RE: IML: LeBaron Rear Window Filler - Paint the fiberglass area?

["Tom Woodcock" <tom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't know if they used the same "filler" on my 1978 NYB Salon. I have removed the vinyl roof and if you need some pictures of what it looks like I can send them to you. I am redoing the vinyl 

Tall Tom   

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Rob McCall
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 2:50 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: IML: LeBaron Rear Window Filler - Paint the fiberglass area?

Kenyon,

I haven't seen one of those fiberglass plugs myself, but I have to agree with the concerns of the paint cracking and filler popping from the different expansion rates.

I agree with the idea of painting the top.  I have a couple ideas.  First, it might be possible to reinforce the existing plug with extra layers of 'glass to make it stronger.  Don't know if this would actually work with the used piece or not.  If you have one from a parts car to experiment with, I'd say go for it.

Next up would be to use the original one to make a mold and form a new stronger one from fiberglass.  Then you could make it larger than the original to feather out beyond the seams.  All the metal under the plug must be rust free or it will bubble to the surface ruining the look of your slick roof.

Now for the idea I really like.  Using the original piece as a guide, have a new plug fabricated out of steel, then have it welded into the roof.  This would be the most expensive way to go, but I believe it would give you the best results.  An old body guy might be able to do it, or you might need to see a metal fabricator.  Somebody that really knows how to work the metal.
Compared to some of your other ideas for this car, this might not be the most costly part of the project.

Rob McCall
'67 LeBaron

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kenyon Wills
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 12:47 AM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: LeBaron Rear Window Filler - Paint the fiberglass area?

I am eyeing a 72 Le Baron coupe. 

I have customising aspirations to have a painted roof and don't think that there is any rust, but will be yanking the ratty top off.? I am planning to then cover whatever is there with body filler and smooth it, then paint the top instead of redoing in vynyl.? 

Any reason that this is a bad idea as far as smoothing over what's there and making it all look like it's one sheet of steel/smooth from a cosmetic standpoint?? I like the smaller rear window and want to keep it.

Kenyon Wills
?
?




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