Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip - NCRS Discussion Boards

Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

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  • John Farwell

    Gel Coating a Corvette Image Clip

    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.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • December 1, 1989
    • 11608

    #2
    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
    Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
    71 "deer modified" coupe
    72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
    2008 coupe
    Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

    Comment

    • Patrick H.
      Beyond Control Poster
      • December 1, 1989
      • 11608

      #3
      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
      Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
      71 "deer modified" coupe
      72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
      2008 coupe
      Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

      Comment

      • G B.
        Expired
        • December 1, 1974
        • 1407

        #4
        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.

        Comment

        • G B.
          Expired
          • December 1, 1974
          • 1407

          #5
          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.

          Comment

          • John Farwell

            #6
            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

            Comment

            • John Farwell

              #7
              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

              Comment

              • Patrick H.
                Beyond Control Poster
                • December 1, 1989
                • 11608

                #8
                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
                Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                71 "deer modified" coupe
                72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                2008 coupe
                Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                Comment

                • Patrick H.
                  Beyond Control Poster
                  • December 1, 1989
                  • 11608

                  #9
                  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
                  Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                  71 "deer modified" coupe
                  72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                  2008 coupe
                  Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                  Comment

                  • Scott Marzahl

                    #10
                    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.

                    Comment

                    • Scott Marzahl

                      #11
                      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.

                      Comment

                      • Patrick H.
                        Beyond Control Poster
                        • December 1, 1989
                        • 11608

                        #12
                        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
                        Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                        71 "deer modified" coupe
                        72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                        2008 coupe
                        Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                        Comment

                        • Patrick H.
                          Beyond Control Poster
                          • December 1, 1989
                          • 11608

                          #13
                          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
                          Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                          71 "deer modified" coupe
                          72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                          2008 coupe
                          Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                          Comment

                          • Bill W.
                            Extremely Frequent Poster
                            • March 1, 1980
                            • 2000

                            #14
                            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

                            Comment

                            • Bill W.
                              Extremely Frequent Poster
                              • March 1, 1980
                              • 2000

                              #15
                              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

                              Comment

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