RichardK wrote: I have pushed in a three inch wide, six inch long strip of fibre glass. No structural damage, I was reversing into a driveway at very slow speed.
I would really welcome any advice on the practicalities of fixing such damage...fix with sill in place possible? Pull off the sill and rebond....has anyone done a repair where they cannot get at it from behind?
I would like to get a decent idea of what's involved before I turn the car over to people who have never seen an elan before ( the car is in Capetown).... One good thing, this may hasten the date of a front respray!
Thanks for listening!
Richard :
Hi Richard, sorry to hear about the dent in your sill (and your pride) First thing don't worry.... s**t happens! it doesn't sound too serious and i'm sure can be fixed.
Trying to work out exactly what U mean when you say "pushed in" and "no structural damage" ?? want to share any pics?
Firstly I've never done any fibreglass work on an elan... I have very limited experience of aircraft composite repairs. so here goes!
My advice would be if you have not previously done fibreglass repairs find somewhere that has.
If where you are is something like here.. Probably more luck with a local boat yard or water tank manufacturer than a garage.?
I did read something somewhere recently about the type of resin used on the elan and believe it was different to the normal boat resin which I believe is a polyester resin?
(someone please correct any mis information I give). I will try to find out which resin was used. also I think the elan used a chopped strand mat and not woven cloth on the areas I have seen not sure about the sill.
How compatable the different resins are I have no idea, maybe someone can expand on this?
The extent of damage in fibreglass is normally difficult to see but can be found by tapping with a coin.. delaminated areas will give a dull noise rather than a sharp ring! Damage is normally removed by sanding back either in steps or on a taper.
apply layers of cloth normally 1" larger (or smaller, depending on aircraft manufacturer)! each ply.
Not sure if the cars have a gel-coat finish to the fibreglass? (normally on boats or cars the exteriour has a coat of gel-coat that prevents the glass fibres absorbing moisture?
I guess advantage of accessing back of sill would probably give a stronger flush repair (especially if done without vaccume) and easier to maintain the correct shape.
Dis-advantage would be the damage caused to the car by I presume a "non lotus dealer" while removing and re installing the sill.
I guess the important thing is find somewhere that knows how to repair fibreglass. and then maybe go to the garage for the re-spray when I find the info on the resin I will let you know. (it may or may not be important)?!
I hope someone can come along soon and give you better advice.
Wayne
