bassett
|
| posted on 21/10/08 at 09:34 PM |
|
|
Fine GRP cracks
Hi, im looking for some advice on what to do with my body. ive made some holes for exhausts and suspension and since re fitted the body. What ive
noticed is 2 hair line cracks in the gel coat on the exhaust hole. I remember being told to drill the very end of the crack to stop it spreading, is
this correct or is there a better method? I think the area is currently stressed so once thats sorted il make the holes bigger as they were far to
small for the exhausts.
cheers
Adam
My MNR Blog Updated Jan 2010 - Track Day Prep Begins!
|
|
|
|
|
maartenromijn
|
| posted on 22/10/08 at 06:35 AM |
|
|
Hi
Are the hairlaine cracks in the gelcoat only, or in the fibre as well? (that wouldn't be a hairline crack, would it?? )
A manufacterer of GRP freefall lifeboats told met that hairline cracks in gelcoat do not affect the strength of the GRP. It must be said it was a
Chinese manufacturer
For the esthetic part, I would widen the crack and fill it up with raisin. Paint the small damages and ready.
Cheers
 
Rescued attachment Resize of DSC_0209klein.JPG
BLOG: http://thunderroad-super7.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
Mr Whippy
|
| posted on 22/10/08 at 12:13 PM |
|
|
The cracks don't have any influence on the strength of a panel, gel coat cracks very easily which is why I use filler rather than gel coat if
making a new panel. Like you say drilling a hole at the end will stop it spreading but paint will never cover the crack it will just reappear in a few
weeks or less. If you have a painted car then cut a groove and use filler to fill in or if not painted do the same but use gel coat instead of the
filler and sand then t-cut back to a polish.
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
|
|
|
bassett
|
| posted on 22/10/08 at 01:42 PM |
|
|
cheers im actually thinking as we need to make the hole larger i could drill the end of the crack(just in the gelcoat) and then cut the hole outwards.
maartenromijn why would i want to put raisins on my car i dont want to eat it
My MNR Blog Updated Jan 2010 - Track Day Prep Begins!
|
|
|
BenB
|
| posted on 22/10/08 at 01:57 PM |
|
|
The crack will extend through the gelcoat. A small drill at the very end (preferably slightly countersunk with a bigger drill) will stop the crack
spreading...
|
|
|
MakeEverything
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 11:46 AM |
|
|
Just get a gelcoat repair kit, and follow the instructions.
Ive used this on boats, and it works fine.
Kindest Regards,
Richard.
...You can make it foolProof, but youll never make it Idiot Proof!...
|
|
|
