Custom Painting S2 Fibreglass Panels...

[soulsurfer]

I've seen some recommendations on here for some good quality Series 2 fibreglass side panels, but how would these stand up to a custom paint job what with any flexing that may occur with fitting, removal and general usel? I would hate to spend out on a decent paint job only for it to look shite within a short time, any thoughts?

[warts]

ERF's cabs had what is basically a f'glass panel, they get sign written all the time. Or think Lotus, or even Reliant for gel coat cracking. If the gel coat is too thick then cracking will happen.
There is special paint for the plastic bumpers on cars which is very flexible, and ordinary two part paint is pretty good, providing the adhesion is good. The sample swatches the guys did for colour matching were on very flexible plastic and worked ok, but that was short term.
No idea about anything remotely "special/fancy" paintwise.
I would guess the thinner the better, as generally thick paint chips easier than thin.

[WINTERMODEL150]

Find some metal panels Mike and stop being so tight

Long term metal will always win.

Dean

[soulsurfer]

Find some metal panels Mike and stop being so tight

Long term metal will always win.

Dean

It's not about that Dean, I have a metal pair, it's about cutting a bloody big hole in them

[WINTERMODEL150]

Are you cutting a hole for the carb filter?

[soulsurfer]

You got it

[simonwwfc]

I've got fibreglass panels and they are sounds my paint work has been fine

[WINTERMODEL150]

Have you tried an lth right angled filter as this will clear on series 1/2 panels?

[soulsurfer]

I doubt it would give enough airflow for this motor mate, hence the RAM filter as opposed to the type you suggest, and I use on my GT186

[coaster]

Provided the panels are thick enough, cracking of the gel coat and or paint shouldn't be a problem. That said, GRP does suffer from stress cracking where movement can occur, I know, I have owned several GRP cars (still own one) and am well versed in the repair of stress cracks. It doesn't matter how flexible the top coats are, if the gel coat cracks you will be able to see the line even though 2k paint may not crack (celly will). If in doubt about the stiffness, get some additional reinforcement added i.e. fibre glass woven roving (tape) in the areas where flexing might take place (panel handle mounts would be high on my list)