Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

I FINALLY got a T/A Hatch for my Firebird, but it's pretty banged up on the edges. the straight edges I know I can fill, flatten and straighten, but the corners are chipped too. Not bad, like broke the F@&% off bad, but lets just say the corner edge isn't there anymore. How should I go about repairing this? Bondo-glass filler build-up, or fiberglass matting folded along one plain and then (the same piece) folded along the other plain (like folding paper in half one way and then in half the other way with the original hatch edge inbetween the first fold)? Also, it didn't come with glass, but since I'm just switching hatches, I figure I'll switch my glass too. A shop quoted me at $115 to do this but with no gaurantee on the glass breaking or that the current moldings will survive the removal. Will the molding around the glass survive removal? Where could I buy new molding? I couldn't even find it on YEARONE. Thanks a sh!+ ton! Swat

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

Noone can help me out?! Thanks guys.

transambandit

iTrader: (6)

Get some of the bondo glaze stuff, its in a red tube, it is used to fill in small holes/chips etc. Fill in the edges, then take some medium grit sandpaper and sand it down smooth. Then it will be ready to get painted. Its pretty easy.

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

The SS spoiler that I put on my '94 had both tips broken off, and I accidentally dropped something on the trailing edge of it and put a nice crunch in it. Oops.

I used Fiber Tech from Evercoat

http://www.evercoat.com/productDetail.aspx?pID=13

As the primary filler to build the parts back up and make new tips. Once I got that shaped, I used Metal Glaze from Evercoat:

http://www.evercoat.com/productDetail.aspx?pID=1

to get everything level and smoothed out. On top of that, I shot high build primer. There was a lot of sanding in between, but once that was all done, you cannot detect the repaired areas at all. I would use the same approach on a hatch. Build with Fiber Tech, sand, spot fill with Metal Glaze, sand, prime with high build, sand, and then seal (epoxy) / base / clear.

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

That "Fiber Tech" is like a Bondo Glass, right? I've got some Bondo Glass and using that to shave the 3rd Brake light. Will that work just as well? I'm worried as to if that stuff will be strong enough, I don't want a corner to flop off one day when I close my hatch or if someone touches it. How are yours holding up, Camaroholic? Transambandit, I got some of that Bondo Glaze today and I'll use that for the small chips. Thanks guys. Anyone know about the hatch glass moldings? ill it survive glass removal? If not, where can I get it? Thanks again. Swat

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

I've never used Bondo Glass, but yes, it's a putty with fibers in it. Probably the same type stuff. Make sure that it says that it adheres well to SMC, some compounds don't.

The red glaze is laquer based... it's not recommended to use it under a urethane paint.

My tips are holding up great, and I can't tell where I crunched the spoiler... {the "crunch" was about 1/4" deep and 2" long, right on the trailing edge of the spoiler}. I did spend a fair amount of time getting them 'just right' before painting though (by way of a ton of sanding). Just remember, paint doesn't hide mistakes, it magnifies them. Do the surface work right and it'll be good.

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

Wow! The Bondo Glass worked GREAT! I used my Dremel to grind the paint down to Fiberglass around the break (i found out it was cracked too) and the gouge. I filled with bondo glass and piled the edges up, then used my palm sander and 100 grit sand paper to flatten it all out, I already can't tell it was so badly damaged or damaged at all! The glazing putty is some sweet A$$ stuff, too! Next I'm going to use some of my smaller Dremel bits to re-create the lip/inside bottom edge. I ran into a BIG obstacle with my spoiler, tho. Since I filled in the 3rd brake light, I would have had to try to make this little 1/8th inch edge out of Bondo Glass. That didn't seem very appealing, so I decided to just fill that in too and sand it smooth all te way around. Tell ya what, I'll just try to get my lazy butt out and take some pics (tomorrow when there's daylight) and get 'em up on here. Thanks a whole lot, it sure worked out awesome!

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

This is my first time posting pics, so I hope this works right! One is of the filled 3rd brake light and filled edge around the spoiler. The other is a corner I made from Bondo Glass and sanded back to shape. Not too Shabby, huh! Yes, I have lots of work I still need to do, but I can be patient and take my time since I gotta save $120 to get the glass put in...bills make it harder and harder to save! Swat

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

Here's a few pics of the work I've gotten done so far. You can see that there isn't a Brake light on the spoiler anymore. I've been filling and smoothing the rim edge on the underside of the hatch. This is because I had to repair so many breaks that it was getting too difficult to re-create that lip. Also, since it's exposed even after the inside plastic is put on, it'll look smoother for shows. Swat

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

I notice the edges on the spoiler look funky in these pics. That must be from reducing the quality/ size of the pic to fit the post. The edges are as perfect as they can be!

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

Has anyone/ is it possible to put the back glass in yourself? The BEST quote I could get from a glass place was $115 to put my glass from my old hatch into my new one. Is it possible to buy a tube of the glue for a caulk gun and put the glass in myself? I can't help but think $115 is a bit steep to squeeze out some glue and set the window down...they're not even going to be holding it up!! Any advice from anyone would help. Thanks. Swat