Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic

[eamarquardt]

Didn't want to hijack the "cardboard teardrop" string but wanted to say some things about FRP or "fiberglass".

First, there are different types of resins and each has advantages and disadvantages. End of discussion on this point.

I've never done a "big project" myself but I've witnessed a friend build two commercial fishing boats. It's really impressive what you can do with a bit of fiberglass (mat, roving, and cloth), some foam, and some resin.

I've repaired carboard glove boxes for cars, a small patio fountain bowl that got broken, plastic fenders for ATVs, and also reinforced a motorcycle fender from the underside with several layers of cloth so I could mount a taillight and license plate on a fender that otherwise would be too flimsy to support the additional weight.

In addition I've repaired swimming pool diving boards, made guards for machine tools, and lots of other little projects repairs.

Nothing sticks to ATV/Motorcycle plastic very well but you can still effect some repairs by backing/holding the damaged piece together with some duct tape and then applying glass/resin to the back side and then pop riviting the plastic and FRG together after the resin cures. Not as pretty as new fender but these repairs seem to hold up pretty well. Cheaper than new plastic if it's even available (a lot of the stuff I work on is not exactly brand new).

I'd be interested in some "outside the box" uses for FRG that other have used.

Never too old to learn.

Cheers,

Gus

[pete42]

Gus I and a friend did a lot of fiberglass work building an all fiberglass and foam airplane.
you are right it can be used in many creative ways one I used was to repair my brand new electricans work pouch I caught it on a bolt and ripped the front pocket I brought it home laid up a small amount of glass and epoxy-resin I wore the same pouch for the next 30 years until retired.
I have often wondered why no one has built a foam tear-drop using the foam as the core and the glass as covering I know that design is very strong and light weight. no need to make a mold like building a boat but use foam instead of cardboard like our new friend did.
Pete

[glassice]

there a lot that have but most call it quit it the cash on Aug 13 our 176 one will go out the door but we have a mold

[Ageless]

Pete; it's all on the drawing board right now. Possibly begin build next year as I have to refurbish the Compact Jr this fall/winter.

[starleen2]

I have often wondered why no one has built a foam tear-drop using the foam as the core and the glass as covering I know that design is very strong and light weight. no need to make a mold like building a boat but use foam instead of cardboard like our new friend did.
Pete

Look up DAVEL and the bluebonnet tear II from the South Central region. He constructed it out of foam and fibreglass. There are a few others, but is seems that costs outweigh the benefits. JAMES WORLEY and his Dallas Cowboys tribute tear used FRP for the exterior roof and it had held up for many years