[DeTomaso] Suggestions on how to repair cracks in the fiberglass in a door panel

MikeLDrew at aol.com MikeLDrew at aol.com
Tue Jul 10 05:20:00 EDT 2012


In a message dated 7/9/12 13 32 20, kenn_green at yahoo.com writes:


> I was given a couple door panels (previous owner lost the panels for my 
> car) and they have small small cracks in the fiberglass.  I know I can 
> always slap a layer or two of fiberglass onto the door side, but am wondering if 
> there is a really good adhesive out their that I can just force into the 
> cracks and be done?
> 

>>>People destroy these door panels by over-tightening the screws that hold 
them to the door frame.   The vertical distance between the top and bottom 
of the panel is greater than the distance from the top and bottom of the 
door frame, and if you tighten all the screws, you pinch the panel and wreck 
it.   

The key is to install all the bottom screws FIRST, and tighten them all the 
way, which raises the bottom of the panel up in contact with the door.   
Then work your way around to the top, and when you install those screws, just 
make them snug--do NOT tighten them down and distort the panel.

As to your question, I had a completely thrashed pair of panels because a 
prior owner didn't know about this procedure.   I got some thin sheet 
aluminum, bent it to the proper shape, then lined the inside of the panel to make 
the top of the panel shaped appropriately, and bonded it with contact cement, 
then held it all together with clamps until it dried.   Worked perfectly. :>
)

Mike


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