Bodywork

[bmwm3guy]

Where could I find out about doing some bodywork? I want to do a tail light conversion next month myself, but first I must learn. Im a really hand kinda guy and picks up on things quickly... anyone have any suggestions/pointers?

[mike@af]

Fiberglass is the way to go, but its not the easiest thing to learn (I speak from experience). It will take lots of practice to get it down right. My suggestion is for you to have a profesional do the job so it looks decent.

[Rod&Custom]

What kind of surface are the taillights mounted on, because if its metal and you know how to weld, then use bondo. If it's fiberglass then clearly use fiberglass. I personally would hope for metal because thats the kind of cars I work on. Also, if you are doing fiberglass, when you paint it, your going to need flex additives. Good luck and don't let it scare you away!

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by Rod&Custom

What kind of surface are the taillights mounted on, because if its metal and you know how to weld, then use bondo. If it's fiberglass then clearly use fiberglass. I personally would hope for metal because thats the kind of cars I work on. Also, if you are doing fiberglass, when you paint it, your going to need flex additives. Good luck and don't let it scare you away!

If its metal, then fabricate it out of 16Ga. Steel. Never use Bondo for that much work. Bondo shouldnt be used for more than 1/8" thick other wise it cracks, and breaks within a short period of time from daily driving.

Even if its metal, use fiberglass. You can get a real nice fit with it. Depends how good you are at metal work and if your driving a rice rocket or a hot rod.

Fiberglass and flex additives? How many layers are using if your fiberglass flexes? I use about 5-15 layers depending on the job, if its carbon fiber, then its half as many layers. My stuff is rock solid after that.