Hatch Repair

[BLT-NT-BOT]

Any body had to repair the hatch where the supports bolts to it? I have a hatch that has that area busted out and was looking for a way to fix it.

[2labman]

Originally Posted by BLT-NT-BOT

Any body had to repair the hatch where the supports bolts to it? I have a hatch that has that area busted out and was looking for a way to fix it.

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[BLT-NT-BOT]

anyone?

[1rippen6]

I don't have a clue how to fix but I probably have the plate in my hatch pieces can look if interested.

[1rippen6]

Might even have a hatch piece large enough to graft in.

[BLT-NT-BOT]

Yes I would be interested, if you'll get me pictures and price that would be great.

[1rippen6]

I will look at the beginning of the week

[stangtjk]

I'll be tackling this same project this weekend... I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Blazer690]

I cut a round hole in the bottom panel that was covered with a snap in cover. Through this hole I slid a AL 1 1/2X 12" angle to replace the nut plate. Then I pop riveted the angel to the fiber glass at both ends . After fiber glassing the old piece in I threaded the new holes in the AL. Not good looking but heavy duty.

[stangtjk]

My hatch was much worse than just the busted out support area so I probably tackled this project differently than what you would be doing.

First thing I did was separate the two halves of the hatch using a heat gun and putty knife. I cleaned off the old bonding compound and sanded the insides.

Next I laid a couple layers of fiberglass with epoxy resin (polyurethane won't stick) from the back side of the damaged areas.

Tomorrow I'll sand the front side of the repaired areas and put another layer of glass on the outside followed by some SMC filler putty to smooth it all out. Will post pics of the process I used once complete.

[stangtjk]

Originally Posted by stangtjk

My hatch was much worse than just the busted out support area so I probably tackled this project differently than what you would be doing.

First thing I did was separate the two halves of the hatch using a heat gun and putty knife. I cleaned off the old bonding compound and sanded the insides.

Next I laid a couple layers of fiberglass with epoxy resin (polyurethane won't stick) from the back side of the damaged areas.

Tomorrow I'll sand the front side of the repaired areas and put another layer of glass on the outside followed by some SMC filler putty to smooth it all out. Will post pics of the process I used once complete.

The repairs from on the inside seemed strong enough so I skipped adding another layer of glass on the outside and went straight to the SMC filler. It has bits of carbon fiber in it for reinforcement so it should add some strength as well.

The camera on my phone gave out but I did take some with another camera.... I shared some photos of the progress one I get them uploaded.

[BLT-NT-BOT]

Originally Posted by stangtjk

The repairs from on the inside seemed strong enough so I skipped adding another layer of glass on the outside and went straight to the SMC filler. It has bits of carbon fiber in it for reinforcement so it should add some strength as well.

The camera on my phone gave out but I did take some with another camera.... I shared some photos of the progress one I get them uploaded.

I would be interested in the photos, thanks for sharing.

Jothan

[1rippen6]

Sorry none large enough to use as a patch 8 shipped.

[BLT-NT-BOT]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

Sorry none large enough to use as a patch 8 shipped.

I will take them, at least that will give me an idea what I'm missing.

[stangtjk]

I was missing one of those pieces too... I just cut a piece of plate and tacked on some nuts. I believe they were 1/4-20.

[GM man]

I have a couple of places on my hatch that needs repair too. In a couple of spots I have holes, not quite as big as yours, but they need to be patched up. I was just planning on sanding it back and filling them with pieces of fiberglass. If it adheres well to the sides it should be a rigid and permanent fix.