The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I once worked on Terry for the PO. I guess he may have got worse as its over a years since I saw him, but
I think your best bet is not to take off the complete wings, but just cut back to sound metal and then let in repair sections....

Just my 2 cents...

Jonners

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Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.

How do you let GRP into steel?

Don't worry, I wasn't defending against perceived criticism Steve, just explaining why, and also advertising that feedback is both useful and necessary, but can't always be used to improve the product. With my job, criticism is something I usually thrive upon!

To be fair to the PO I have been riiping up carpets and sound insulation. Basically trying to find every piece rot on the car. My experience of rust is, if you don't catch it, it eats though your car with shocking speed.

I did consider your plan, but there is no way to bond fibre glass to steel that I know of, without using a fixing like a rivet. Glue it on and it will fall off at some point. better to take the plunge and remove the whole wing. Will keep the steel sections, when i get a welder, i am going to use them to practice on, have a go at rebuilding the wing.

Everything is limited by fund. Ideally you would recommision all the tool for the orginal panels, but that would require millions. For the money, the panels I have don't look bad.

It is possible to let fibreglass into steel. I presume you're using the stuff to bridge a hole. If you drill some holes around the big hole and the cover it all with fibreglass on both sides then it should get a decent hold.

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I doubt it would hold, remember cars vibrate, they are exposed to the weather, this a serious test for any bonding method. I half thought about welding up the wings, but it would involve some very difficult metal work to get the shape right. Why bother when I have the fibre glass panels available?

Too right mate! Just fit the GRP wings and stop worrying about wing rot - forever!

Steve

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The context of my question was regarding using part of a GRP panel to repair a metal one.

The GRP panels are bloody fab, fit and forget, this is why I encouraged Lydia to get them in the first place. Shame she didn't get them fitted. The steel wings and front panels are not hard to get off, just take your time and remember, a steady hand and a good look at what is needed is a sure way to success. Sikkaflex and self tapping bolts are the way forward IMHO.