Budget Resto Begins!!

Got minimal $ to devote to my VF500, but I do have sand paper! :thumbsup: Here are a few pics of the bodywork, before and after a little 100 grit. I'm looking for suggestions on how to fix the grossly enlarged mounting holes, and the gouges. I'm leaning toward large strand fiberglass empregnated body filler, but am not quite sold yet. Does anyone out there know what works best?

 

sweet anothe rfellow 500 brother....keep us updated :thumbsup:

 

For the big stuff I'd suggest using a backing of fiberglass sheet and filling the outer with strand fiber. For the gouges the fiber impregnated filler would be fine. I've used the latter for big hole and what not and I found it a little brittle for such a large job.

For big holes: Use woven fiber sheet on back to support the hole up front. I've used aluminum foil to keep resin from coming out hole in front. After the resin has started to harden, remove foil as it will be easier to remove at this time. After it cures go to front and use fiber strand to fill hole. Re-drill hole after you sand and finish. You might be able to insert something into hole the correct size, covered in foi,l so you don't have to drill but I'd probably just drill later.

Hope this helps. Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

The Texan

I would love to give you advise but I am a border line retard with fiberglass and would rather be gang raped in prison than touch the stuff again.Super Tex on the other hand is a magician, I have seen his work . I would run with what he advised twice on sunday.:biggrin:

 

JB Weld is my friend! For the damage around the holes and anywhere where it's worn thin I have roughed up the inside and used JB Weld Quick epoxy. If it was extra nasty, like an old gixer my buddy had, I used regular house screen to bond the epoxy too. for more solid parts like turn signals or gage consoles I have used the regular slow reacting JB. it stiffins up slower but you can actually drill and tap it if nessary. When your ready to paint, stick with one brand even if its a rattle can job. WET SAND ALOT. some filler primer to cover up problems is almost allways a must. and wet sand that. take the time and do it right. Wet sanding even rattle can paint stiffins it up and gives you a better finish.

 

DOnt use jb weld. Use plastic weld. It sets up faster, bonds better and Is harder.



ANd Make sure you keep your 500 away from fire. They love to spontaniously combust.

 

I was thinking of inserting a washer up front, then filling and drilling. I want to make sure there's something solid to prevent this from happening again. When I'm done I'm gonna mount everything with rubber grommets. Thanks for the advice, I'll be showing the finished work soon enough:biggrin:.

I'll be using plastic weld on the tail piece since it has an ugly crack, also, the front mounting tabs are broken. I gotta figure out how to repair those. Any suggestions?

 

Is there a decent rattle can paint out there? Would I be able to use a rattle can clear coat and have it last more than a year? My budget (WIFE) will only allow me to spend a minimal amount on this project, so most of the $ is going to suspension and mechanics. I REALLY want to get the most out of what little $ I have to spend, so doin it right the first time is what I'm all about. :biggrin:

Matt, I have'nt checked out your thread lately, any luck with your front suspension?

 

I like the idea of the washer insert. would definately toughen up that point in the bodywork. My ''rattle can'' comment was more for the ''budget'' factor than a recomendation.