Fibreglass

[MorrisJohn]

This has been discussed before, I'm sure, so sorry if I'm covering old ground. I'm thinking of replacing the rear wings on my 63 minor with fibreglass ones - the old steel ones are full of filler. I'll probably then work my way round and replace the front wings, bonnet and boot with fibreglass too.

The purist in me screams "no!", but it would keep the dreaded rust monster from a good portion of the car.

The underside I'm planning on patching for an MOT then putting it in to have it properly restored section at a time over a year or two - to avoid a one off huge cost. So I can keep using it.

I'm not talking about doing this tomorrow, but I wonder what's involved with fitting fibreglass versus steel? Is it easier? That type of work is beyond me so I was wondering if it'll cost the same or less to replace panels with fibreglass...I'm hoping less as it eliminates some welding.

[Mark Wilson]

The work involved will be the same whether you use steel or fibreglass - unbolting and bolting. What you find underneath is a different matter.....

Mark

[ianmack]

With rear fibreglass wings there are some poor quality ones which are very thin and show little star shaped cracks where stones fly up from the wheel. This can be avoided by adding layers of glass or thick rubbery under seal, but it's probably better to buy thick ones.

[simmitc]

If you have a saloon with lights on the wing, then you will need to run an earth wire rather than relying on the metal of the wing - it may be there already, but who knows that work has been done over the years.

[MorrisJohn]

The inner wings don't look too bad just now. The sills need attention. Should the old outer panels unbolt? They looked to me like they're welded. Can anyone comment on the quality or reputation of JLH?

[ianmack]

The outer wings should unbolt, but after fifty years of tlc anything is possible.

[bmcecosse]

The JLH products are top quality - no worries there. The wings just unbolt -unless some clown has welded them on in the past. Getting the screws out is quite another matter of course !

[MorrisJohn]

Haha thanks guys. Presumably okay to spray new fibreglass wings then before bolting on? I know colours may not match perfectly this way, but for now that's the least of the cars worries.

Added to the 'to do' list. Today's job, replace the very tatty draught excluder at drivers door. Passenger side already done, it's amazing the difference small things make to the look and feel of it.

[bmcecosse]

The wings will be flexed and 'worked' as you struggle to fit them - I would spray after fitting.

[MorrisJohn]

20 minutes well spent this morning.[frame][/frame]

[Redmoggy]

Nothing really wrong with glass panels. However you do need to keep a few things in mind. Glass panels seldom come ready to paint and bolt on. Mounting holes tend to be roughly marked but not drilled same for things like headlamp, indicator and rear lamps. You will need to offer up the panels, line them up and temporarily clamp them to check and mark your mounting holes. When bolting up the panels you will need either large penny washers or flat steel plates behind the bolts to spread the mounting load. Last thing you want is for someone to lean against the car and hear that nasty cracking sound as the mounting flange gives away.

Glass panels however good also tend to be a touch wobbly on the surface. This will show up in your paint finish if not attended to first. Lots of blocking and high build primer will be in your future!

Regards
Rod