Fiberglass Repair and Hardner--Tranny Cover

[KVH]

I'm using "Evercoat" Fiberglass and Hardner, along with cloth mesh to strengthen a few backing parts of my TR4A.

I've done this before with no issue.

This time the Fiberglass won't harden.

I'm fairly certain I mixed it right.

I have to assume that the Liquid Hardner is not good. Is there a shelf life? My Liquid Hardner is 4 years old.

Ideas appreciated. I'm puzzled.

 

[DrEntropy]

The MEK hardener is likely junk. Keep the shell in position for a week and wait. It will eventually go off well enuff to allow you to give it a "second coat" with fresh resin and hardener.

...otherwise you will need to scrape off what's been applied and start again.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Yes, there is a shelf life on most "active" products. I do not use choth mesh as you said.
First, you need to clean the area with a sanding disk to remove all old paint, old repairs etc. Make a "v" and fill with .05 matt cut to fit and fill with many layers.
Your cloth mesh leaves a bad finish over time.
Use industrial resin with MEK.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

A WEEK...heck I can start a fire with this Shyte in two seconds!
Check out my woolie fingers!!!!

 

[DrEntropy]

mehheh... yeah, don't scratch yer armpits!

 

[TomMull]

Good advice. Don't know what the weather is like in Arizona bit this stuff is very sensitive to temp. Mixing is also important; stir for a full minute (you can see a slight color change in the pot when it's fully mixed). My guess is that it will eventually go off, particularly when the weather gets hot, but you are probably not patient enough to wait. (I use an infrared lamp- <span style="text-decoration: underline">not too close</span>) Note also that the Evercoat resin has wax in it to promote surface curing (the resin is "air inhibited" and will remain tacky without it). The wax will come to the surface and makes for a poor bond with the over-coat. Sand any surface that's not at least a bit tacky before the next coat. Tom

 

[mdedon]

I've wiped acetone over resin that was slow to cure and it has helped sometimes. Not a wet mopping just a wet cloth. It can't hurt.

 

[KVH]

WOW, another lesson learned.

I cleaned off the uncured mess of fiberglass base, went to Home Depot and bought some new Liquid Hardener.

In 3 hours the job was done, hard as a rock.

Lesson: Liquid Hardener is no good, and should likely be thrown out if not used within a few months of opening it.

I now have a new 3 ounce bottle, and I'll have to find ways to use it before it goes bad.

Thanks for the help.