70 Minor under body rear deck fiberglass work

[Bill L.]

70 Convertible had a luggage rack at one time. The repairs were done from the top only and are easy to see from underneath.

I have become pretty good at fiberglass repair and dying the glass to match pretty close. However, the fiberglass becomes quite warm as it cures as a result of the chemical reaction.

If I try and glass the holes underneath, what are the chances that the heat will cause the existing repair to perhaps sag and show the holes that were repaired from the top? The existing repairs are very old and in good shape. Whoever did the old work glassed in the repairs with the right stuff.

I know this should have been done before painting but as a result of my lack of experience I did not even think of repairing the underneath side.

I also realize I can leave it, but I have the gas tank out so now would be the time to fix it.

Thanks, Bill

[Edward J.]

Re: 70 Minor under body rear deck fiberglass work

Bill, I would not take a chance, it could blister the paint while the fiberglass is curing. and if the repair that was done has stood the all the years I would leave well enough alone. maybe it bothers you to much take some fiberglass reinforced bondo and skim coat it that stuff does not have the curing temp as the resins.

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 Minor under body rear deck fiberglass work

Hi Bill,
I agree that leaving well enough alone is probably the best thing to do.
It was explained to me that since Bondo or similar fillers are a different material than the fiberglass/resin bodies it heat/cools and expands/contracts at a slightly different rate than the body and thus when used as part of the luggage rack mount hole repair can contribute to the rings you sometimes see.
I believe the best hole repairs are done with fiberglass and resin ONLY, in v'd out areas, on both sides of the rear deck.
You might actually be making what seems like a good situation for you now... not so good!
Regards,
Alan

[Bill L.]

Re: 70 Minor under body rear deck fiberglass work

I guess it was a bit of a rhetorical question. I just drove me nuts when I took picture and BAM!, There wee the holes.

I may try dapping in a little flat dark gray primer to disguise them a bit.

Thanks as always.


Bill