Fiberglass to plastic??

[gtotto]

Hey guys,

I would like to modify the dash/gauge cluster on my 65 GTO. My original plan was to cover the rear of the the plastic panel with layers of fiberglass mesh to cover the existing holes and then cut out new holes per my design. After doing a little searching, I found that most guys say that fiberglass resin will not stick to the plastic. If so, what should I do?? I could probably use two sheets of thin metal (on front and rear) and rivet them together, sandwiching the orignal plastic between them. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

[Romulus]

If you're making a new design.... do you need the plastic at all?

Fiberglass is one of the most versatile things to make weird shapes out of.... just need some patience, a little experience, and an affinity for itching... haha

[gtotto]

If you're making a new design.... do you need the plastic at all?

Fiberglass is one of the most versatile things to make weird shapes out of.... just need some patience, a little experience, and an affinity for itching... haha

I would like to keep the plastic. The only thing I want to change is the orientation/number of gauges in the cluster. All I need to focus on is the semi-flat portion that houses the gauges.

[Romulus]

Gotcha. Polyester resin probably won't stick (well) to plastic... epoxy resin would probably stick a little better.

I'd have to see pictures of what you're trying to do to understand it... but I would think that making the filler panel out of fiberglass and then using an epoxy adhesive (think Fusor, Fasco, 3M, even gasp JB Weld) to glue the plastic might work.

More than likely you're gauges will also serve to clamp the pieces together. Not a high stress part so even if it didn't stick "good" it would probably last years.

I'm building a corvette.... the whole car is glued together. haha.

[gtotto]

Thanks for the tip

[XTRMEASURES]

As long as the plastic will not flex the resin will stick to it. ive done it multiple times and never had a problem. but you have to know what your doing.

[SS PUNISHER]

I usually glue the matte down first, just a little insurance...

[XTRMEASURES]

First thing I do is prep the surface by wiping it down with some kind of solvent like Acetone. Next use a airgrinder with 40 grit to skiff the piece. Then dril multiple holes through out the piece from 1/4 to 1/2 insize depending on how big the part is. On all edges and corners make sure you have enough holes to help hold the glass down. Lay the fiberglass mat down making sure you tear by hand on all edges and corners so the glass lays flat. Use a paint brush to put the resin on making sure the resin soaks in the holes. This will help insure everything holds together. Only put two to three layers at a time once dried at more layers as need be. Make sure not to use to much resin but enough to soak the glass for to much resin will weaking your work. Hope this helps.....

[ATOMonkey]

Depending on the type of plastic (thermoset vs thermoplastic) you might be able to just "weld" in a sheet of ABS. It isn't all that difficult. I use an old soldering iron and zip ties to weld up motorcycle fairings.

Harbor Freight sells for real plastic welding tools if it's something that actually interests you.

You'll be able to find out what kind of plastic it is real quick. Thermosets just smoke and make a mess when you try to melt them. Thermoplastics will become soft and deform and even melt if you have enough heat.

[ricoshay]

First thing I do is prep the surface by wiping it down with some kind of solvent like Acetone. Next use a airgrinder with 40 grit to skiff the piece. Then dril multiple holes through out the piece from 1/4 to 1/2 insize depending on how big the part is. On all edges and corners make sure you have enough holes to help hold the glass down. Lay the fiberglass mat down making sure you tear by hand on all edges and corners so the glass lays flat. Use a paint brush to put the resin on making sure the resin soaks in the holes. This will help insure everything holds together. Only put two to three layers at a time once dried at more layers as need be. Make sure not to use to much resin but enough to soak the glass for to much resin will weaking your work. Hope this helps.....

ive done this method a few times and it works well...even better id u use one of teh products mentioned above on the FG/plastic seams