So I have a 96 Chevy Cavi covt. I tossed on a full body kit, but I have done well some...non paying attention and I have hit a few parking place dividers. nevertheless the end result was unfortunately this giant crack on my bumper. I would like to patch it other than replace it... Anyone know of any good ways about doing this? I am trying to get my car ready for a Halloween car show. and I've got like..3 cracks longest one is 7" probably. Any positive comments would be greatly appreciated, I'm a big DIY-er Thanks!
Ashton Wayne
Take the bumper off and get it to where the gaps are gone, whether by it's own natural weight or clamps. Sand the backside down some to scuff it up. Use fiberglass mat and resin, put a layer of resin down or soak the mat and put it in place, put another layer on top, and coat over it. Use a third layer and blend everything together with resin. Don't go any more layers than that or else it won't cure properly, or could harden too quickly. Use a lightweight filler in front to fix the crack, let it dry, use a glaze to hit any pinholes, sand, prime, paint, enjoy.
Lanman31337 - Cavfire wrote:Take the bumper off and get it to where the gaps are gone, whether by it's own natural weight or clamps. Sand the backside down some to scuff it up. Use fiberglass mat and resin, put a layer of resin down or soak the mat and put it in place, put another layer on top, and coat over it. Use a third layer and blend everything together with resin. Don't go any more layers than that or else it won't cure properly, or could harden too quickly. Use a lightweight filler in front to fix the crack, let it dry, use a glaze to hit any pinholes, sand, prime, paint, enjoy.
That's the jist of it, but you can add more layers to the back after it cools and you scuff it up again. Also drilling small holes around the crack will help the resin hold to the existing fiberglass.
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
Also, drill a hole in the ends of each crack, this will help it from cracking further and lifting your new glass work
Know what else works well too? Use a little piece of screen door screen.
Thanks guys, all sounds great. I just need to get some time in when I can remove the bumpers but it sounds pretty easy of a process. Thanks this will save me a lot of money.
would 'kitty hair' filler do a better job for the filler step?
Familiar Taste of Poison.
z yaaaa wrote:would 'kitty hair' filler do a better job for the filler step?
Depends on how deep the area is that you need to fill. Kitty hair(Duraglass) is a heavy filler and is only good for 1" to 1/4" deep spots. You'll want to use a light weight filler for anything from 1/4" - 1/8" or less. Finally a glazing putty to get everything perfectly smooth.
If the numbers are not exact forgive me, i dont have my notebook with me ATM.
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
Also, stay away from cheap fillers...they are harder to sand and are usually a bit more brittle when cured. I only use Rage Extreme from Evercoat...a bit costly but it has great results.
I was looking at going with 3M/1 qt. Bondo-Glass fiberglass reinforced filler from Autozone I've never fiberglassed, this will be my first project. I have about 3 cracks on the front bumper and 1 on the rear I need to get fixed.
how about fixing this? its my hood, its got cracks
Ashton Thomas wrote:I was looking at going with 3M/1 qt. Bondo-Glass fiberglass reinforced filler from Autozone I've never fiberglassed, this will be my first project. I have about 3 cracks on the front bumper and 1 on the rear I need to get fixed.
That's filler not fiberglass. You need the the actual fiberglass resin and chop mat(it is stronger than the cloth). Stippling(tapping the wet fiberglass mat) will be your best technique. You'll also need a few cheap paint burshes(the foam brushed wont work).
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
Okay cool deal, I'll just have to go to like Napa or autozone and tell em what I need. Get the stuff, cause I wanna get it fixed soon. It looks like I'm gonna have to remove my fenders to actully pull the bumper off.
Tinkles wrote:Ashton Thomas wrote:I was looking at going with 3M/1 qt. Bondo-Glass fiberglass reinforced filler from Autozone I've never fiberglassed, this will be my first project. I have about 3 cracks on the front bumper and 1 on the rear I need to get fixed.
That's filler not fiberglass. You need the the actual fiberglass resin and chop mat(it is stronger than the cloth). Stippling(tapping the wet fiberglass mat) will be your best technique. You'll also need a few cheap paint burshes(the foam brushed wont work).
the cloth is actually stronger then the mat but for this pourpose it wont really be a big deal.
as said, use a decent filler and fiberglass if u can cheaper stuff shrinks more and is TONS harder to sand out. evercoat makes great product.
make sure you drill the hole at the end of your crack as said, if not chances are when your done and driving around the crack will start up again.
and you shouldnt have to remove the fenders. bumper should come off fine with the bumper on. ive taken mine off problaby 50x
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sndsgood wrote:
the cloth is actually stronger then the mat but for this pourpose it wont really be a big deal.
I was taught(and it makes since to me) that the mat is stronger due to the random orientation of the strands.
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
That is very true. Cloth goes all in one direction, mat is random and itertwines with the rest of the mat. Cloth however is good for wrapping things.
