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ghigg403
Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2015
Posts: 3
Location: United States
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 Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 7:31 am Post subject: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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The poptop and luggage rack on my '82 vanagon have long since seen better days. The fiberglass is completely de-glossed is feathering and starting to wear down evenly, though it is structurally sound. Touching it is like touching fiberglass insulation, if that helps to explain the state.
I expect there is an epoxy or resin surface coating that can be applied to build up the weather resistance, but I'm not too sure of the process or what to look for as mine is so far gone.
This photo, you can see the feathering in the light. The whole thing is evenly worn much like this.
Photo showing the only part of the luggage rack that isn't worn out like the rest: the section that sits under the pop-top out of the elements most of the time. Still smooth and a little glossy.
I pressure-washed it yesterday because it was REALLY bad. Because there is no glossy protection, dirt and mildew just grows inside the little nooks of the fiberglass layers. It cleaned up pretty good with the pressure washer though.
I'd love some help with this problem if anyone has insight. Thanks in advance.
Garrett |
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dobryan
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Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:33 am Post subject: Re: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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Mine was not that rough but +1 for Interlux. I painted just the top surface with white (to keep the heat out, per a tip from dobryan) and it makes for a thick protective coating.
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Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
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dlb154
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2006
Posts: 359
Location: Reno, NV
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| Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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| Did you notice a difference in heat gain with the white? I'm considering the same treatment. |
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leecat
Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2012
Posts: 773
Location: Regina
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| Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:55 am Post subject: Re: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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Thanks for the tips on the Interlux - would you guys use that in preference to the Rustoleum marine top-side paint also recommended in quite a few threads?
In almost the same boat as Garrett currently, except our top (despite being also utterly covered in moss too) is still very glossy. Going to paint it anyway though.
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2604
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 8:59 am Post subject: Re: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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| dlb154 wrote: |
| Did you notice a difference in heat gain with the white? I'm considering the same treatment. |
Yes. The white is cool to the touch in full sun where the body color sides are hot…
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 9:06 am Post subject: Re: Help restoring fiberglass pop-top and luggage rack |
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All good advice except I would use Perfection instead of Topside Enamel. Two part and if rolled on with hotdog rollers it looks sprayed. Have patience and do what Interlux says and you will have a perfect job.
Try looking at marine sites as there is a serious industry which wants to succeed in having fiberglass to look like a Rolls Royce. And they have. |
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dobryan
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Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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