A few minutes ago, I was sanding away the loose chunks of material on the hood of my '86 GT in preparation for restoring the original contours and applying paint products. In the process, between the paint/primer and the stranded 'glass, I noticed what appeared to be a layer of gelcoat. Is this correct, factory work, or a prior owner's (or shop's) attempt at a repair? Just want to know before I proceed. Thanks in advance - Chris
Post a pic of what you are coming across. I don't remember the SMC having a Gel coat, but it has been a while since I painted one, namely my 1985 Fiero. Man I miss that car; only had 4 cylinder but paid $1800 for 18k miles on it back in early 1990's.
What image-hosting site works best with this forum and a Samsung Galaxy? And then, how does one throw pics on a post here?
Past a reply and then use the image uploader button. You can also go to the red/white/blue button at the bottom of the page and post using the PFF internal poster but there are size limits. I suggest using the Upload Image button is both easier and quicker.
That mystery layer must be some type of Gel coat to give a flat surface for paint application. I can't remember the SMC finish and if was rough like fiberglass.
I worked in a Chevrolet plastics plant for a few years where SMC van engine covers and Mailbu and Monte Carlo noses were molded out of SMC. Although it was fairly rough and the fiberglass was visible when the strips were put into the molds they came out relatively smooth after the pressure and heat were applied. They were nowhere near as smooth as the nylon Fiero quarters I later ran at the Pontiac pressed metal plant out of Dupont Bexloy nylon from 85-88 though.
Thanks, all so far. I'm curious as to whether fiberglass resin would work as a substitute for whatever this stuff is. Removing the chunks of it left about a 3/16" dip in my hood...
The '"material in question" looks like fiberglass resin to me. Is it clear looking & produces white dust when ground? If so that's NOT the proper way to fix SMC. If I were you I'd scrap that hood & find a replacement - unless it's just a small area then you can grind it out & use SMC filler to repair it.. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
What you need to do is first sand off all the paint to see if there are other areas like this. Then, grind out all the non-factory filler including the resin with a 24 grit disc & see what's under all that. If it's really deep (& only in that one place), fill it using SMC compatible resin & fiberglass mat, using a roller to smooth it out & remove the air bubbles. Grind that flat with 24 grit & smooth out with 'Vette panel adhesive/filler. If it's not too deep, just smooth it out with the filler. If it's widespread damage, find another hood. HTH, ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
Let's see how this shows up. 4 separate layers. Hope this gives an idea of what I'm looking at...
