hood hole repair

Keith V

Keith V

Well-known member
Mar 26, 2008
3,605
404
83
So what the best way to repair holes in the hoods?
I am removing the GMC logo, the POs locks and maybe hidden latches.
So some small holes but those lock holes are a good 1/2"

I'm thinking some aluminum disks with JB weld or something?
--
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
69 Vette
29 Dodge
 
Thanks to Dale Ropp for that method that he invented and detailed in a presentation several years ago at a GMCMI convention.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>
> West systems epoxy. Use a ear plug soaked in the epoxy. Or sponge for bigger holes.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Thats fine for a small hole, but what about one thats 1/2" across?
My ears arent that big
--
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
69 Vette
29 Dodge
 
That is why Jon said to use a piece of sponge for larger holes.
Or you could epoxy a small piece of fiberglas cloth to the back and then fill the depression with bondo or with JB Weld and sand it level with the surface.

Emery Stora

>
> Thats fine for a small hole, but what about one thats 1/2" across?
> My ears arent that big
> --
> Keith Vasilakes
> Mounds View. MN
> 75 ex Royale GMC
> 69 Vette
> 29 Dodge
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
> Thats fine for a small hole, but what about one thats 1/2" across?
> My ears arent that big

Kieth,

If you don't want to do it in two steps, (i.e. span with glass cloth and fill later) then use this cheap, sleezy and very effective plan:
Find a piece of something as a backer to put inside.
Cover it with something - old poly grocery bag will work. (I have expensive non-stick fabric I would use.)
Sand and clean the back side. And acetone wash is require because of the primitive SMC.
Mix epoxy and coat the all the inside surfaces including the hole edge.
Soak the tiny piece of glass cloth. (If you don't have, I can mail you some.)
Stick the cloth over the hole.
Put the block against it and secure it there with clamps or tape.
Fill the remaining epoxy with microlight or filleting blend to well thick of peanut butter.
Now fill in the hole.
If you don't have a cover block or tape of something and you rushed things a little, the filler might try to run out of the hole. You can block the
door horizontal or cover it with another block like the one below.

The filled epoxy will sand or file much more easily the solid epoxy. West System stuff is much easier and more reliable than any of the polyester
body fillers. It may be more expensive, but it is still cheaper than re-doing it because the polyester tripped too soon or not at all.

Matt - the offer was real.
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I have bought West Systems stuff from Jamestown Distributors. For a long time I was intimidated and afraid to try it. I did buy the pumps (highly
recommended). Once I finally got the courage up, I found the stuff quite easy to work with. They have lots of helpful how-to videos on their site.

Anyway, lately I noticed Jamestown has been heavily promoting their private label "TotalBoat" brand epoxy. Supposedly it is compatible with West
Systems (as in you can mix/match Epoxies and hardeners). The TotalBoat stuff comes in plastic jugs instead of metal cans, has its own set of pumps
available, but is significantly cheaper.

Has anyone tried the "TotalBoat"? I have enough of the West systems on hand now for several future minor repairs, so see no need to switch at this
time.
--
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
 
Wait, what? the hoods are SMC?
I thought they were pot metal!

I know how to work with SMC, I have a Vette :)
I'll basically do what Matt described, it's not hard at all IMHO
--
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
69 Vette
29 Dodge
 
Keith,

since you are a SMC expert take your coach up to my place, and you can help me patch up my coach as well. my rear marker light, and where my
ladder mounts needs some repair. I patched a couple other holes on the side of my coach, and what a mess and pain that was for me!

Yes- Dale Ropp has to get the credit for the west systems epoxy repair using sponges and ear plugs. I have used that on a couple things, but ran
out of the epoxy samples he was giving out, and have not quite spent the money on more. I need to, I could of used some epoxy yesterday as well on
another project.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
> Wait, what? the hoods are SMC?
> I thought they were pot metal!
>
> I know how to work with SMC, I have a Vette :)
> I'll basically do what Matt described, it's not hard at all IMHO

Keith,

The two engine hoods, the propane locker and generator doors are all SMC. Nothing exterior (that I have run into) is potmetal.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Jon,
I could do that, sounds like fun. Now we just have to find time lol

I think the end caps are plain old fiberglass right? That stuff is easier, SMC does require a different system due to the build in mold release, but it's still pretty easy. Yes it's messy and scary as you have to make a big mess to do it right. I use my 4" grinder and feather the repair for at least 2" on each side, thats a big hole, then fill with glass matt, the non woven stuff or you will see the weave through the repair. More important for a corvette than a GMC, but zero effort or cost difference. Fill the hole with fiberglass using bigger pieces as you fill. small pieces in the bottom, bigger at the top. I try to do it all in one shot for a better bond.

Let that cure, hit it with the 4" to take off any high stuff, then fill with a short strand filler. Sand and contour with 80 grit, then top it with your favorite bondo and then scratch filler.

I'm a fan of eastwood products for fiberglass myself if you want to do it right :D

----------------------------------------

>
> Keith,
>
> since you are a SMC expert take your coach up to my place, and you can help me patch up my coach as well. my rear marker light, and where my
> ladder mounts needs some repair. I patched a couple other holes on the side of my coach, and what a mess and pain that was for me!
>
> Yes- Dale Ropp has to get the credit for the west systems epoxy repair using sponges and ear plugs. I have used that on a couple things, but ran
> out of the epoxy samples he was giving out, and have not quite spent the money on more. I need to, I could of used some epoxy yesterday as well on
> another project.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
There is no fiberglass on the gmc. It's either aluminum or smc unless
aftermarket parts have been added.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle

> Jon,
> I could do that, sounds like fun. Now we just have to find time lol
>
> I think the end caps are plain old fiberglass right? That stuff is easier,
> SMC does require a different system due to the build in mold release, but
> it's still pretty easy. Yes it's messy and scary as you have to make a big
> mess to do it right. I use my 4" grinder and feather the repair for at
> least 2" on each side, thats a big hole, then fill with glass matt, the non
> woven stuff or you will see the weave through the repair. More important
> for a corvette than a GMC, but zero effort or cost difference. Fill the
> hole with fiberglass using bigger pieces as you fill. small pieces in the
> bottom, bigger at the top. I try to do it all in one shot for a better bond.
>
> Let that cure, hit it with the 4" to take off any high stuff, then fill
> with a short strand filler. Sand and contour with 80 grit, then top it with
> your favorite bondo and then scratch filler.
>
> I'm a fan of eastwood products for fiberglass myself if you want to do it
> right :D
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> >
> > Keith,
> >
> > since you are a SMC expert take your coach up to my place, and you can
> help me patch up my coach as well. my rear marker light, and where my
> > ladder mounts needs some repair. I patched a couple other holes on the
> side of my coach, and what a mess and pain that was for me!
> >
> > Yes- Dale Ropp has to get the credit for the west systems epoxy repair
> using sponges and ear plugs. I have used that on a couple things, but ran
> > out of the epoxy samples he was giving out, and have not quite spent the
> money on more. I need to, I could of used some epoxy yesterday as well on
> > another project.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jon Roche
> > 75 palm beach
> > St. Cloud, MN
> > http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Like many of the boaters here, I've been using West System for around 30 yrs, usually keeping a couple of gallons on hand. I mess with some antique
sailboats. But, if you need any quantity, it really hits the wallet. A few months ago, in some searches about dynel, I ran across several pro
boatbuilders recommending Fasco, syaing they have used it long-term. I've just received a couple of gallons of various types, but haven't cracked the
lids yet. Take a look at the pricing
http://fascoepoxies.com/

For my go-to material for small patches used to be Marine-Tex. But --and this very well might be just me-- I'm having problems with it setting up
properly, so I'm switching to JBweld Marine to try that.

Tip: Save your old venetian blinds. The old blind slats make a great fairing batten.

Tip2: Rather than a sponge, go to a big box and buy a 3m pad for a commercial floor polisher and cut them up for matrix. Also makes for cheap 3m
scrubbing pads, just whack off what you need.

Tip3: Instead of fiberglass tape fabric, get a roll of fiberglass mesh drywall tape. Use a couple of layers if you want a tighter weave. Bonus: It's
slightly sticky on one side so you can lay it easily. Also, very thin, so you don't have too much buildup. AND, it doesn't fray much at all, so no
loose threads around the edges.

--
77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
 
> Jon,
> I could do that, sounds like fun. Now we just have to find time lol
>
> I think the end caps are plain old fiberglass right? That stuff is easier, SMC does require a different system due to the build in mold release,
> but it's still pretty easy. Yes it's messy and scary as you have to make a big mess to do it right. I use my 4" grinder and feather the repair for
> at least 2" on each side, thats a big hole, then fill with glass matt, the non woven stuff or you will see the weave through the repair. More
> important for a corvette than a GMC, but zero effort or cost difference. Fill the hole with fiberglass using bigger pieces as you fill. small pieces
> in the bottom, bigger at the top. I try to do it all in one shot for a better bond.
>
> Let that cure, hit it with the 4" to take off any high stuff, then fill with a short strand filler. Sand and contour with 80 grit, then top it
> with your favorite bondo and then scratch filler.
>
> I'm a fan of eastwood products for fiberglass myself if you want to do it right :d

Keith,

I'm going to have to work in here slowly. My cold has gotten bad enough that the exercise of using a keyboard is tiring.

First, with epoxy - No epoxy, not just West - Never Use non-woven mat. That is for poly and vinylester resins both of with have an acetone carrier
for the catalyst. That mat is bonded with a material that is soluble in acetone. That material interferes with the epoxy bonding to the glass
fibers.

Never buy fillers again. Use the epoxy and what ever fill material you want (West has a bunch). Filleting blend and Microlight are the two that do
car stuff real well. Want it to level on a flat surface? Just mix it kind of thin and let it settle. Want to hang it upside down? Put on a very
light coat of unfilled epoxy and then put filler in the mix until you can't stir it.

One important thing is to wash the surface of cured epoxy as it pushes out an amine blush that is a great release agent.

The only thing I haven't done successfully with the West stuff I keep on hand is spot and scratch fill. So, I buy a tube every other year. (Well,
not any more as I don't do much of that these days.)

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
> I have bought West Systems stuff from Jamestown Distributors. For a long time I was intimidated and afraid to try it. I did buy the pumps (highly
> recommended). Once I finally got the courage up, I found the stuff quite easy to work with. They have lots of helpful how-to videos on their site.
>
> Anyway, lately I noticed Jamestown has been heavily promoting their private label "TotalBoat" brand epoxy. Supposedly it is compatible with West
> Systems (as in you can mix/match Epoxies and hardeners). The TotalBoat stuff comes in plastic jugs instead of metal cans, has its own set of pumps
> available, but is significantly cheaper.
>
> Has anyone tried the "TotalBoat"? I have enough of the West systems on hand now for several future minor repairs, so see no need to switch at this
> time.

Paul,

Much as I expected, Gougeon knows about Total Boat. The response I got from my tech guy was that they have found not bond issues when used with West,
but that the components are not compatible.
This is no particular surprise.

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Ive had good luck with evercoat ( not eastwood ) SMC resin, and the Vette guys like it. Besides I have a bunch So I'll be using that.
Epoxy may be better, but id rather not buy more since my garage is pretty much full.

----------------------------------------

>

>> I have bought West Systems stuff from Jamestown Distributors. For a long time I was intimidated and afraid to try it. I did buy the pumps (highly
>> recommended). Once I finally got the courage up, I found the stuff quite easy to work with. They have lots of helpful how-to videos on their site.
>>
>> Anyway, lately I noticed Jamestown has been heavily promoting their private label "TotalBoat" brand epoxy. Supposedly it is compatible with West
>> Systems (as in you can mix/match Epoxies and hardeners). The TotalBoat stuff comes in plastic jugs instead of metal cans, has its own set of pumps
>> available, but is significantly cheaper.
>>
>> Has anyone tried the "TotalBoat"? I have enough of the West systems on hand now for several future minor repairs, so see no need to switch at this
>> time.
>
> Paul,
>
> Much as I expected, Gougeon knows about Total Boat. The response I got from my tech guy was that they have found not bond issues when used with West,
> but that the components are not compatible.
> This is no particular surprise.
>
> Matt
>
>
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Since Evercoat is a polyester compound it does not bond well with SMC long term. There is an article in a past issue of GMCMI newsletters that I wrote several years back that explains why polyester resins don’t bond well with SMC. If anyone needs the link to the article let me know.
Epoxy is the only resin that will last long term.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>
> Ive had good luck with evercoat ( not eastwood ) SMC resin, and the Vette guys like it. Besides I have a bunch So I'll be using that.
> Epoxy may be better, but id rather not buy more since my garage is pretty much full.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
>>

>>> I have bought West Systems stuff from Jamestown Distributors. For a long time I was intimidated and afraid to try it. I did buy the pumps (highly
>>> recommended). Once I finally got the courage up, I found the stuff quite easy to work with. They have lots of helpful how-to videos on their site.
>>>
>>> Anyway, lately I noticed Jamestown has been heavily promoting their private label "TotalBoat" brand epoxy. Supposedly it is compatible with West
>>> Systems (as in you can mix/match Epoxies and hardeners). The TotalBoat stuff comes in plastic jugs instead of metal cans, has its own set of pumps
>>> available, but is significantly cheaper.
>>>
>>> Has anyone tried the "TotalBoat"? I have enough of the West systems on hand now for several future minor repairs, so see no need to switch at this
>>> time.
>>
>> Paul,
>>
>> Much as I expected, Gougeon knows about Total Boat. The response I got from my tech guy was that they have found not bond issues when used with West,
>> but that the components are not compatible.
>> This is no particular surprise.
>>
>> Matt
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
>> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
>> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
>> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
After a little web research and a phone call to Evercoat it appears there
is only ONE epoxy based resin system that Evercoat makes. Its called
Everfix and available in quart and gallon kits. It is available at
Wallmart, Oreilly's and other retailers.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
seattle

> Since Evercoat is a polyester compound it does not bond well with SMC long
> term. There is an article in a past issue of GMCMI newsletters that I
> wrote several years back that explains why polyester resins don’t bond well
> with SMC. If anyone needs the link to the article let me know.
> Epoxy is the only resin that will last long term.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>

> >
> > Ive had good luck with evercoat ( not eastwood ) SMC resin, and the
> Vette guys like it. Besides I have a bunch So I'll be using that.
> > Epoxy may be better, but id rather not buy more since my garage is
> pretty much full.
> >
> > ----------------------------------------
> >
> >>

> >>> I have bought West Systems stuff from Jamestown Distributors. For a
> long time I was intimidated and afraid to try it. I did buy the pumps
> (highly
> >>> recommended). Once I finally got the courage up, I found the stuff
> quite easy to work with. They have lots of helpful how-to videos on their
> site.
> >>>
> >>> Anyway, lately I noticed Jamestown has been heavily promoting their
> private label "TotalBoat" brand epoxy. Supposedly it is compatible with West
> >>> Systems (as in you can mix/match Epoxies and hardeners). The TotalBoat
> stuff comes in plastic jugs instead of metal cans, has its own set of pumps
> >>> available, but is significantly cheaper.
> >>>
> >>> Has anyone tried the "TotalBoat"? I have enough of the West systems on
> hand now for several future minor repairs, so see no need to switch at this
> >>> time.
> >>
> >> Paul,
> >>
> >> Much as I expected, Gougeon knows about Total Boat. The response I got
> from my tech guy was that they have found not bond issues when used with
> West,
> >> but that the components are not compatible.
> >> This is no particular surprise.
> >>
> >> Matt
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> >> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
> Arms
> >> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> >> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Sorry for the bunches of short posts but I am trying to work while also doing light research on this topic on the side. Most of the larger chemical
companies marketing resin and repair products towards SMC repairs tout Polyester resin systems. Some of these systems are listed as "hybrid" systems.
This includes Evercoat, 3M, and USC. I have used 3m 8115 which is a two part epoxy panel bonding adhesive extensively in larger repairs on The Pig. It
worked well but this epoxy requires an expensive precision mixing application gun which could be cost prohibitive to many who wish to undertake these
types of repairs in a limited frequency. Furthermore I found it challenging to dispense and saturate fiberglass matting with this product due to its
thick viscosity. While the gravity defying benefits of the 8115 make it easy to keep in place compared to a thinner viscosity resin, the lack of
wicking or saturation creates other issues such as longer application times and excessive build of the epoxy while attempting to mechanically force
the product into the patch material fibers. I would love to read the technical info you have on smc and epoxy topic Emery as now I am quite curious.
--
Sully
77 Royale (The War Pig)
77 Eleganza 2 ( Recherché )
Seattle, wa
Future land speed record holder fully equipped motorhome (bucket list)
 
You might want to check out the THE COMPOSITES STORE in Tehachacpi, CA. http://www.cstsales.com http://www.cstsales.com/
They have small batch epoxies, carbon fiber, frp or pretty much anything else you need.

>
> Sorry for the bunches of short posts but I am trying to work while also doing light research on this topic on the side. Most of the larger chemical
> companies marketing resin and repair products towards SMC repairs tout Polyester resin systems. Some of these systems are listed as "hybrid" systems.
> This includes Evercoat, 3M, and USC. I have used 3m 8115 which is a two part epoxy panel bonding adhesive extensively in larger repairs on The Pig. It
> worked well but this epoxy requires an expensive precision mixing application gun which could be cost prohibitive to many who wish to undertake these
> types of repairs in a limited frequency. Furthermore I found it challenging to dispense and saturate fiberglass matting with this product due to its
> thick viscosity. While the gravity defying benefits of the 8115 make it easy to keep in place compared to a thinner viscosity resin, the lack of
> wicking or saturation creates other issues such as longer application times and excessive build of the epoxy while attempting to mechanically force
> the product into the patch material fibers. I would love to read the technical info you have on smc and epoxy topic Emery as now I am quite curious.
> --
> Sully
> 77 Royale (The War Pig)
> 77 Eleganza 2 ( Recherché )
> Seattle, wa
> Future land speed record holder fully equipped motorhome (bucket list)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Gary and Joanne Worobec
Anza, CA
1973 Glacier 23
 
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