C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

[William B.]

I am making repairs to the body of my 60, using resin and matt. I understand heat lamps are used in the final drying. I went to purchase one and I have 2 choices. 1, Iridium short wave (dries from inside out,if it has a reflective surface?). 2, Medium short wave (dries outside to inside). I think I want the medium short wave, or is there other choices? Also what temperature should I heat the surface to and how long should that be maintained? Thanks, for any help or other suggestions anyone may have.

[Bob R.]

Re: C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

My experience with resin and matt would tell me you don't need any heat. If you are working at room temperature the resin will set up within 10 minutes. If you add heat it will set much sooner. I don't think you would have enough time to work with the material.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

The reason for the heat lamp is to evaporate the minerals so that later you don't see any shrinkage after painting when your Corvette sits in the sun. You use the heat lamp after ALL repair is finished as a finial step in the repair . I keep it just so that the area get HOT but not burn for about a hour.

[Bill W.]

Re: C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

Always dry from the inside out.. use UV (suntan) lamps to shrink repairs. you can buy 3' heat lamps (infateck)to dry if you are working in a cold (below 70 ) area. Best choice is real sun light. 1 hour of 90+ degrees in the sun will dry & shrink all your repairs better than all the lamps made.Bill

[William B.]

Re: C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

I have had problems with shrinkage before. We air dried in the garage and sat outside for weeks in the sunlight. 1st time it went to a spray booth and we baked the paint at 140 degrees, the repair showed through. I was told that I should be using a heat lamp to dry repairs before finishing with paint. Is this correct and what brands or types are people using?

[Roy B.]

Re: C1, Fiberglass repairs, Curing? Heat lamp?

I used the quarts lamp, not a bulb type ( I think that's how to say it) The SUN just don't do it getting the back side area hot.
Each one one of us has their mathed and is convinced their right, so what do you do????????????????????????????????
I do what works for me .

Real C2 Corvettes show body panel bonding that shrink over time (original),so now who would restore a Corvette that original?????????
Never seen one and never will!