TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
BODIES AND CABS
GENERAL
mat. The cloth or mat is then saturated with a resin.
When the resin cures ( hardens) it acts as a binder to
The information contained in this manual section has
hold the fiberglass together, thus forming a solid panel.
been prepared to provide service personnel with a ready
Fiberglass components, such as the hood with
reference to step-by step procedures for repair or
fenders assembly,' are formed from laminated sheets of
replacement of fiberglass components.
fiberglass mats held together with a synthetic resin.
Instructions for making fiberglass repairs to sheet
When the liquid resin mix cures (hardens) it binds the
metal are also covered in this section.
filaments of glass in the fiberglass mats and creates a
A fiberglass reinforced plastic repair kit (Fig. 1) has
solid panel. The glass fiber provides the strength in the
been made available which contains the material needed
panel while the resin bonds the glass fibers together and
to repair either fiberglass or sheet metal components.
supplies only a limited additional amount of strength.
This kit may be obtained through regular Service Part
Therefore when repairing a section, be sure to cover
channels.
more than Just the hole where the damaged material has
The mixing directions for the resin mixture and
been removed. Always overlap the undamaged portion
plastic putty are found on the cans.
with fiberglass patches, so that a more continuous sheet
of reinforced fiber-glass results.
Since the material hardens by a chemical action, a
CAUTION: Do not put mixed material back into cans.
hard surface indicates a hard interior, ready for finishing.
The mixture be-comes hot before reaching setting
temperature and then it begins to harden. It reaches full
hardness after 48 hours. It can however be sanded and
finished before then.
To hasten the curing action or if the working
temperature is below 60 degrees F, hold a heat lamp
approximately 18" from work. NOTE: 250 degree F to
275 degree F is the high limit for material and to go
higher might distort the fiberglass form you are patching.
Therefore, keep a close control over the external heat
supply. Cooler temperature increases the working time
and hardening time.
Fig. 1. Fiberglass Repair Kit
The paint refinishing method is the same as that
recommended for metal parts with the exception that the
Legend for Fig. 1
temperature must be kept below 250 degree F, which
means the air dry process is the most practical method.
Key
Description
Either enamels or lacquers may be used to paint the
fiberglass.
1
CLOTH
2
PLASTIC FILLER
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED
3
PLASTIC ACTIVATOR
4
RESIN ACTIVATOR
Tools and equipment necessary to make repairs on
5
RESIN
fiberglass are as follows:
6
MIXING CUP (3)
7
MAT
IH Repair Kit (Fig. 1)
8
SQUEEGEE (1-1/2" x 2")
Putty Knife
9
SQUEEGEE (1-1/2" x 1")
Electrical Drill and Bits
10
PAINT BRUSH
Electrical Grinder or Sander
11
STIRRING STICK
Respirator
12
STIRRING STICK
"C" Clamps
Hacksaw Blades and Holder
DESCRIPTION
Files
Fiberglass is manufactured from filaments of pure
glass spun into yarn then either woven into a fabric
(cloth) or a loosely bound
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