How To Remove The Left Rear Fiberglass Splash Shield

[Dereck S.]

I have a 67 Roadster. While driving, I struck a piece of road debris that flew off the left rear tire and struck the left rear fiberglass splash shield. Upon inspection, it fractured a chunk off the bottom. The car is restored with very nice paint. I purchased an NOS replacement splash shield. How do I carefully cut the bond seam along the rear quarter without damaging the body or paint? I have a car lift to gain accessibility.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: How To Remove The Left Rear Fiberglass Splash Shield

I have a 67 coupe and I took the front rear splash shield off by prying with a tool like a stiff putty knife . The bonding material gave way without much effort and it didn't hurt the piece . I am talking about the piece that has the door to the body mount bolt in front of the rear tire . I hope this helps. Jeff

[James W.]

Re: How To Remove The Left Rear Fiberglass Splash Shield

I would use a cutting/gringing burr in a Dremel tool to help remove the bonding material that holds the splash shield to the inner rear fender. This will minimize the chances of cracking the exterior paint when removing the old splash shield. Once the old one is removed, carefully grind/sand off the old bonding material, be sure to wear a dust mask/resparator when grinding. Test fit your NOS splash shield, then rough up the splash shield bonding surface and the inner fender surface before installing it. Clean the inner fender bonding surfaces prior to installation. I use the product in the attached picture to rebond my left rear splash shield on my '65. I bought some plastic caulking gun cartridges and loaded the bonding material in the caulking tube and applied it as needed using the opposite side of the car's splash shield as a guide. I also used an inexpensive "C" clamp to help hold the splash shield in place while the bonding material cured. Just my 2 cents.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

James

[Douglas C.]

Re: How To Remove The Left Rear Fiberglass Splash Shield

Normally, you might use a heat gun to soften the bonding agent. It makes for a cleaner de-bond, less broken fiberglass along the seam. However, with your car in paint, obviously that's not a good idea.

[Dereck S.]

Re: How To Remove The Left Rear Fiberglass Splash Shield

Thanks for all the responses.