Blending convertible bodyline on top of 1/4 panels - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

kdck4 · 08-12-2009, 11:33 PM

I went in five pages deep and saw nothing regarding fiberglass and blending this piece in. I just bought one and its the only ugly part of the car. It needs paint anyway, and that piece looks like a cheap kit add on.

Has anyone ever done this? My intention was to grind it down thin along th edge and then glass it in, block it, then shoot it. This would make the car look like it was born a vert instead of cut in.

Would this cause any problems with the body? I'm just wondering because I haven't seen any done, I would figure this is the first thing anyone painting their car would do.

FSTFBDY · 08-12-2009, 11:42 PM

I'll have to dig out my usb hard drive. I have pictures of a guy who removed the side caps completely and leaded everything in , etc. Looks different thats for sure.

kdck4 · 08-13-2009, 12:14 AM

Nice, thanks for the reply. That would be the "proper" way to do it. I think if I took the sides of the cap way down I could glass it in and blend it as if it didn't exist.

kdck4 · 08-13-2009, 11:58 PM

Is anyone else interested in this? I feel that the car would look more refined. Like it was designed to be a convertible. I don't want to change any body lines,, just get rid of that "quick fix" seam where the cap meets the body.

84TransAmEU · 08-14-2009, 01:38 AM

Since I also give my GTA vert a new paintjob, I am also interested in that issue. Any pictures are appreciated!

Dale · 08-14-2009, 08:13 AM

I would like to do this as well. But its not that easy to just remove them I found out when replacing my 1/4.

The trunk sits up higher then the pannels. So you would have to pie-cut your 1/4s, and weld a patch in.

Now my understanding is you just want to fill in under them?

WillSpeedy · 08-14-2009, 09:31 AM

Here's a pic I have on my computer. I know others have done it.

kdck4 · 08-14-2009, 10:50 AM

Dale,
I figured I would leave them on and sand the side facing out on the rear 1/4 down to nearly paper thin. I am making the last 3/4" paper thin, leaving a lip for a fiberglass strip. I will lay in a 2" fiberglass strip, sand it smooth and then blend it in with mar-glass.

Dale · 08-14-2009, 02:17 PM

If your sanding it down to very thing, just remember that any heat on it is likely to make it warp.

jagevileye21 · 08-14-2009, 02:32 PM

I was always wondering how our cars would look with those caps removed.

That platinum or silver color looks good also.

Jay

kdck4 · 08-15-2009, 11:09 AM

Is it made out of ABS Plastic? If that is the case a wire wheel acts just like sandpaper on the stuff without really touching metal.

84TransAmEU · 08-17-2009, 02:07 AM

Great pics, thanks for sharing. The question is if the molded plastic will crack on the body over time ...

Do you have more pictures? They might be helpful, since I am also planning on doing the same thing ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSpeedy

Here's a pic I have on my computer. I know others have done it.

kdck4 · 08-19-2009, 04:26 AM

Mine is riding on a truck from Long Beach, Cal tomorrow and should arrive on the 29th. This is my first one, I'm like a kid in a candy store. The paint is peeled off on the hood and snout, so that is the first order of business. I stole it for $1800 because of it though.

madmax · 08-19-2009, 03:10 PM

I think its some kind of urethane like the bumpers. Same color, texture, and feel.

FSTFBDY · 08-19-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmax

I think its some kind of urethane like the bumpers. Same color, texture, and feel.

havent found the pictures yet.

Yes its the same material os the bumpers. My last set I did, I used fiberglass and tiger hair body filler to fill.

kdck4 · 08-20-2009, 12:14 AM

TPI383 is that your car with the tilt nose? Nice work if so, I'd be interested in the particulars on that as well. I'll stay on topic, have you had any problems with cracking? I would think that material gives enough that it wouldn't strain a decent bond? Just don't forget the flex additive in the paint.

macertheracer · 08-20-2009, 11:25 PM

I like the heck out of this idea, since I am getting ready to work on my "vert" anyway, she is 4 differant colors at present, this would be a nice touch. And I have an extra set of glass pieces, so why not experiment???