Long term feedback on fiberglass quater panels

[caspian45]

I see that Slacker has some great looking alternatives to steel quarter panels. I just picked up a Gen 1 4runner with a solid engine and frame. the body on the other hand.....I will need all 4 quarter panels. Before investing the time and $ in going fiberglass, I was hoping to get feedback from those who have had them on for 5+ years.

I have never used epoxy to attach body panels, and am concerned about long term application.

Does anyone have any long term experience who can chime in?

Thanks
Chris

 

[sam24th]

No experience with epoxying quarters, but as far as his fiberglass products go, they are top notch. I have a Truck bed from him on my pickup and its amazingly stout.

 

[Bad_Vision]

I see that Slacker has some great looking alternatives to steel quarter panels. I just picked up a Gen 1 4runner with a solid engine and frame. the body on the other hand.....I will need all 4 quarter panels. Before investing the time and $ in going fiberglass, I was hoping to get feedback from those who have had them on for 5+ years.

I have never used epoxy to attach body panels, and am concerned about long term application.

Does anyone have any long term experience who can chime in?

Thanks
Chris

[MENTION=3959]slacker[/MENTION] has a great product.
If it helps you decide remember that the Corvette body is entirely fiberglass and has been for over 20 years I believe. So if you maintain it you should have no problems keeping it looking brand new for a long time.

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[rustED_]

customerpics
^^^on the above link if you scroll down past all the customer pic there are some Carnage Pics of customers rigs that have been rolled or in a collision. The fiberglass always looks better than the steel panels, and in most cases is repairable.

The only down side that I can see is that Slacker is always busy and you'll probably be put on a waiting list. Also when I looked into buying a single quarter panel for him, and he emailed me and let me know that it wouldn't be very cost effective on my side, but if I were to order multiple panels (like it sounds like you would be) It would save me on shipping and crating charges, also you have to pay a fee when going through customs since he is based out of Canada, just some things to be aware of.

 

[Ahlem]

Do a youtube search for 3M 8115 body panel adhesive. It's pretty amazing stuff. They are basically gluing car bodies together these days.

 

[slacker]

Thanks guys for the props ..
I'm not going to go in to the benefits of my fiberglass .. more just to let you know , my shop is soooo busy .. I'm currently BOOKED with deposits for 2.4 years .

so ..

I have actually decided to stop taking orders for 1 year .

I need to catch up .. my list of builds is becoming unmanageable . I haven't built a new mould for as very long time .
I just wish I could find the talented labor I need in order to expand further

 

[Bad_Vision]

Thanks guys for the props ..
I'm not going to go in to the benefits of my fiberglass .. more just to let you know , my shop is soooo busy .. I'm currently BOOKED with deposits for 2.4 years .

so ..

I have actually decided to stop taking orders for 1 year .

I need to catch up .. my list of builds is becoming unmanageable . I haven't built a new mould for as very long time .
I just wish I could find the talented labor I need in order to expand further

I would be interested in coming to learn from you to open a US based shop. I have the capital and resources just never did fiberglass work before.

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[slacker]

I would be interested in coming to learn from you to open a US based shop. I have the capital and resources just never did fiberglass work before.

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how about just buy it all .. we can work in the deal for me to come work for you and teach you all I know .
I would sell my company

 

[Bad_Vision]

how about just buy it all .. we can work in the deal for me to come work for you and teach you all I know .
I would sell my company

Let me finish my current financial venture. I'll consider it and I'll email you this fall if I get serious about it.

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[Ahlem]

If you need a local source for 5 axis CNC machining of molds in Grand Rapids, we might be looking to expand the woodworking business to include alternative markets.
We've done a couple for a concrete molding company and we are across the street from Plasan, the company that makes Viper and Z06 Corvette carbon fiber parts.

 

[irritech]

Thanks guys for the props ..
I'm not going to go in to the benefits of my fiberglass .. more just to let you know , my shop is soooo busy .. I'm currently BOOKED with deposits for 2.4 years .

so ..

I have actually decided to stop taking orders for 1 year .

I need to catch up .. my list of builds is becoming unmanageable . I haven't built a new mould for as very long time .
I just wish I could find the talented labor I need in order to expand further

Nooooo!!!! I just got the go ahead to order rear panels