RATS!!!!!!!!!!

[AlanN]

Boy am I

I took three chunks out of my bodyworrk yesterday putting the CanAm back in it's trailer, the largest being out of the front spoiler

My question is, can these be repaired in the same gelcoat finish or will it mean either a new panel or repair and then paint?

I could really give myself a good kicking right now

[mkoch1]

If it's just the gel coat that is chipped, it can be repaired by adding more gel coat, sanding smooth and buffing. If the fiberglass is damaged you will need to repair that first then touch up the gel coat.

The factory supplied me with a little cup of blue gel coat in my kit. If you didn't get one I am sure they can supply you with one.

mark

[AlanN]

Aha!
So the "gel coat" is just that then, sort of similar to paint anyhow?

It'll definitely need repairing then re-coating unfortunately!

Great, sounds like it can all be repaired

Thanks Mark.

>> Edited by AlanN on Tuesday 31st August 12:10

[mkoch1]

It's more like colored epoxy, two parts that you mix together. Be sure the factory supplies you with the mixing ratio. Before applying make sure the area is scuffed up and clean. If the gel coat is to thick it can be thinned with MEK, available at most hardware stores in the US, I believe its paint thinner.

Mark

[just dave]

MEK-Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a solvent for many epoxys, but it is not standard Paint Thinner (Mineral Spirits).

Dave

Several brain cells short of a load, from MEK.

[gtr-gaz]

Bad luck Alan.

I know how you feel. I lost a bit around the top hinge when pre fitting the drivers door. (I had screwed the rose joint in to far!)

The catalyst is added to the gel coat at a ratio of 2% which equates to a few drops of catalyst in a teaspoon of gel.
It goes off within a couple of mins when mixed, so don't hang about!
It can take up to 48 hrs to set hard enough to sand down.

Gary.

[AlanN]

Cheers Gary!