The Gap Between The Bed and Body ..................

[Joe-405]

I have marine epoxied the bed to the body and bolted it for safety. Now i need to know what you guys use to fill the "gap" between the 2 pieces. I did make a groove in it before mating the 2 together. And will use a triangular circular sanding bit to make it uniform before filling it.

Do i need bondo hair or regular bondo or ???

 

[old round fart]

Joe, sand the gellcoat off the two surfaces and apply fiberglass mat to bridge the gap.

 

[Joe-405]

Ok this is where i was confused................. Do i sand just the top layer off or go all the way to the fiberglass ?

ON fiberglass bodies isnt there 3 layers..............

1. fiberglass
2. body filler
3. gel coat for the top layer

 

[2old2fast]

Generally , outer layer is gel coat , inner is resin&glass fiber=fiberglass . Sand off the gelcoat & a LITTLE f'bglass, then cut your mat [couple layers should be enough] and imbed it w/resin in the area you're repairing [ don't use too much resin , just enough to saturate the mat] after that kicks , scuff w/ some 80 grit & finish shape w filler [bondo]. when you get it smoothed out , prime & paint !

dave

 

[Joe-405]

Between the 2 of you i got it now. Thanks.

 

[2old2fast]

Keep in mind that ANY exposed glass fiber must be covered w/ filler before you prime , otherwise ,in time it will show through your paint .
Same for "kitty hair" filler , it must be buried [which is why I don't like it !]
dave

 

[Joe-405]

I dont have enough room to cover the fibers. If i sand it off it will be gone ! Can i just fill it with filler then ?

 

[B.C.]

Gel is a polyester and so is the resin that bonds the fiberglass together there is no need to sand all the gel off.

 

[old round fart]

That is good to know. I always thought the gel was to help separate the part from the mold and release agent.

 

[Joe-405]

I dont pay attention to Doctors much. lol i got bored and i did not go over my weight limit doing what i was doing so i finished the mating ritual between body and bed !

 

[Joe-405]

for those wondering what i used....................................

DURAGLAS®
Duraglas® Fiberglass Filled Filler. Duraglas® body filler is the original fiberglass reinforced automotive body repair filler. Formulated with short-strand fiberglass fibers, Duraglas provides ultimate strength and durability on rust-outs, holes, tears and cracks. Ideal for use on metal and fiberglass panels.

• #1 Short-strand fiberglass filled body filler
• Reinforced for superior strength
• Use with fiberglass cloth for large repairs
• Rustproof. Waterproof.