Author Topic: Cracking Interior Panels (Read 803 times)

James Meter · « **on:** October 18, 2012, 10:34:55 PM »

Not quite sure the material they're made of..mabye fiberglass.
Both inside panels beside the rear fold down seat and the hatch got removed for the cleaning of rat's nests and started chracking [sound..no real cracks] as I carried them. I aussume that it's due to age and because they're fiberglass POS's..yeah..I hate the crap.

Is this somthin I audda worry about when they're getting re-installed?

Thanks!

TIGGER · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2012, 11:39:46 PM »

Most are made from plastic. Are yours sun baked? I have had some that cracked because they were brittle from baking in the sun for many years.

James Meter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2012, 11:11:06 PM »

I think it is? they're badly faded, and do kinda strike me as sun rot now that I think bout it. ....Think a nice coat of Krylon would be a fix?

Pinto5.0 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:07:47 PM »

Baked panels are pretty much garbage. They are as fragile as graham crackers & scratch easily(looks like dandruff). I'd start with some flexible ones unless it's a beater/parts runner.....

James Meter · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:13:11 PM »

Well crud, itta be a daily driver. Whatcha mean by flexable ones? A cut-to-fit rubber mat or somthing similar?

Pinto5.0 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:43:10 PM »

Panels that aren't overcooked will flex & twist & spring back to shape with no damage. I'm betting if you twisted one of yours it would either crack extensively or break into 2 or 3 pieces.

You may be able to use yours but you will need to handle them gingerly or they will crack. The lower panels in my wagon are bleached white & brittle so I'm planning to replace them down the road.

James Meter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2012, 06:21:28 PM »

What're your thoughts on using the old panels as a mold for makin fiberglass replacements? Use em as a mold of sorts.

Pinto5.0 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2012, 07:54:18 PM »

If you wanna try it for fun I'd say go for it. There are plenty of good usable ones for less than your materials will cost though.

Fred Morgan · « **Reply #8 on:** October 22, 2012, 09:00:03 PM »

The glass cloth is still not to bad on price, but the resin cost will kill you. I have seen it go from a $1.00 a gallon to $30.00 over the years. Oil is used to make resin, you need to use laminating then finishing resin. Fred

James Meter · « **Reply #9 on:** October 22, 2012, 11:14:52 PM »

Pinto 5.0-I know of around 3 here in S/E Missouri, and they're about the same shape as mine sadly.

Fred-Any more details on the processes? I hate fiberglass...b ut it beats nothin.

Fred Morgan · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2012, 11:26:04 AM »

They also sell pigment that you can mix in with resin to have color you want. Laminating is for build up it stays tacky. Last coat will be finishing resin non tacky. I have only done repair work on boats and surf boards, have not done any new fabrication of an item. Get a hold of Chris Munson (popbumper) in TX he should be able to help. Fred

TIGGER · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2012, 01:28:58 PM »

What year and body style do you have? I have a nice set of black panels from a 79 hatchback?

James Meter · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2012, 10:52:42 PM »

Fred- Thanks! I may need to keep that fellow in mind.

Tigger-I was auctually gonna contact my brother-in-law about his green ones, but you say you've got a nice back set for a '79 hatch? Shoot, what're you wantin for em? I was gonna convert most of my '75 green interior to black anywho.

Thanks fellas!

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