|
If is fiberglass, sure can be repaired, but as John said, will make it look uglier. Back in the '70's used to build fiberglass boats, so have some experience. Been years though. Don't know how big the crack is, but if is small, try this: Drill two small holes at both ends of the crack so doesn't spread in length. Get hold of fiberglass resin and catylist, have to mix. I think the ratio, from memory is 2:1 (resin to catylist). Can get from many auto parts stores for small cracks/repairs to fiber glass bodies, such as corvettes. Before you apply it, must really clean the surface of soap scum and... If is really fiberglass, and not vinyl or plastic, can do the last cleaning with acetone (can get small cans from Menards, Home depot, etc). BUT, if is vinyl or plastic, acetone will soften and eat through it, so don't use it if aren't sure. Apply enough mixed resin/catalyst to get into cracks and end holes, and smooth coat over the area, as small as possible. Will get you by for some time. If is a big crack, may have to lay down a fiberglass strip and coat with resin/catalyst. Surface must be cleanly prepped, and a little fine sanding in the general area would be a good idea, so mixture has a good slightly rough area to bond to, as opposed to trying to bond to the slippery finish (gel-coat). Don't mix resin/catalyst until just before are going to use. Starts to setup quick, but won't completely harden for several hours. More catalyst add, faster sets up, but hotter it gets, and if use too much - poof, flames. Isn't hard, and proper mixture should be provided, since buy resin and catalyst as a set. The only reason I point out overdoing catalyst is that I saw an entire boat factory burn to the ground after someone tried to speed up the process too much (way way too much catalyst and POOF). Again, is not hard, proper mixture oughta be provided with materials. There's a lot more to to proper fiberglass repair like grinding and sanding first, but I don't think you want a lifetime fix, just a patch that might last a year or few, and not pretty, but functional. Start with a clean surface, the rest is easy. Mark
|
