NOS fiberglass

[Michael M.]

Is it generally agreed that NOS fiberglass panels are of better quality than reproductions such as Sermersheims or Corvette Image?. I have a '68.

Is it a fitment issue or a quality of material issue or both?

Also, is the FRP a better material than the later SMC?

Thanks for any replies.

[Domenic T.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

If you can get NOS glass get it. It is the correct thickness and easier to fit and the resin is squeezed out to make it stronger.

I did repo once in the 70's and found it to be BOAT glass, full of resin and un-uniform in thickness. Boat glass is full of resin and the thickness varies along with it warping and cracking.
If you have to get repo glass make sure it was moulded on both sides as the factory did.

DOM

[Rich P.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

Michael,

several things play in here. First correct for 68 is only FRP black panels. NOS is nice but there was a run of NOS black panels that when handled were more like waffer cookies the fiberglass, they were thin and brittle. In 30 some years of restoring bodies I have run into a few 65-66 and 67 fenders like this as well as a few 68-69 and 70-72 fenders. But with that being said I'd look for NOS, next choice would be Corvette Image (very close to nos on black panels).
SMC requires special glue, resin and primers compared to FRP.

On bodywork for a corvette its always a fitttment issiue

Rich

[Clem Z.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

check with "yogi" bair as i under stand he bought all of GMs when they sold out.

[Michael M.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

Thanks guys. I guess I'll look for NOS panels and hope they're not the wafer thin ones.

[Joe M.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

Good used panels are the best except when you can find, original like, over the counter glass.

[Ronald L.]

Re: NOS fiberglass

No endorsement for the shemershine, but I did talk to this guy and they are pressed in matched metal dies. Some of the stuff in the last 30 years...avoid and yes, old NOS or a good used part. For a C3 there are lots of scrap yards around that have those parts.