Fiberglass is a fickle material....
Fiberglass is a fickle material. While fiberglass won't rust or dent like sheetmetal, it comes with its own unique characteristics. Repairing and properly prepping fiberglass is an art form that requires the correct technique and the right materials.
It's a simple process: Start with a clean canvas, and the final result will be better. In Corvette terminology, start with a solid, clean fiberglass surface and the final paint job will be better. No one we've met knows that better than Jeff Reade of American Motoring Memories. His Corvette creations are superb and reflect his knowledge of creating excellent restorations. Add to that his industry-wide recognition as "the guy who knows," having regularly presented seminars in proper restoration techniques at Bloomington Gold since Illinois was a U.S. territory. With Jeff, you have the answer man qualified to help Corvette Fever readers learn a little bit about, among other things, how to properly prep a car.
The following photo exposé was garnered from a quick walk around Reade's shop in Culver City, California. Other things in progress at the shop included the naked '62 shown here, a '67 435hp car in final assembly, a '69 frame-off, and several straight-axle cars including Reade's own recently purchased '59 big-wheel, finned-brake-drum fuelie. Each had elements we will detail here to illustrate proper body-prep techniques.
But perhaps the most important technique to proper body prep is one we can't illustrate in the pages of a magazine: Take your time and pay attention to details. Rushing through a body prep and cutting corners will only lead to disaster. Proper body prep takes time, money (in terms of the right tools and techniques), and patience. If any one of those elements drops out, the final effort is compromised.
Read along and learn-a master is at work. Class is in session!
To clean the paint from the...
To clean the paint from the vehicle, Reade uses aircraft paint stripper and lots of "shop" lacquer thinner. Using a plastic putty knife to avoid damaging the fiberglass body, the layers of paint and primer are scraped off, and a Scotch-Brite pad and lacquer thinner are used to remove the final remnants.
The exterior bonding-strip...
The exterior bonding-strip seam is visible once the paint has been stripped away. These seams are carefully filled and blended into the contour of the body. Only OEM-style, pressed fiberglass panels are used with repairs.
Door fitment is a common complaint...
Door fitment is a common complaint of Corvette owners, regardless of era. When the body is stripped clean, it cannot hide any internal flaws. Reade mounts the doors, hood, and trunk in place prior to paint, including installation of all hardware such as latches and hinges.
Not only is this a good time...
Not only is this a good time to mount the things that move, but also the things that don't. Reade installs all exterior components to ensure they fit after the vehicle is painted.
A light coat of body filler...
A light coat of body filler is used in areas that are low and require buildup. Fiberglass bodies aren't perfect and require some slight touchup.
Even a tight space like the...
Even a tight space like the trunk is stripped bare for inspection and repair.
As noted earlier, the latches...
As noted earlier, the latches are installed to make certain that all parts not only fit but also work properly when closed and latched.
While it's important to mount...
While it's important to mount and check those things you can see, some of the things you can't normally see should be checked as well. These nut plates were inspected to make sure the threading was clean and that they were mounted properly.
Ever seen a firewall this...
Ever seen a firewall this clean? Note that all rivets are checked for tightness, and small clips are positioned at this stage in prep. The hood surface is clean and ready for initial paint steps. Replace all worn and broken hardware with new.
While not a body part, this...
While not a body part, this rear-end detail is typical of Reade's work. Prep on the frame and suspension components is equally critical to the final result. The same care given to body prep is shown in the frame and driveline finishes.
After paint, holes in the...
After paint, holes in the body surface are carefully cleaned and the new components are installed. Note the door fitment on this '67 convertible, testament to the effort expended during body prep.
Frame-off restorations are...
Frame-off restorations are the best way to ensure high-quality final results. Reade uses an outside painter for these restorations, avoiding the challenges of having to maintain a paint system in his shop. The bodies are covered with plastic while waiting for parts or between work cycles. This '69 Corvette body (with frame in foreground) has undergone the same pre-paint prep as was completed on the '62 noted earlier.
Something as simple as a parking-brake...
Something as simple as a parking-brake system requires the same amount of effort to do poorly as do well. Each piece is painted individually after having been stripped to bare metal.
It goes without saying (but...
It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway), but research is important to any restoration project. This image shows a variety of different finishes, whether it's the surface of the transmission casing, the color of the engine block and heads, or the sheen of the frame paint. Ask a real expert if you have questions. In addition, there are a number of helpful books with proper information that can lead you down the right path. It makes no sense to paint your car incorrectly after you've spent the time and energy to prep the body correctly.