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Manfreds78bay
Samba Member
Joined: February 27, 2009
Posts: 754
Location: PNW
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 Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 1:21 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Threads Showing on Popup |
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The fiber threads on my top are coming through. What fixes this issue? I've read some threads about gel coating, but not sure if this fixes this issue. Or do I have to have a pro do this?
If you had it professionally fixed, what did it cost you?
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1978 2.0L FI Campmobile
1982 AMC Eagle SX4 4.2L FI |
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dreadlocks
Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2012
Posts: 128
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 2:35 pm Post subject: |
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there was never a gel coat on it, paint it.. between each coat use a fine grit sandpaper to knock down the fibers sticking up.. keep applying coats until its all nice and smooth.
most fiberglass shops wont touch your 30+ year old fiberglass, this is probably gonna be a DIY unless you take it to a body shop and ask em to paint and smooth it for you.
Check this out from the FAQ: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58119
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2013 4dr Golf TDI w/Technology & Tow pkg
2001 GTI - 3.0L VR6 Turbo
1975 Westfalia - 2.0L Fuel Injected |
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werksberg
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2005
Posts: 2151
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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I have had customers that bought my new 68 - 73 Pop top & luggage racks state they got marine shop estimates of $3k + just to gel coat their OEM tops....
It is not an easy job..... 
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ccpalmer
Samba Member
Joined: September 17, 2006
Posts: 3850
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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| werksberg wrote: |
I have had customers that bought my new 68 - 73 Pop top & luggage racks state they got marine shop estimates of $3k + just to gel coat their OEM tops....
It is not an easy job..... |
I paid $3500 to get my entire Bus painted inside + out; pop-top too. Pop-top turned out awesome; I'm pretty sure they just sprayed automotive paint on it; maybe primer.
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'71 Westy |
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Wildthings
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50338
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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| I think I would tend to go with a two part brushable polyurethane. Check with your local marine chandler or try Jamestown Distributors. Another way to go might be the elastomer they sell for RV roofs. Others will surely have their own opinions on this. |
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werksberg
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2005
Posts: 2151
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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| ccpalmer wrote: |
| werksberg wrote: |
I have had customers that bought my new 68 - 73 Pop top & luggage racks state they got marine shop estimates of $3k + just to gel coat their OEM tops....
It is not an easy job..... |
I paid $3500 to get my entire Bus painted inside + out; pop-top too. Pop-top turned out awesome; I'm pretty sure they just sprayed automotive paint on it; maybe primer. |
Sounds like you got a killer deal. Yes, it will take lots of primer and spot filler to seal out all those FG strands holes as it is like a mini tubes....
But it also depends on the condition of the FG parts if they need FG repair work or other prep....
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babysnakes
Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2008
Posts: 7106
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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| werksberg wrote: |
It is not an easy job..... |
I haven't done a pop top, but I've done canoes. It may be tedious and time consuming, but it's not hard.  |
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werksberg
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2005
Posts: 2151
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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Then you know it is NOT like spraying regular paint then....
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babysnakes
Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2008
Posts: 7106
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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| werksberg wrote: |
| Then you know it is NOT like spraying regular paint then.... |
Correct. It can be brushed and sanded. We have a "Rolling on the Tremclad " thread. Not everyone is looking for a show winning finish. A lot of folks here are just looking to protect their ride. Brushing and sanding can bring a presentable finish while sealing in the 'glass.
Last edited by babysnakes on Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:30 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Manfreds78bay
Samba Member
Joined: February 27, 2009
Posts: 754
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:21 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the help. This answered my questions.
_________________
1978 2.0L FI Campmobile
1982 AMC Eagle SX4 4.2L FI |
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69satellite
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2008
Posts: 208
Location: Kerrville, TX
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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| I rolled mine with 2 coats of white tractor paint. Couldn't believe it looked as good as it does now. Not perfect but god enough for me |
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1vwdog
Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2004
Posts: 285
Location: Poulsbo WA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:29 pm Post subject: |
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Epoxy primer will do wonders.
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71 Chianti Westy |
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later
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2004
Posts: 121
Location: Posen, Michigan
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| Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 7:53 am Post subject: |
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One word...................."Imron"
It is a polyurethane enamel.
A friend of mine suggested using the same paint they use on Semi trucks, airplanes, bullet trains, boats. Anytime you have plastic/fiberglass you want that paint to flex even while cold and hot.
It is flexible and tuff. It holds up VERY well. It is designed to be used in extreme enviroment and remain a bit flexible.
I did my poptop with it.................no regrets after 15 years. No failure as of yet.
Follow directions and recomended procedures.
Gary
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(me) - "Im sorry Officer, its impossible to drive a straight line in a VW camper in a strong wind."
(Officer) - "Are you telling me sir that you are driving an unsafe vehicle?"...........(This no longer applys since installation of new Koni's.)
Last edited by later on Sun Jul 08, 2012 9:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
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67sunbeam
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2009
Posts: 53
Location: Lake Grove
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| Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 9:07 am Post subject: |
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Has anyone had luck with either the Evercoat or Bondo fiberglass repair kits? I have 2 small holes about the size of a quarter that I want to repair.
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1974 Westy
1967 Sunbeam Alpine |
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galexander
Samba Member
Joined: April 17, 2003
Posts: 524
Location: Round Rock, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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I painted my '79 Westy Pop top using White Rustoleum in the quart can.
Rolled it on with a 3 " roller.
Man, it looks great still, and that was like 7 years ago!
I used a scotchbrite pad with lots of water to smooth out the pop top and clean it first.
Then I Washed it, let it dry for a day or two and then painted it.
good luck
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enjoy the journey,
Gary
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