Epoxy temp question

Andy Grant

Andy Grant

Well-known member
Slightly duck boat related, wait for it.

I have an old 86 Jeep with a fiberglass rear liftgate that I am in the process of selling. The latch has busted up the fiberglass around it and hangs loose now. Darn poly resin.

I am hoping to reglass it with a WEST systems handy repair pack. What kind of air temp do I need for it to cure?

I used one of the doses already on my Marsh Rat (there's the duck relation to this topic) . Will the other half be enough? Will the epoxy and a couple layer of fabric be strong enough to hold the latch?

This is another small fiberglass project to help me get more comfortable before I start a boat this spring.
 
Andrew,

Not sure about the West epoxy but i used the System 3 epoxy and thay sell a 2 part epoxy glue that dries in about 5 min and is " Rock hard" i would go to a local Woodcrafters store or some store on that line and pick it up ,that will hold anything you need to stick together . If you still want to go with West system then check to make sure you are using the right hardener for the tempeture range you have on the day you fix it . i would suggest a fast hardener living here in New England the weather is cold these days and you will want it to set quick , WARNING !! have all you parts ready becuse once it starts to harden it is what it is , you could end up with the damn latch stuck to your door upside down . Just move fast wth the fast hardener . Good Luck !!


Dave
 
Another source of epox in small amounts is a hobby shop. Picarly one that sells radio control aircraft. They carry 5 min epox 10min epox 30min epox 1 hr. epox You have a good selection of setting times. Another way to cure is to have a heat lamp. This is often used by body men to speed up curing. Just don't get the lamp to close.
 
I already have the West systems stuff, but I may save it for boat repairs and get some other epoxy. The air temperature is under 40 degrees right now. I may need to take the door off to properly repair it anyway though.
 
I already have the West systems stuff, but I may save it for boat repairs and get some other epoxy. The air temperature is under 40 degrees right now. I may need to take the door off to properly repair it anyway though.
Click to expand...

West System is a great way to go. I've used a bunch of it and it's manufactured right here in Michigan (Bay City).
You will definitely need to pull the tailgate off and get it into a warm environment. Room temp would be best for adhesion and curing. Be sure to grind first to expose glass for proper bonding.
Lou
www.lockstockbarrell.com
 
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