanks for the vinyl shelf lining material tip. David