Cutting Fiberglass? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Als454 · 09-06-2007, 05:13 PM

I need to trim down some fiberglass stepside fenders. What should I use to cut them? The cuts will have some curve to them.

glock35ipsc · 09-06-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Als454

I need to trim down some fiberglass stepside fenders. What should I use to cut them? The cuts will have some curve to them.

Cut-off wheel, jigsaw, or an air body saw. Whichever way you choose, don't forget good eye protection and an even better respirator!

bad6772 · 09-06-2007, 05:58 PM

with glock. a great air body saw imo will do the best job and the have a clean cut, also might want to think about long sleeves...that fibergalss can be itchy

cdowns · 09-06-2007, 07:13 PM

long sleeve shirt too will keep the itch down

PanelDeland · 09-06-2007, 07:16 PM

Start your shower afterward with cold water.I worked as a insulator years ago.It seems the minute particles of the 'glass get into your pores more when they open up(heat makes them open,helps to cool you).This should help keep the itching down.Rinsing the particles off with cool water prevents this.
There are also some barrier creams that help prevent this.

**Classic Bowties** · 09-06-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

Cut-off wheel, jigsaw, or an air body saw. Whichever way you choose, don't forget good eye protection and an even better respirator!

go with the AIR BODY SAW for the best results. Cb

bad6772 · 09-06-2007, 09:24 PM

one more tip for ya ....as far as the itching goes. if you dont wear long sleeves.........but baby powder on your arms or what ever else that is exposed.....you may look goofy lol but trust me it works......

sick69 · 09-06-2007, 09:33 PM

Make sure you use a fine tooth saw blade as well. it may take a little longer to cut but the cut will be cleaner.

Frank

68shortstep · 09-07-2007, 03:07 PM

Here's an old insulation-company owner's trick: First saw one of my workmen doing this, so I can't claim credit for the idea. Sounds stupid, but it sure works.

I've seen guys in the local boat plants (Ranger Bass Boats, etc) where they spray chopper gun fiberglas all day do this, too.

Dilute White Elmer's Glue-All about 50 % or so with water. Maybe a little thinner strength than that even.

Paint yourself on the arms with it, about up to the armpits & around your neckline. Use a thick painted-n layer of it, or re-layer it a second time. Working without a longsleeve shirt is OK then, if it's a little hot. I've even seen it put onto peoples' faces, though obviously, you want to keep it out of your eyes.

When you're "dry" it's like you've got a body-fitting glove on. If you damage it by tearing a hole in it, just re-patch, let the patched spot dry, and go back to work.

When you're done, just peel it off like a snake shedding his skin. Doesn't pull arm hair or any unpleasant side effects that we ever found.

NO ITCHIES !!!!!!!!!!!

Wear a dust mask & eye protection tho.

Anywhere you get fiberglas particles on your skin, use COLD water to rinse it off, like the posting above says. Hot water opens the pores up, and makes it bite you even worse.

Als454 · 09-07-2007, 04:55 PM

Hey guy's, maybe I should have worded this different. I plan on using either a sabre saw or a sawzall but what type of blade do I use to get a good clean cut. I have tried a few different blades with no success.

72 cheyenne pdx · 09-07-2007, 05:59 PM

Here's a tip as well, but it is to help with a clean cut. Where you are cutting, put painter's tape on finished side of the fender, and then mark the line you are cutting over the tape. It will help eliminate the splintering of the fiberglass. I wouldn't recommend using a sawzall. I don't think it is the right tool for the job. If you wan to go cheap, I recommend jigsaw ($20) or cheaper yet a coping saw ($9). You will want to use a small tooth blade. Go to a home improvement store and there are blades that state to use with fiberglass.

Good Luck

09-06-2007, 05:13 PM	#1
Als454 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vienna, Ohio, USA Posts: 259	Cutting Fiberglass? I need to trim down some fiberglass stepside fenders. What should I use to cut them? The cuts will have some curve to them. __________________ 72 Chevy A/C P/B P/S Tilt 454 Engine 400 TCI Trans C30 Frame C10 Suspension Short Wheel Base (Dually)

09-06-2007, 05:58 PM	#3
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? with glock. a great air body saw imo will do the best job and the have a clean cut, also might want to think about long sleeves...that fibergalss can be itchy

09-06-2007, 07:13 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? long sleeve shirt too will keep the itch down __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-06-2007, 07:16 PM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? Start your shower afterward with cold water.I worked as a insulator years ago.It seems the minute particles of the 'glass get into your pores more when they open up(heat makes them open,helps to cool you).This should help keep the itching down.Rinsing the particles off with cool water prevents this. There are also some barrier creams that help prevent this. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-06-2007, 09:24 PM	#7
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? one more tip for ya ....as far as the itching goes. if you dont wear long sleeves.........but baby powder on your arms or what ever else that is exposed.....you may look goofy lol but trust me it works......

09-06-2007, 09:33 PM	#8
sick69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: colorado springs colorado Posts: 737	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? Make sure you use a fine tooth saw blade as well. it may take a little longer to cut but the cut will be cleaner. Frank __________________ 70 chevy lwb c10 454/th400 and a 9" rearend suicide doors, marker light fuel fill, 4" cowl , mini tub

09-07-2007, 03:07 PM	#9
68shortstep Looks good at 20-ft ..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mtn Home, AR Posts: 707	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? Here's an old insulation-company owner's trick: First saw one of my workmen doing this, so I can't claim credit for the idea. Sounds stupid, but it sure works. I've seen guys in the local boat plants (Ranger Bass Boats, etc) where they spray chopper gun fiberglas all day do this, too. Dilute White Elmer's Glue-All about 50 % or so with water. Maybe a little thinner strength than that even. Paint yourself on the arms with it, about up to the armpits & around your neckline. Use a thick painted-n layer of it, or re-layer it a second time. Working without a longsleeve shirt is OK then, if it's a little hot. I've even seen it put onto peoples' faces, though obviously, you want to keep it out of your eyes. When you're "dry" it's like you've got a body-fitting glove on. If you damage it by tearing a hole in it, just re-patch, let the patched spot dry, and go back to work. When you're done, just peel it off like a snake shedding his skin. Doesn't pull arm hair or any unpleasant side effects that we ever found. NO ITCHIES !!!!!!!!!!! Wear a dust mask & eye protection tho. Anywhere you get fiberglas particles on your skin, use COLD water to rinse it off, like the posting above says. Hot water opens the pores up, and makes it bite you even worse. Last edited by 68shortstep; 09-07-2007 at 03:08 PM. Reason: correct typo

09-07-2007, 04:55 PM	#10
Als454 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vienna, Ohio, USA Posts: 259	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? Hey guy's, maybe I should have worded this different. I plan on using either a sabre saw or a sawzall but what type of blade do I use to get a good clean cut. I have tried a few different blades with no success. __________________ 72 Chevy A/C P/B P/S Tilt 454 Engine 400 TCI Trans C30 Frame C10 Suspension Short Wheel Base (Dually)

09-07-2007, 05:59 PM	#11
72 cheyenne pdx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 382	Re: Cutting Fiberglass? Here's a tip as well, but it is to help with a clean cut. Where you are cutting, put painter's tape on finished side of the fender, and then mark the line you are cutting over the tape. It will help eliminate the splintering of the fiberglass. I wouldn't recommend using a sawzall. I don't think it is the right tool for the job. If you wan to go cheap, I recommend jigsaw ($20) or cheaper yet a coping saw ($9). You will want to use a small tooth blade. Go to a home improvement store and there are blades that state to use with fiberglass. Good Luck



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