Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

[John Farwell]

Anyone have advice on what product to use or not to use when Gelcoating the press molded fiberglass pieces. I bought the expensive front end clip so I want to make sure I do it correctly.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

John,

My only question is "Why?" I wouldnt' think that it would be necessary at all. Use a good catalyzed primer on it once you've got it sanded as you like, then go from there.

Gelcoat is used on occasion when old fiberglass has been sanded through and there are loose strands, etc. I can't think of a good reason off hand to do this with a new piece, unless I'm mising something here.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

John,

My only question is "Why?" I wouldnt' think that it would be necessary at all. Use a good catalyzed primer on it once you've got it sanded as you like, then go from there.

Gelcoat is used on occasion when old fiberglass has been sanded through and there are loose strands, etc. I can't think of a good reason off hand to do this with a new piece, unless I'm mising something here.

Patrick

[G B.]

Let it age

I suggest you let the front end age for six months before you paint it. If it begins to ooze tiny chemical droplets, do not attempt to paint it.

[G B.]

Let it age

I suggest you let the front end age for six months before you paint it. If it begins to ooze tiny chemical droplets, do not attempt to paint it.

[John Farwell]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Press molding parts from Corvette Image do not have any gelcoat finish. http://www.corvetteimage.com/products.htm

[John Farwell]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Press molding parts from Corvette Image do not have any gelcoat finish. http://www.corvetteimage.com/products.htm

[Patrick H.]

Not Necessary

John,

So???? That's my whole point - they don't NEED to be gelcoated. GM never did, so why do you?

Gelcoat is used in boats and kit cars. It is used for fiberglass repair. There is no need for it with brand new press-molded parts. Whoever tells you it needs gelcoat does not understand what they are discussing, or is stuck in 1970's repair thinking. Is that subtle enough?

I highly recommend following Jerry's advice about aging, though. Set it out in the bright sunlight for a few months (you can bring it in from the rain and at night)

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Not Necessary

John,

So???? That's my whole point - they don't NEED to be gelcoated. GM never did, so why do you?

Gelcoat is used in boats and kit cars. It is used for fiberglass repair. There is no need for it with brand new press-molded parts. Whoever tells you it needs gelcoat does not understand what they are discussing, or is stuck in 1970's repair thinking. Is that subtle enough?

I highly recommend following Jerry's advice about aging, though. Set it out in the bright sunlight for a few months (you can bring it in from the rain and at night)

Patrick

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Hey everyone,
Jerry from Corvette image will tell you to Gel Coat his parts at least 20-25 mils. His literature HIGHLY recommends that you do as well. I asked him why and he says that the aftermarket pressed parts are more pourous than GM's since GM was able to use more pressure when manufacturing these parts. He has seen numerous cars come into his shop for new paint jobs that had been painted with various catalyzed primers. I suggest that if anyone has questions that they give Jerry at Corvette Image a call, he is a very nice fellow to talk too and he is more than helpful. After all the hard work and expense rebuilding our cars, what's a little more sanding on Gel Coat.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Hey everyone,
Jerry from Corvette image will tell you to Gel Coat his parts at least 20-25 mils. His literature HIGHLY recommends that you do as well. I asked him why and he says that the aftermarket pressed parts are more pourous than GM's since GM was able to use more pressure when manufacturing these parts. He has seen numerous cars come into his shop for new paint jobs that had been painted with various catalyzed primers. I suggest that if anyone has questions that they give Jerry at Corvette Image a call, he is a very nice fellow to talk too and he is more than helpful. After all the hard work and expense rebuilding our cars, what's a little more sanding on Gel Coat.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Scott,

He may be trying to make up for the fact that he's had problems with solvents/chemicals leach out in the past. That's why Jerry Bramlett recommends the aging process. There was a thread on this just last week or so.

If Jerry of Corvette Image recommends gelcoating his parts, then ask HIM what brand/type to use.

In my thought process, if anyone makes a product that I've got to go and gelcoat because they didn't make a good part, I don't want their part. It's as simple as that. But then again, why should I expect a reproduction part of good quality? They are so few and far between that I should know better by now.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Scott,

He may be trying to make up for the fact that he's had problems with solvents/chemicals leach out in the past. That's why Jerry Bramlett recommends the aging process. There was a thread on this just last week or so.

If Jerry of Corvette Image recommends gelcoating his parts, then ask HIM what brand/type to use.

In my thought process, if anyone makes a product that I've got to go and gelcoat because they didn't make a good part, I don't want their part. It's as simple as that. But then again, why should I expect a reproduction part of good quality? They are so few and far between that I should know better by now.

Patrick

[Bill W.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Sorry but my early 54 body shell was gel coated from the factory very heavy on top light on the sides .cracked like a road map!!! there is NO strength in gel coat. Bill

[Bill W.]

Re: Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

Sorry but my early 54 body shell was gel coated from the factory very heavy on top light on the sides .cracked like a road map!!! there is NO strength in gel coat. Bill