scootz
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 09:00 PM |
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Joining GRP Panels
I want to make a one-piece body, but I don't have the space to do it in one go.
I don't have a great deal of experience working with GRP, so was wondering if it would be okay to make the four quarters independently and then
join them all... next question I suppose - what would be the best technique for joining GRP panels to maintain strength?
Cheers
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designer
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 09:15 PM |
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You mould a lip at the panel joints and then join by bolting through.
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scootz
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 09:17 PM |
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Was hoping to have smooth seams.
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blakep82
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 09:23 PM |
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if you do it that way you could then fill the seams with filler.
other way i guess is to line all the panels up PERFECTLY, and then layer fibreglass over the inside of the seams. 3 layers. then filler over the top
again
________________________
IVA manual link http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1081997083
don't write OT on a new thread title, you're creating the topic, everything you write is very much ON topic!
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caber
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 09:46 PM |
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Gaffer tape
Caber
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RazMan
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 10:13 PM |
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As above, use the 'glass tape' method. Position panels in a good butt join and apply a 100mm strip of fibreglass mat behind the join. Then
fill the front of the join with filler and sand down to a smooth finish, apply hi-build primer and paint.
*edit* You can always apply flowcoat to the inside when all the joins are done - that will make it opaque, hide the surgery marks and make it a bit
stronger too.
[Edited on 17-10-07 by RazMan]
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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blakep82
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| posted on 17/10/07 at 10:17 PM |
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oooh, and you said about panel strength. get some paper rope, and fibreglass that in to form fibreglass ridges to add some strength
________________________
IVA manual link http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1081997083
don't write OT on a new thread title, you're creating the topic, everything you write is very much ON topic!
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Mave
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| posted on 18/10/07 at 08:13 PM |
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Be carefull with butt-joining two parts together, and only applying glass on the rear. Eventhough you will put filler over the gap, in due time the
gap will work its way through the filler, and show through the paint (at least it does on my car; and the proper filler has been used). Best thing
would be to add a glassfibre strip on both sides.
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Mark.
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| posted on 20/10/07 at 07:38 AM |
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Imagine you are joining heavy steel plate, you would chamfer the edges so you get penetration(ooooerrr ..) same applies with grp. chamfer both edges
then use summat to hold both faces inline but with a wee gap...gel coat the join from the inside so this penetrates the gap...bit like using it as
glue if yer like then lay up the inside with a good over lap but key the matting first and wipe it with acetone or it WILL fall apart.......once cured
the gel coat ridge can be flatted and hopefully polished if the joins are good enough.......easy really
Mark.
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