In The Old Days

[Jim T.]

Re: In The Old Days

John I still have a letter from GM in my files somewhere where I inquired about the poor finish on my still owned 70 Corvette painted Donnybrooke Green paint. Serious crazing on the rear deck after the warranty of 12 months but without looking at the date on the letter, less than two years. I repainted it my self in 91. Still looks very good, but then it is garaged almost all the time.

[Clare Carpenter]

Who makes the best replacement panels?

The various "parts houses" say they get their panels from various sources with out revealing names. Anyone want to venture an opinion from actual practical experience on who makes the best press molded replacement panels for C1's? Up until this thread I hadn't heard anything negative about the Corvette Image panels?

[Frank H.]

Re: Agreed, don't rush to judgement...

My guess is their is air bubbles in the matt in these panels with pores to the surface from being heated too hot,too soon,maybe not enough resin between the molds,not enough pressure or the mold release agent steamed into the panel or who knows what
I read that 20 mils of gel-coat is required,but like others I wouldn't
I have gel-coated the seams and repaired areas ,but a new panel!

I have had the mold release problem on urethane bumper covers before and
they recommend to heat the panel then wash with soap and water dry, solvent wash,dry,then,soap and water and wipe and blow dry then prime.
THE FIX
I would strip the problem panel and heat it and see if it get oily feeling if so clean like above, epoxy prime two good coats on the bare glass.
I don't know if they still make it, was a product called PRIMA SEAL it reduced with alcohol and holds down everything ,we used it of the few new vette seams sol. pops on warranty repairs and semi truck fiberglass fronts or crows feet and the like on cars that received appearance allowances.