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fiberglass or metal panel replacements

Started by _jicer13_ , Jan 28 2022 08:49 PM

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9 replies to this topic

#1 _jicer13_

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Posted 28 January 2022 - 08:49 PM

Gday, Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on fiberglass replacement panels vs fixing or replacing existing metal panels

Tried looking on here for any positives or negatives but couldn't see many opinions.

I have fairly rusted front 1/4 around the guard, to far gone to try and bend and shape. I know its looking for the easy way out but if there is positive talks about the fiberglass I may also get a bonnet and boot lid.

Concerns are if there is a difference in look over time and also down the track if I sell would it put people off from purchasing or effect value?

Positives I could think of is that no need to worry about rust again and no real worry about having to align new patches up.

Any help appreciated!

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#2 S pack

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Posted 28 January 2022 - 09:34 PM

https://www.adelaide...es_20170426.pdf

See page 16, Fibreglass and carbon fibre panels.

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#3 _jicer13_

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Posted 28 January 2022 - 09:43 PM

https://www.adelaide...es_20170426.pdf

See page 16, Fibreglass and carbon fibre panels.

I have seen this and figured that being non structural panels it should be ok if I go down this path. Doors and roofs I'd definitely stay clear. Im also assuming that as so many companies are doing it that some would have certificates to overcome the strength issue with metal inserts ect.

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#4 grumpy xu1

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Posted 28 January 2022 - 11:37 PM

I am assuming that you are meaning say use guards, bumpers, bonnet, boot as if you were going to race it ? If you are intending on registering it for road use, consult your relevant authorities & insurance company before you go any further, that may determine your decision for you !

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#5 _jicer13_

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Posted 29 January 2022 - 06:52 AM

Its for a street car, I just noticed that there were more companies selling the fiberglass panels than metal replacements. Thought it might be more common that people were using them. Like I said in original, would be looking for easy way out.

Sounds like I'll have to keep trying to chase the couple companies that do the parts I need. I haven't had much luck with replies or call backs as yet.

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#6 rodomo

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Posted 29 January 2022 - 11:35 PM

http://www.gmh-toran...ed-rust-repair/

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#7 76lxhatch

That was easy!

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Posted 30 January 2022 - 06:09 AM

Always assume that anything fibreglass is going to require significant work to fit and match up to existing panels so it looks good, nothing is bolt-on.

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#8 _jicer13_

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Posted 30 January 2022 - 09:10 PM

I was hoping not to be as dodgy as a Turkey can but I have found someone in the state that does the inner and outer patches. I'll just have to visit them as emails and calls have gone unanswered.

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#9 Heath

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Posted 31 January 2022 - 08:42 AM

My (road) car has fibreglass bumpers, bonnet, guards & hatch lid.

The guards took a fair bit of work, and the left and right unfortunately do not have the same curve as one another (important when you're trying to run tight wheel fitment)

Fairly impressed with the bonnet.

Bumpers are pretty good. They don't hug the body ridiculously well around the corners, but the original steel bumpers weren't awfully good there either.

They aren't the same as steel in the short or long term.