Stripping Problem

[Jim D.]

Started stripping the paint from the noise of my 66, see picture. What should I do about the damaged fiberglass? Also, is the dark gray primer?

[Steve W.]

Re: Stripping Problem

the stripper may damage prior repairs, you will want to repair those as part of the paint prep anyway. There are great fiberglass repair techniques now. Coloring the repair, you can do that, it won't show once painted either way, the key is a solid stable repair that won't show through the new paint.

[Bill H.]

Re: Stripping Problem

Hi, Jim: Your post did not say what type of stripper you are using, (Use one that is safe for fiberglass), but from what I can see in your photo is that the dark gray stuff is probably is primer, which is why the stripper caused it to lift, as it should. Everything is OK, as much as I can see in the pic. The primer appears to be in an area where some repair was done. As you continue stripping, you may find more such areas. The rule of thumb I use for paint stripping and body repair is this: never put new paint over old body work...you want to be looking at all bare glass before you begin your repair work, which means removing all old primer, glazing putty and body filler so you can evaluate the quality of repair work previously done, and remove it if it has not been done properly. Fiberglass repair is very straightforward...you use fiberglass and resin ONLY to repair a Corvette body properly. There are excellent light filler puttys with very fine glass fibers that is excellent to use for light filling/leveling, used as a finishing putty AFTER repairs are done and BEFORE gel coating. The Corvette Image, in Portland, Oregon, sells the best of these products I have used. After all areas of repair are finished and level sanded, the areas of repair AT least, and ideally the whole car, should be gel coated. You do not want to paint primers and top coats over any area that has raw, exposed fiberglass. Be careful, work slowly and methodically, and HAVE FUN! Good luck with your project.

[Philip P.]

Re: Stripping Problem

I do not believe any early C1 or C2 anyway was gel coated at the factory. Back in my early life the gel coat was the final finish on boats that we built, gel coat. fiberglas pulled the hull/deck from the mold and the outside was essentially finished. Corvettes are press molded and no gel coat was used. At least that is what I have been told/read.
Phil

[Michael F.]

Re: Stripping Problem

phil you are right about gel coat on mid years