I have 3 hardtops. The "glazing" has worn off and all have a rough almost pebbley texture. The fibers are not showing through. They are not cracked or chipped. Are these restorable? Thanks
Hardtop Restoration
- Thread starter tstepp920
- Start date
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That sounds like what mine looked like after it was blasted. Scary rough. The body shop put a lot of time into it, and it turned out beautiful. I dont know exactly what he did, but I think most shops that have repaired fiberglass cars could handle it. I wish I had a picture of it prior to going to the body shop. It had holes, gouges, etc.
I'd take it to a boat shop and have them reglaze it.
Or it you're on a budget, fill and paint. I painted mine, but it was in decent shape. It only had a small hole in it which some body filler easily took care of. If I get access to a good compressor, I'll sand it all the way down and repaint it. Some of the POs paint was poorly applied and cracking.
I've done a lot of smaller scale work in fiberglass, and it wouldn't be that hard to DIY a repair with resin if it needs major work. If the shape is there, anything can be repaired in glass.
Or it you're on a budget, fill and paint. I painted mine, but it was in decent shape. It only had a small hole in it which some body filler easily took care of. If I get access to a good compressor, I'll sand it all the way down and repaint it. Some of the POs paint was poorly applied and cracking.
I've done a lot of smaller scale work in fiberglass, and it wouldn't be that hard to DIY a repair with resin if it needs major work. If the shape is there, anything can be repaired in glass.
- Thread starter
- #4
What kind of money did it take to make it all pretty again. Yours looks sweet
I wonder if anyone has ever gel coated their fiberglass top?
Gel coat is the proper way to fix them. it has been done. I couldn't think of the term for it.
You don't need to gel coat. Fill any pits with either bondo or epoxy glue. Get some good 2 part epoxy primer (catalyzed) and shoot an even coat on it. It will get really hard after it dries. Scuff it with some 400 grit wet/dry sand paper and then shoot a color coat of single stage catalyzed urethane over that. Nason brand works just fine. You will have a nice glossy top. Don't shoot the color coat in direct sunlight or it will dry as it hits the surface. Any time you shoot catalyzed paint you need to wear a good charcoal filter mask and have adequate ventilation. Harbor Freight sells the filter masks for about $20.
I am also trying to restore my hardtop. I used citristrip to remove what appears to be two layers of paint, the beige rough textured paint put on by the PO and a white layer which i presume was OEM, which reveals a hard smooth gray surface. Is this the gel coat, or did I go too far? I have read all of the threads on here and it is confusing as to whether a gel coat only is needed, or whether paint is needed over gel coat, or what.
As long as you don't sand all the way down what you basically are looking for is a smooth surface.
Once you have that, then determine what materials are showing, if you've got some paint and bare fiberglass it'd be good to seal it with an epoxy dealer then prime and paint. If you haven't gotten all the way through the paint though the sealer isn't needed!
Once you have that, then determine what materials are showing, if you've got some paint and bare fiberglass it'd be good to seal it with an epoxy dealer then prime and paint. If you haven't gotten all the way through the paint though the sealer isn't needed!
Maybe search the net for some examples and more detailed descriptions of the process.
Here's one I found searching for "refinishing fiberglass fenders"
Fiberglass Preparation - Paint How To - Rod and Custom Magazine
Whether your refinishing wood, fiberglass or metal the key is proper surface preparation.
Here's one I found searching for "refinishing fiberglass fenders"
Fiberglass Preparation - Paint How To - Rod and Custom Magazine
Whether your refinishing wood, fiberglass or metal the key is proper surface preparation.
I am also trying to get smarter in this unchartered territory. My roof has a big gash in it, that isn't helping keep water out.
Here's one of the more informative videos I've found on fiberglass repairs and prep. Sadly he doesn't get into painting it though.
hTH
Here's one of the more informative videos I've found on fiberglass repairs and prep. Sadly he doesn't get into painting it though.
hTH
