hardtop repair

PASKS · 11-03-2009, 08:01 AM

i am sure this is a common problem and someone has had to deal with it. my passenger side rear gate "shock" that holds up the rear gate is pulling the fiberglass apart and will soon tear free. what can i do to reinforce this area to get more life ?

Jesse_87 · 11-03-2009, 06:45 PM

x2 Same problem here.

bentshackle · 11-03-2009, 06:50 PM

I cant speak to hard tops specifically but its pretty amazing what you can do with West systems epoxy and glass cloth. Fixed a crunched stern and a broken fitting on a glass boat this week alone. Take your time, dig, grind out all the loose glass, lay the new glass up, re prep, re lay, lather, rinse, repeat. Glass work takes time to do well but it is as strong or stronger if its done well

BS

PASKS · 11-03-2009, 06:55 PM

i was thinking about trying to squeeze epoxy between the "fiberglass" interior and the outside skin and holding it tight till it dries. OR trying to mount a metal plate to spread the load out farther....

**shaggyjim** · 11-03-2009, 09:04 PM

My hard top was in a roll over. I put it back together with this stuff. Works like a champ.http://www.marinetex.com/

**JohndKc** · 11-03-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PASKS

i was thinking about trying to squeeze epoxy between the "fiberglass" interior and the outside skin and holding it tight till it dries. OR trying to mount a metal plate to spread the load out farther....

I just did that this weekend, but it only worked for a little bit. I am going to go out and buy a piece of 1/8" plate my next day off and mount it through the figerglass. I am then going to use some good silicone to seal it.

If i had the chance i wouldn't do the epoxy again. It made more of a problem then it helped. I had to scrape it out without separating the fiberglass anymore. I got it all prepped and ready for this weekend. Will post pics if i get around to doing it.

jharsany · 11-04-2009, 11:34 AM

I had the same problem on mine. I pryed apart the two layers of fiberglass and pushed epoxy in there as best as I could. I also added some screws/washers/nuts that go behind the weatherstripping and through the shock bracket inside. So far so good. I can get pics if anyone is interested.

PASKS · 11-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jharsany

I had the same problem on mine. I pryed apart the two layers of fiberglass and pushed epoxy in there as best as I could. I also added some screws/washers/nuts that go behind the weatherstripping and through the shock bracket inside. So far so good. I can get pics if anyone is interested.

id like to see it !

**dodger889** · 11-04-2009, 01:24 PM

Use some metal support to spread the load being caused by the lift shock. Then do a fiberglass repair cover to the bad spot.

dagoober · 11-04-2009, 02:22 PM

i just put some new fiberglass on mine. hand laid fiberglass is waaay stronger than what the hardtop is origonaly.

**Chris** · 11-04-2009, 04:48 PM

I would suggest just doing fiberglass as even with a plate it will only be temperary. They are made of fiberglass but just not a strong point in that area so why not just reinforce it with what it is made out of and it is really simple and kinda fun.