bendable fiberglass

whenmunkysfly

scratch that...going 2jz
Jun 26, 2006
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United States
just wondering whats in the product to make it bendable. im going to be making some fenders for my vw soon and would if possable get the products to make it bendable so if someone leans on my car i dont have to cringe when i hear a loud cracking sound.
 

Supra

New Member
May 11, 2005
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Rockford, IL
If the panel is flexable, I'd be worried about paint problems. Today's paint has a decent amount of give if you tweek it once in a while, but it will not take well to the panel flexing around regularly, such as vibration/flex from normal driving.

I repaired NASCAR fenders and hoods regularly for 4 years. We've stood on the hood for photos without causing any damage. Had mechanics climbing over the fenders to access the motor. The car's seen decent side swipes that left no severe glass damage (paint damaged and rubber scuffed - yes). *I* would recommend against flex, and add support. Our fenders were 1/8 thick, and the hood was the same with a few ribs where required. A curve in a rigid glass panel will add incredible strength. You can lay in aluminum mounting tabs to prevent the attachment points from breaking away. You will end up with a panel that won't dent like metal, is light weight, and is plenty strong enough for your friends to lean on.
 

whenmunkysfly

scratch that...going 2jz
Jun 26, 2006
746
0
0
United States
-Rich87Tx2 said:
If the panel is flexable, I'd be worried about paint problems. Today's paint has a decent amount of give if you tweek it once in a while, but it will not take well to the panel flexing around regularly, such as vibration/flex from normal driving.

I repaired NASCAR fenders and hoods regularly for 4 years. We've stood on the hood for photos without causing any damage. Had mechanics climbing over the fenders to access the motor. The car's seen decent side swipes that left no severe glass damage (paint damaged and rubber scuffed - yes). *I* would recommend against flex, and add support. Our fenders were 1/8 thick, and the hood was the same with a few ribs where required. A curve in a rigid glass panel will add incredible strength. You can lay in aluminum mounting tabs to prevent the attachment points from breaking away. You will end up with a panel that won't dent like metal, is light weight, and is plenty strong enough for your friends to lean on.

i didnt want it to be super flexy just so it doesnt brake as easy as regular fiberglass but thanks for the info that really helpful.