Fiberglass repair

[TxLoser]

What’s the best way to go about repairing this. I’m not sure it’s worth my 1K deductible and the insurance rate hike to make a claim. Looking for something other than a whole new cap. Also have an area about the size a silver dollar that’s spiderwebbed under the cap.


The discolored areas clean off, but the hole is a bit disconcerting.

[Grumpy]

There are kits available at most boat dealers.

[CAG]

Best stuff I have found. I used it on boats for many years.

[TxLoser]

Cool stuff. Is it hard to tint? My trailer is that Jayco beige. The spider webbing spots I don’t think I’ll worry about too much. They’re on the underside, and quite small.

[CAG]

I never tried tinting but if you can find a match it should work. With some wet sanding down to 4000 you can shine it up.

[TxLoser]

It’s a tiny area so really not a big issue if it’s color is off a little. I doubt I’d ever get an exact match anyway. Thanks again for the info.

[2021JayFlight28BHS]

Check with local auto body paint supplier.... maybe even a Sherwin Williams, some can match or come close and put the paint in a aerosol can for you..

Or find you a sticker to go over it.

[curver900]

you should make sure that it is still structurally okay.. use a screwdriver and push around see if it is soft.
if soft you should remove the loose glass, then go out at least 1/2 inch to the solid area.
Then as others have mentioned get the right type of glass for your repair (lots of info on the internet on which type you would need) along with a good resin and accelerator.

You won't match the color easily, you can go out and purchase a couple of colors and mix them let it dry and match it up best you can spectrum has a plethora of colors https://spectrumcolor-com.3dcartstores.com/
note the gel is only good for about 6 months...

then glass and resin it till it is a bit higher than the surrounding area, sand it down feathering it out...

if there is no give in the impact area then you likely can just gel coat it and call it a day.. but if soft the gel will just fall out after a bit...

[TxLoser]

I’ll go back out to my storage area and have a look this week. Good tip. I’ve never dealt with fiberglass, so all this info is great.

[camjam]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

What’s the best way to go about repairing this. I’m not sure it’s worth my 1K deductible and the insurance rate hike to make a claim. Looking for something other than a whole new cap. Also have an area about the size a silver dollar that’s spiderwebbed under the cap.


The discolored areas clean off, but the hole is a bit disconcerting.
Attachment 63485

I used regular auto body filler and hardner. I then took my propane door off and took it to Sherwin Williams Commercial paint center for a color match and bought 2 part auto paint. That turned out to be awful expensive, I would find a cheaper paint next time. Mine wasn't structural, just a long scrape across the rear outside kitchen door. Came out good, nobody who didn't know it was there has mentioned it.

[TxLoser]

Is that the same process... go’s on like a putty and then sand it into shape?

[madmaxmutt]

In reference to your claim, once the hole itself is repaired; sanding, paint and clear is between $1500 and $2500 , based on my re-paint and re-re-paint from the failed original gelcoat.

I would think a body shop could fix a smaller area, if not for all the failed gelcoat finishes.

[TxLoser]

Amazing how fast this stuff adds up. My truck ended up being nearly 5K when all said and done. Should get that back mid week. I may do a claim on this too just to get it done right. At the same time it pains me to pay another deductible and look at a potential rate rise for such a little divet.

[camjam]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

Is that the same process... go’s on like a putty and then sand it into shape?

Exactly. I've done fiberglass repair before and the body putty goes on, shapes, and sands so much easier.