interior finish for love bug

[AnnS]

Looking for a solution to smooth out interior walls of love bug- the sanding is not going so well and wondered if there was another option to smooth out walls for paint- thin layer of fiberglass? anything to paint on? Thanks for any advice!

[jokra]

Instead of painting the interior you might want to consider gluing a carpet of you choice. I did that to one that I rebuilt back in 1976 and it lasted for all the time that I owned it. I suggest a short hair carpet in a light color. I used light beige with cloth backing (boring but not annoying). :-)

FYI, I would stay away from using Fiberglass resin unless you are prepared to remove the body and take it back to two halves. You don't want resin running down your brush or roller onto your arm, not a lot of fun.

[AnnS]

Thanks Jokra, but I have dogs that shed a LOT so trying to stay away from fabric and carpet. And yes, that resin is messy.

[bertherr]

I will throw out a brainstorming idea. How about sprayed on truck bed liner material? Bert

[mosquito13]

But I would sand down with 600, hit it with bondo and again sand down to 600. Then use a epoxy paint . Research the paint for self leveling/flow out. Look to marine use paints. Plan on two coats with a lite sand between.
some articles you might find useful

https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2017...-paint-job.asp

Here is a good reply on a sailboat forum... I have that ugly fuzzy adhesive upholstery stuff on my boat and am scraping it all down to bare 'glass for painting. I can suggest these things from experience:1. New fuzzy stuff. There is also a very sleek white vinyl over 1/4" closed-cell foam that is nice to snuggle against. Be sure any foam you install is CLOSED-CELL (so it will not soak up water). This can be had at any place specialising in marine upholstery. You can glue it on with mild contact cement (roll on with brush) or even just flooring glue (which is even non-toxic).2. Gelcoat. Just slosh it on with a decent throw-away 3- or 4-inch brush. It is thick enough to mostly fill the hollows and, better still, will chemically seal the raw fibreglass surface as to prohibit saturation from sweat, slime, salt, etc. Prep the area by sloshing styrene or acetone over it with a rag (this is the nastiest part, but the most crucial part) and work quickly but carefully with the gelcoat.3. Easiest-- latex paint. No kidding. Again, prep the area well, vacuum thoroughly, and use a big thick brush. We used to use a thick dark-brown latex house paint on the inside of the Cherubini 44 hulls before attaching the 'ceiling' --those varnished fir strips that formed the backs of settees and bunks. Worked just fine, bonded extremely well after washing down with acetone first.Going to all that work to fill the hollows in the fibreglass lay-up seems like a waste to me. The boat is fibreglass and is going to look like it. All you really need is a presentable and properly-sealed surface to look at. I can't see the point in having a sterile moulded-and-gelcoated white finish for the inside of the hull.JC 2

[Krestow]

Ann, I'm assuming you're using an electric sander...I find belt sanders the best for flat areas (like the walls away from the curved corners). Also, maybe you could have a sanding party. I had a sod removal party once, and a group of friends came to work for a couple of hours before a dinner (that I provided) of beer and pizza around a fire. For them it was a novel idea, a bit of exercise and time to socialize. I do realize this isn't nearly the same vibe, but might be worth a go.

All in all though, the work you put will be worth it in the end. I have a burro, which has a smooth fiberglass interior and I love how clean it makes the inside of the trailer feel. (not the warmest option, but I'm in SoCal...)

[David B.]

Originally Posted by AnnS

Thanks Jokra, but I have dogs that shed a LOT so trying to stay away from fabric and carpet. And yes, that resin is messy.

Marine headliner can be purchased in vinyl with a foam backing. I saw it on a marine supply store website. It looked like what was used on the Trilliums that Thom built when he was in Arizona.
Dave & Paula

[AnnS]

Thanks for suggestions- it may just have to be sanding for that smooth look. We've been using the belt sander on the outside, will try it inside.

Meanwhile, the horse trailer windows will work- made window opening smaller by fiberglassing, then cut to fit- looks like it works!

For fixed plexiglass windows, looks like it will be the Scamp beading and lockstep- in spite of hefty shipping fee- might get door hinges there as well, it looks like they match up for the Love Bug door.

[Linsey B]

There was a post here. An interior renovation. They applied a paint that was textured.....looked amazing. I think it was a lil big foot.

[Linsey B]

1988 13' Lil' Bigfoot interior Reno
This was the thread
They did a wonderful job and have a detailed account.

[ron edwards]

I have a Love Bug in about the same condition as yours. Except I’m not working on mine currently .😎 I’m thinking marine vinyl headliner material? I’ll be watching your decisions. Hope to start my reno this fall

[Doctor Harold]

Originally Posted by Krestow

... Also, maybe you could have a sanding party. I had a sod removal party once, and a group of friends came to work for a couple of hours before a dinner (that I provided)...)

I had a junker car once that someone gave me and it looked like it was painted with a mop. I invited a couple of business owner friends and had a painting party. They painted it with rattle cans (zero prep) and the painters seemed to have a great time, and actually did a darn good job.

I'm not sure how well a sanding party would go over, but with enough beer it might just work. I'd be sure to have disposable coveralls, gloves, dust masks, and eye protection for everyone.

Harold

[Thomcat316]

When I have to do this I make a Bondo-like putty of epoxy resin, phenolic microballoons, and fumed silica.

Mix the resin thoroughly, add as much microballoon filler as you want (which can be a startlingly large amount), and then add small amounts of silica until it's the consistency you want. The silica is the anti-sag additive, and also the thickener.

Spread to apply with a plastic Bondo spreader, smooth as much as you reasonably can, and sand to finish after curing. Silky smooth finish, and very sandable.

When choosing resin and hardener be aware that fillers seem to speed up cure.

Try https://www.raka.com for all the necessary products.

[AnnS]

Thanks Bert! That is what we ended up doing and it came out way better than expected!

[AnnS]

truck bed liner painted over fiberglass, than marine paint.

[AnnS]

interior and exterior

[bertherr]

Nice. What color did you get it done in? Can you post a picture? Bert