body repair

[john pickens]

Hi folks,

I have not posted in several months. Basically searching for advice on body repair
to 65 air roadster. Now has damage to both top fender panels, and both are "split"
on either side outside of the headlight buckets. One fender damaged to the wheel well but separated along the seam.
Interestingly the nose is fine, bumpers and header bar OK. Lower parts OK.
All of this occurred from front-on impact against 2 closed steel gates. Fortunately they opened after impact. Cause: failed calipers.

So Is the conventional wisdom still to repair original panels if possible?
Under what general conditions would panel replacement be the only option?
I believe this car to be quite original, though it has not been judged to my knowledge.
The rest of the car was repainted 5 years ago, and still looks great.
Your thoughts? Thanks.

[Dick G.]

Re: body repair

John: Sorry to hear about your car. Buy Ecklers fiberglass repair book. It is excellent. You will be painting the hood surround, if not the entire front clip before it's over. You should be able to save all the panels unless there is some hidden stress damage. You may get luck by regluing with Ecklers panel adhesive the lifted panels, but you will most likely want to dish out the seams and reglass with 2 layers of mat glass. The fender will take some tedious glass work if I am understanding your description. Buy the book first. DG

[Chuck S.]

Re: body repair

Yes, rebond and repair the original panels. Original panels should be replaced only if they are literally shattered, or if there are pieces missing...maybe not even then if you can find suitable donor repair pieces. Study the book, and follow the directions...if you're skilled and invest the time, the repair will be undetectable.