Questions about Fiberglassing
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=42720
Printed Date: May 11, 2024 at 8:59 PM
Topic: Questions about Fiberglassing
Posted By: DukeDuke
Subject: Questions about Fiberglassing
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 12:06 AM
I am trying to expand my box building from MDF into fiberglass work as well. I am new into all the fiberglass, and while I went to Walmart and bought a quart of Bondo Fiberglass, and have been working with it, tryin to learn from a hands on experience, and being the self-teacher I have been to myself throughout all my car audio stuff. I am wanting some tips. I have been fiberglassing a old box that I had, it had carpet on it, so I just fiberglassed over it and it seems to suck it up pretty well, I am needing to sand it down, a project for tomorrow night. But back to the questions. When I lay my first layer is it always better to use fleece? for the 2nd layer and up is it better to use fiberglass mat? or fiberglass cloth? or just stay with fleece? what is the best way to attach the fleece to the MDF structure? staples? And, lets saying I am going to put "Eclipse" or "Memphis" in the box to give it a stand out 3D effect, should I just use wood? or what is the best way to do that? What does everyone think about using Bondo Fiberglass Jelly? I saw it in walmart, and it looked like a good idea, but it looks like bondo... just green. If you can offer ANY other help, ideas, know-how, things you have learned along the way. or anything, I am wanting to learn more about this and have more fun with it. Please help a interested young man out! Thanks for all the help. As well, if you have any ideas on to make a sweet lookin box for 1 12 inch Eclipse Titanium. out of fiberglass in a Nissan Maxima please let me know. I am brainstorming, and I have... builders block.
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Duke Duke
Replies:
Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 12:13 AM
First layer fleece. Second layer and beyond fiberglass. Fiberglass cloth is a thick and strong material. Don't do just fleece. No strength in it. Many people still go with mat. But I prefer cloth. Staples are probably the best to attach fleece to mdf. Bondo gold is good (i think that's the name of it).
Posted By: placid warrior
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 10:06 AM
when u use that thickening powder that gives the resin a peanut butter thickness, u only have to use the fleece right? then any additional build up is inside the box giving the required strength?
Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 7:45 PM
No never use just fleece. That's why the call it a fiberglass box. You use fiberglass. I've never heard of a resin box. Maybe it's just me. But yeah always use fiberglass mat or cloth, atleast 4 or 5 layers of 1.5 oz. mat or 2 layers of 4 oz cloth. Just my $.02
Posted By: DukeDuke
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 11:34 PM
Thanks, keep all the help coming, the more the marrier, thanks everyone, I need the help, I am a newbie in the fiber. game
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Duke Duke
Posted By: vinspo
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 11:46 PM
The bondo fiberglass jelly you are referring to is called cat-hair and is intended for re-inforcement (stronger than regular Bondo) prior to finish work, it is not what you want to use to build with. Get some all-purpose polyester resin for the buildup with mat or cloth. I personally prefer using the mat as it lays out better. I am by no means a pro, most of my experience comes from working at Sunrunner boats many years ago. Also, you only want to use fleece for shaping (first layer) and mat or cloth after. As far as best way to attach fleece, maybe someone with more experience with that can help? My guess would be staples. Hope this is helpful.
Posted By: DukeDuke
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 9:36 AM
Awesome, thank you, as well, what is all this rage gold and... something else that I have been hearing about using after you fiber. it? does anyone one know where to get it and how much it is? Thanks!
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Duke Duke
Posted By: kyson
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 10:08 AM
hello you need to go to a homedepot or any hardware store and get some fiberglass resin not bondo. bondo is used for filling in, for touch up areas. it doesnt matter wether you use fleece of fiberglass mat. its all about preferance the mat is not for structure really as it is to get the nice curves and angles that you want and it is also used so you have something to build off of. the strength of the box is going to come from the frame of the box and from the fiberglass and how thick it is but if you use a couple layers of the fleece or the mat you will cut down on the amount of fiberglass you use. the fleece is going to be more able to strech.
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Nicolas White
Posted By: DukeDuke
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 4:05 PM
I use bondo for the touch-ups, the dents, missed spaces, or where I sanded to much, I understand that, but I went to Wal-mart and purchased a BONDO FIBERGLASS kit, resin and harderen in one kit, I have the Bondo Body Filler as well, and the Bondo Fiberglass Jelly. I have used the Body Filler and Jelly many many times, I am just new to the fiberglassing. How does Bondo Fiberglass Resin compare to what everyone else uses? I have been buying it at wal-mart $9.00 a quart which is pricey, I know I can get a gallon for $25.00 but, my mom owns a paint store and can get any Bondo product, for cost, so it is the cheaper way for me to go, but is there a better way to go? a better brand? ect...? Thanks for the help.
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Duke Duke
Posted By: vinspo
Date Posted: November 12, 2004 at 4:28 PM
The bondo resin is just fine to use, its an all purpose polyester resin.
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