Cracked exterior fiberglass

[fvicaire]

3 questions...
In the middle of rebuilding our camper from scratch. Hoping someone can provide feedback:
1- we covered a window (see picture). All good on the inside of camper but wondering how to cover the exterior? Also want to avoid water filtration. Should i fiberglass the outside and then bondonover it?
2- cracked fb (see pic). How to fix? Fb and bondo?
3- want to make sure roof is leakproof...it seems somewhat damaged...by exposure. Any special product i have to apply?
Thanks for all the help. Hoping to be done by end of May!

[thrifty bill]

There is a long thread on do it yourself fiberglass repair. I don't think that wood patch is going to work by itself. For a patch that large, some start with a scrap of fiberglass, say a fiberglass bath surround. Alternately, find a fiberglass boat repair shop and seek their advice.

[Kevin K]

That wood insert is a bad idea. Need fiberglass insert.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by thrifty bill

There is a long thread on do it yourself fiberglass repair. I don't think that wood patch is going to work by itself. For a patch that large, some start with a scrap of fiberglass, say a fiberglass bath surround. Alternately, find a fiberglass boat repair shop and seek their advice.

This one? http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ass-52498.html

[FRED SMAILES]

If the wood is part of your interior finish you can leave it but the exterior panel should be fiberglass. As has been mentioned use a piece fglass panel from something to fill the hole and glass it in.
I would suggest a truck canopy as I have used in this project starting at post 187.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...-55601-14.html
As for the cracks grind them almost through to the interior and fill with layers of glass. There is lots of info in the thread Donna posted.
Fred

[Pete Hein]

Contact West System Epoxy - they have (or used to) lots of "how-to" information, available free. They have an interesting approach to patching cracks and holes, which IMO is worth learning - I've used it on a number of boat repairs and have been very happy with the result.
https://www.westsystem.com/

Remember, though -- Preparation is EVERYTHING.
-pete

[varmint]

You've got quite a job ahead of you. I have owned an old corvette for about 35 years and a large sailboat for 24 years. I've done work on both. I see that Lowes carries Fiberglass sheets at $65 for a 4 x 8. it's about .09" thick but you could double it. Wipe it with acetone, hit it with 100 grit paper and glass it together to fill large areas. You can buy glass matt and roving to fill and bond with. USC sells a fiberglass filler called Dura-glass that works well. It can be bought at an auto store that specializes in paint supplies. West marine sells West System fillers that can be added to epoxy that does the same thing. To fill a hole you must cut a piece of stock to fill it and grind both surfaces back about 4 times the thickness. Secure the piece with tape from behind. Cut your glass mat to size. Wet the surface and apply the mat. Brush more mixed fiberglass on with cheap, throw away brushes. Build it up with successive layers. Remove the tape and bond on the inside. Cracks can be ground open. a Dremel works well. The duraglass works well for filling as does epoxy with filler added. Epoxy and fiberglass work well together. Epoxy will not accept water, Fiberglass is more porous. When your done with the glass work you will probably want to hit the whole trailer with a couple of coats of epoxy primer and follow up with a good 2 part marine paint like Interlux or All Grip. There are tons of videos on YouTube that can be a lot of help if you haven't done much of this sort of thing before. I often watch the videos anyway, easier is better. Good Luck !

[k0wtz]

afte4r hanging around a body shop guy for a bit make sure after all that is done to spray it down and look down the sides. you will see highs and lows after the spray paint is on impossible to fix unless you take most of it off.

big job ahead of you good luck

bob