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Post 98 Fiberglass eyelid How To

BlackE1

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Aug 17, 2002
Messages
514
Location
Genoa City WI
How to Build Fiberglass eyebrows/lids:

Time: I worked on mine a few hrs over many weekends
But I think if you work diligently you could finish this on 1 to 2 weekends.

Difficulty: This was my second fiberglass project I would say if you can any bit hands on do it your selfer you would be able to make these.

Things needed:
1) Right head light
2) Left head light
3) Fiber glass cloth of mat (1-24 oz) I used 24 oz but recomend using around 3-10 oz.
4) Fiberglass resin
5) Disposable gloves
6) Small single use paint brush(s)
7) Tin foil
8) Masking tape
9) Plastic bags
10) Drop cloth
11) Respirator that is safe for fiberglass resin
Mine is a 3M
n20303248_32414845_5058.jpg

12) Bond glass or regular bond (recommend bond glass)
13) Primmer
14) Paint to match car
15) Clear coat
16) Double sided tape or other means to attach to car

Tools needed:
1) Flathead screw driver or Torx number ??
2) Scissors (for cutting fiberglass)
3) Dremel of other cutting tool for trimming fiberglass
4) Sand paper 60 up to 1000 grit.
5) Power sander (makes smoothing much easier then by hand)


Step one:
Remove head lights (removal of grille makes this step easier)
Grille has two screws on top and two clips on the bottom.
n20303248_32414782_1680.jpg

Now remove head lights
n20303248_32414783_2011.jpg


Step two:
Wrap head light in plastic or any other material that will protect the head light from the resin.
n20303248_32414779_891.jpg

Now add a mold releasing material I used tin foil.
n20303248_32414781_1437.jpg


Step three: This step you can do or skip
Make a template to the shape of the eyelid that you want to end up with in the end.
Then cut pieces of fiberglass a ½ inch to 1 inch larger then your template.
n20303248_32414785_2648.jpg


Step four:
Take single use paint brush and cut off half the length of the bristles.
n20303248_32414843_4630.jpg

Now is a good time to make sure you have everything laid out ready to go before mixing the resin and hardener.
1) Covered (protected) head light
2) fiberglass
3) brush
4) drop cloth
5) respirator
6) disposable gloves
7) resin and hardener

Step five:
Mix resin and hardener according to the directions on the can. (mix well)
Once mixed coat a fiberglass piece with resin and lay on head light.
Make sure all air bubbles are removed.
A second layer can be applied right away of you can wait till the first layer has cured. (Note: I found it easier to coat the surface with resin then coat the piece of fiberglass then lay it on the coated surface)
Continue to add layers until you feel that you have reached the desired thickness.
The thickness is up to you but keep in mind the thicker you make the eyelid the more they will stick off the head light.
Resin that i used it comes with hardener:
n20303248_32414844_4784.jpg


Step six:
Now take the cured eyelid and remove it from the head light.
Once removed take cutting tool and shape it to the actual dimensions desired.
n20303248_32414786_3102.jpg


Step seven:
Now comes the fun part sanding the eyelid to get it ready for paint.
Sand the eyelid till it is smooth. Start with 60 grit then work your way up to 200 grit)
Now bondo or bondo glass can be used to fill any voids (air pockets) or other blemishes.
n20303248_32414842_4357.jpg

Sand once again.

Step eight:
Prep for paint.
Clean surface with soap and water then rub down with denatured alcohol.
Make sure the eyelid is completely dry.

Step nine:
Spray with primer (let dry before sanding)
Sand with (400-600 grit) (Clean surface with soap and water then rub down with denatured alcohol. Make sure the eyelid is completely dry.)
Repeat the above procedure until the eyelid is sufficiently primed.

Step ten:
Now apply the first coat of paint. (Let dry then wet sand with 600 grit)
Clean and dry
Do the above procedure at least three times or until you feel the eyelid is completely coated in a few layers of paint.

Step eleven:
Once the paint is completely dry the clear coat can be applied.
Now apply the first coat of clear coat. (Let dry then wet sand with 1000 grit)
Clean and dry
Do the above procedure at least three times or until you feel the eyelid is completely protected in a few layers of clear coat.
Make sure you let the eyelid cure completely before installing them.

Step twelve:
Reinstall head lights and grille reversing the steps taken to remove them.
Now use double sided tape or other method of attaching the fiberglass eyelid to the head light.
Stand back and admire how amazing the eyelids have turned out.

Good Luck, P.M. me with any questions or suggestions.
 
Awesome write up.. very informative and easy to follow!

I'll link it in the Aesthetics forum for all to find!
 
Very nice and straight foward, I may try and tackle a few fiberglass Ideas I have been pondering over the years now.
 
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