fiberglass question?

[Lumpyguy]

So now that allot of people have there cars on the road and have been driving for some time. I am curious if anyone has been noticing any cracking or stress cracks in there body work?

Also any areas people recommend to strengthen with fiberglass or make support bars?

Cheers

[AZPete]

Not on my 818, but on my FFR roadster I got star cracks above the wheels from stones being flung up into the fiberglass. Since the same thing will happen to the 818 front fenders, I glued a stiff foam pad to the underside of the fenders. The 818 rear wheel wells protect the rear fenders.
Here's more: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?17034-wheel-wells

[billjr212]

As long as you attach the fiberglass in a "relaxed" position, I don't see why you would end up with stress cracks. I do plan to epoxy some aluminum angle to the underside of the hood, lengthwise as it flaps around a bit at highway speeds.

[Buzz Skyline]

I have a stress crack near the read left hood pin, but it came from mounting the piece. I simply couldn't find a way to do it without stressing things more than I wanted. I have not gotten any new cracks since registering it 200 road miles ago.

Thanks to AZPete's advice, I glued yoga matts under the front fenders and sprayed them with bed liner to prevent star cracks. They also seem to make the whole front end a little quieter and eliminate the noise from pebbles being flung up at the fender.

[Frank818]

I do plan to epoxy some aluminum angle to the underside of the hood, lengthwise as it flaps around a bit at highway speeds.

That could be due to the small louvers not letting enough air out, if you are using the small FFR ones. Happened to Chad on the track.

[Dave Disque]

So now that allot of people have there cars on the road and have been driving for some time. I am curious if anyone has been noticing any cracking or stress cracks in there body work?

Also any areas people recommend to strengthen with fiberglass or make support bars?

Cheers My MKIV has 7550 miles and no cracks have appeared anywhere. I do caution about using the top of the windshield as a grab point when getting in and out. That pressure cracked my windshield.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

So now that allot of people have there cars on the road and have been driving for some time. I am curious if anyone has been noticing any cracking or stress cracks in there body work?

Also any areas people recommend to strengthen with fiberglass or make support bars?

Cheers

I have 100+ autocross runs with the body on. With many cone hits. No cracks.
In each mounting point I used a 5/16 hole for 1/4" bolt with conical washers and rubber washers. This allows a little bit of movement for thermal expansion and cushions impacts. This is especially needed on the bottom screws of the side sails.
Bob

[Lumpyguy]

Thanks for the heads up, I am starting the body work soon and will be doing a few mods and will be doing a bit of fiberglass work and was going to add some in a spots if recomended.

[bbjones121]

I got hairline cracks right in the middle of each engine cover hoop right behind seats. I recommend reinforcing right there.

[billjr212]

I got hairline cracks right in the middle of each engine cover hoop right behind seats. I recommend reinforcing right there.

Do you have a picture? That seems like a well-supported area with the bulb seal on the aluminum block off panel.

[redfogo]

I have 100+ autocross runs with the body on. With many cone hits. No cracks.
In each mounting point I used a 5/16 hole for 1/4" bolt with conical washers and rubber washers. This allows a little bit of movement for thermal expansion and cushions impacts. This is especially needed on the bottom screws of the side sails.
Bob

This is a great idea any place specific you got the materiel in bulk for this?

[Kurk818]

I got hairline cracks right in the middle of each engine cover hoop right behind seats. I recommend reinforcing right there.

Ive noted that if the rear hump section was not picked up properly, the flex within the panel will cause a crack. Its important to lift at the middle points.

1400miles and no signed of cracking anywhere. I did have spider cracking in the panels at some spots when they were delivered but i believe that was a manufacturing issue.

[C.Plavan]

I got hairline cracks right in the middle of each engine cover hoop right behind seats. I recommend reinforcing right there.

I have those also, but only on one hump

[wallace18]

I always coat the entire underside of my fiberglass bodies with either truck bed liner roll on or lizard skin. Protects as well as strengthens. IMO.