Hey guys I’m starting on the bodywork on the ‘33 and as I’m sanding down the seams on the roof I’m finding what I can only describe as a soft clay like substance encapsulated in the seems. I assume it’s a bonding agent of some kind that FF uses to adhere the panels. I assume you guys are going to tell me that I need to get all that crap out before I apply a filler. My question is can I expose this unknown substance and let it sit for a while (days/weeks) and hope it dries, can I fill over it (sealing it under the filler) or do I spend god knows how many hours cleaning it out by whatever means necessary? I’m a novice when it comes to fiberglass work and some advice would be appreciated. ThanksIMG_7502.jpgIMG_7503.jpg
1. My big takeaway is knowing when I had run out of talent and needed to bring in professional help.
2. My 2nd big takeaway was putting on way more filler than I needed and sanding it back in an X-Pattern.
3. My final takeaway was to listen to Jeff Kleiner & take his advice because he really, really, really knows his stuff.
And before you get any paint on the roof make sure the front and rear glass fit the openings.
I had to enlarge both of mine to get the glass to fit.
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
I actually really enjoyed working with fiberglass and learning the process. I found it a lot more forgiving then doing metal work, meaning if you screw up just mix up some resin, lay some glass, let it cure and sand / finish. It's definitely a lot messier than metal (lots of dust) but that would be the only negative comment I have about it.
I still like metal work too, but I'm glad the 33 build gave me the experience on fiberglass. I've done a few fiberglass projects since then (built a fiberglass glove box for my 55 F100, did a fountain repair for my wife's flower garden, repaired a bumper on my son's Mitsubishi Lancer, etc.).