Author Topic: Repairing a cracked fender (Read 12763 times)

Vanguard · « **on:** March 14, 2011, 05:07:47 PM »

Well after the huge saga of a dealership denying to repair some broken fenders, I'm left out on my own. I was going to leave it and just move on, but I think I might try to use some sort of epoxy on the back side of the fender to seal it back up and then something to fill in the crack on the front side. I have a brother who works at a paint shop who can touch it up no problem.

So...what kind of glue/epoxy/etc. should I try to locate to do this job? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Uranium-238 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:18:11 PM »

Bondo?

idkfa · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:25:27 PM »

I always thought there was some plastic-y patch stuff that would work. Haven't looked though.

snaponbob · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:28:48 PM »

Bondo will not hold well on the Sky fenders. Even glass cloth and resin is iffy. I had broken fenders and bought a pair off e-bay. Here is the listings - if he has some in your color, you can just bolt them up !! The came directly from the parts bins at the Wilmington plant. http://stores.ebay.com/ICS-Auto-Parts/Solstice-Sky-Opel-GT-Parts-/_i.html?_nkw=Sky+fender&submit=Search&_fsub=1563618016&_sid=297930046 Take a look.

Vanguard · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:42:22 PM »

Yeah SOB, I checked them out the *last* time I had broken fenders. At this point, I don't have the $400+ to get new fenders. I'd rather just patch it up for now so I don't lose a huge chunk of plastic while driving down the road.

marlboromike · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:45:01 PM »

I would put away 2 fenders as spares...but the plastic can be repaired if cracked...It is called arc welding for plastic....it is a similiar process as arc welding on steel. Your collision shop should have it. It is usually done for bumper covers.

Uranium-238 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:47:00 PM »

Our Sky fenders are fiberglass though...

Critterman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2011, 05:48:15 PM »

Van if you find a solution let me know. At least I can't see it with the hood down.

snaponbob · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:19:12 PM »

Quote from: Vanguard on March 14, 2011, 05:42:22 PM

Yeah SOB, I checked them out the *last* time I had broken fenders. At this point, I don't have the $400+ to get new fenders. I'd rather just patch it up for now so I don't lose a huge chunk of plastic while driving down the road.

This is going to be a matter of how anal you are going to be about the repair. ANYBODY that can PROPERLY repair a crack in a Corvette body will be able to fix the fenders. As is ALWAYS true with projects like this, it is all about preparation, preparation, preparation. You may want to have a single layer of glass fiber cloth on the outside, a few layers on the inside, and some good finish work on the outside to have a smooth surface for paint. Done well, you will never know there was a repair. ANY good auto paint supply store can mix a batch of base coat that will be a dead match.

The NEXT move would be to buy some BWM jacking pucks for the front jack points. Mine were installed 3 years ago and are still in place. When the fenders are finished, have a small black stripe painted where the jacking puck in installed so people know where to place the jack.

HTH.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:20:07 PM »

John, buy the plastic welder from Harbor Freight

snaponbob · « **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:29:00 PM »

Quote from: DeepBlueGXP on March 14, 2011, 07:20:07 PM

John, buy the plastic welder from Harbor Freight

As 238 said, it isn't plastic. So ............ who has tried a plastic welder on Sky fenders? (As a Snap-On dealer, I sold plastic welders and they seemed okay for just that.)

Critterman · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:34:23 PM »

Are we all talking about the same thing I don't think so. I'm talking about the plastic liners over the front wheels, I think SOB is talking about the pieces on the side. Not sure what the OP was/is talking about.

Joe I'm thinking about it.

snaponbob · « **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:35:55 PM »

Well, hell !!!!!!!!!!!!! They are $40 each !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vanguard · « **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:50:21 PM »

Right now, I just want to make it sturdy enough so if I go to an autocross and clip a cone it won't obliterate my fender.

That brings up another good point...what kind of tape should I use to protect these areas?

snaponbob · « **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:04:18 PM »

Quote from: Vanguard on March 14, 2011, 07:50:21 PM

Right now, I just want to make it sturdy enough so if I go to an autocross and clip a cone it won't obliterate my fender.

That brings up another good point...what kind of tape should I use to protect these areas?

Let's answer a question --- FENDER or fender LINER ?!?!?!?

Assuming we are talking about a fender, do the "sandwich" like I suggested. If it isn't done well, plan on disappointment. Want to know how I know?

Vanguard · « **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:20:59 PM »

We are talking fender. SOB, where can I find this fiberglass cloth?

SHiNY · « **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:27:07 PM »

I know you're not looking to spend that much money, but for future reference DDM sells Sky fenders

Vanguard · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:35:47 PM »

Yeah, I looked at them too. Matter of fact, the first time my fenders cracked, I told the place that was replacing them of ICS and DDM, but they would not go through them because they were not certified to do as such.

marlboromike · « **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2011, 10:16:34 PM »

Quote from: snaponbob on March 14, 2011, 07:29:00 PM

As 238 said, it isn't plastic. So ............ who has tried a plastic welder on Sky fenders? (As a Snap-On dealer, I sold plastic welders and they seemed okay for just that.)

Why r u members so dumb...I told u I had it done. It is stronger than the original fender and u cannot tell the difference. Do all of you like to hear yourself post.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2011, 10:57:43 PM »

Quote from: marlboromike on March 14, 2011, 05:45:01 PM

I would put away 2 fenders as spares...but the plastic can be repaired if cracked...It is called arc welding for plastic....it is a similiar process as arc welding on steel. Your collision shop should have it. It is usually done for bumper covers.

Quote from: marlboromike on March 14, 2011, 10:16:34 PM

Why r u members so dumb...I told u I had it done. It is stronger than the original fender and u cannot tell the difference. Do all of you like to hear yourself post.

MM,
I REALLY hope this post was supposed to have a sarcasm smiley on it.

As for "you've done it before" What exactly have you done? You state that the PLASTIC can be repaired, yet the part in question is NOT plastic. So, what are you talking about and "why are you being so obtuse?"

GJ
Shawshank

marlboromike · « **Reply #20 on:** March 15, 2011, 12:49:32 AM »

Quote from: Gentleman Jack on March 14, 2011, 10:57:43 PM

MM,
I REALLY hope this post was supposed to have a sarcasm smiley on it.

As for "you've done it before" What exactly have you done? You state that the PLASTIC can be repaired, yet the part in question is NOT plastic. So, what are you talking about and "why are you being so obtuse?"

GJ
Shawshank

Whatever material that fender is made from...it can be made stronger than the original...the arc weld for plastic was done on my car...painted and stronger than before, allegedly...u cannot tell the difference between new and repaired...and if u r talking about the wheel well..then I am stupid.

What else don't u understand...

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #21 on:** March 15, 2011, 01:43:39 AM »

Quote from: marlboromike on March 15, 2011, 12:49:32 AM

Whatever material that fender is made from...it can be made stronger than the original...the arc weld for plastic was done on my car...painted and stronger than before, allegedly...u cannot tell the difference between new and repaired...and if u r talking about the wheel well..then I am stupid.

What else don't u understand...

I guess I'm confused as to how a plastic welder can be used to repair fiberglass as I have never heard of this before. I'm not saying it's not possible, just something I didn't know worked. The plastic weld must somehow bond to the fiberglass and then be able to be sanded and painted while remaining flexible and strong like the fiberglass. If that works

And nobody called you stupid.

GJ

marlboromike · « **Reply #22 on:** March 15, 2011, 05:38:09 AM »

I am ALWAYS RIGHT except when I am WRONG

smartin · « **Reply #23 on:** March 15, 2011, 08:59:19 AM »

I can vouch for that. ^^^

Rogue · « **Reply #24 on:** March 15, 2011, 11:52:40 AM »

The fender is most likely made of GRP (glass reinforced plastic). It's similar to, but not exactly the same as fiberglass. It can be easily repaired by layering glass fiber and the appropriate resin on the backside. Any good local auto paint/collison repair supply house ought to be able to set you up with the correct supplies.

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Author Topic: Repairing a cracked fender (Read 12763 times)