Installing GFX

Topic: Installing GFX (Read 1589 times) previous topic - next topic

Installing GFX

March 29, 2006, 11:20:52 PM

Woohoo it's finally warm enough to start installing the gfx kit.

Now I like to do as much as possible by myself because of a few reasons, 1 I learn more, 2 Save some $$ :) .

The body kit that I am using is fiberglass and will require molding around the edges to blend it to the body. What product could I purchase off the shelf to mold the kit to the body? Some sort of body filler maybe?

Another question of mine is attaching the kit to the car. Is there a special screw out there that I should be using or just a common regular screw do the job? Again I would like to install the kit and have it smoothed sanded and prepped much like I did last time when I did the whole car and have my friend paint the kit.

So I guess I have some experience with prepping the car and body work. But I'm scared to death to start drilling into my car. I want to be sure I have what I truely need. I have an idea on what I'm doing tomorrow but a second suggestion won't hurt.

Questions:
What type of product works best for molding fiberglass to body? (and I dont have any type of fiberglassing experience or the know-how to even make fiberglass)

What type of screw works best for attaching?

If anyone out there can give a suggestion it'll save me sometime tomorrow as I attempt the sideskirts. Thanks in advanced!

Installing GFX

Reply #1 – March 29, 2006, 11:46:59 PM

Steve...

NO DRILLING YET!!!

Fiberglass parts are always rough coming out of the mold. So that means the parts that attach to the car must be cleaned up a bit before they'll fit. Every part that wants to be flat against the body must be VERY flat. Lots of sandpaper too...be prepared for lots of sanding.

Far as attaching to the car, all y'all need is some good double-sided automotive tape (read: 3M). This is why all the flat parts must be flat, so that the tape will stick right and you'll get a nice finish. The only places that you should need any type of screws would be in the wheel wells, and that's only if you absolutely need them.

Think of Karl's car...and Will's car...and Scott's car...they all have the exact same kit, and none of those cars have any screws showing in obvious places, do they? So that means you need to resist the urge to put screws everywhere, and think things through. Be wise, take your time, and remember that you still have several months before CJ to get this done.

Installing GFX

Reply #2 – March 30, 2006, 12:04:56 AM

Oh yes Eric you are very right about the screws. I should of mentioned that part about the wheel wells. That's what I was talking about. But you are very right about the roughness of the kit. Can't sand it if it's on the car huh.

I got Carlisle coming up fast and I got some local shows and not to mention Prom (maybe my car can land me a cutie HS chick for a night hahaha) Hey as long as I can get one thats 18+ y/o I'll be ok

But anyways back to bodykit.... Thanks Eric for your input. Anyone else got any tips?

Installing GFX

Reply #3 – March 30, 2006, 02:38:15 AM

I wouldn't even attemp to mold it in. I will look good for a little while but then it will crack and separate from the body. Happened to my '88 Mustang with the DECH GFX. The dealer I bought it off of might have done a shiznitty job doing it too though, but just be aware that it could happen.

I would just install the kit and make it fit perfectly and paint it.

Installing GFX

Reply #4 – March 30, 2006, 02:38:15 AM

Installing GFX

Reply #5 – April 07, 2006, 12:54:30 PM

i kinda recommend using the adhesive body shops use for putting on corvette quarters.. you could glue a cow to the side of a house with that stuff and it also really keeps the seem tight to keep the kits flush against the bumper..

Installing GFX

Reply #6 – April 07, 2006, 11:38:04 PM

The guy that put mine on used rivets. He saw the old kit on it and saw the screws that the body shop used on it and before I could tell him that I didn't like how they did it and want it done a different way, he came out and said I don't like how that looks, I dont know y they used screws . Then he told me that he was going to use rivets and it came out nice, you can't see them or the hole that he made with them cuz he filled it in.

Installing GFX

Reply #7 – April 09, 2006, 07:49:47 AM

I like the idea of not using screws if ya can... only screwing that should take place is with that "cutie HS chick!" :D

Installing GFX

Reply #8 – April 09, 2006, 10:03:35 AM

I would get it fitted and any screw holes drilled and prepped, then paint the parts off of the car. When the paint cures, you will be able to simply reattach them to your car. I've had mine off several times and it's fairly easy to keep it scratch-free while you handle the parts.
I would however, install them over grass in case you drop one side while holding the other.

I tried 3M tape on surfaces that were cleaned by rubbing alcohol and it still didn't hold. You are going to find that the top mounting edges of the side skirts curl out at some spots and the 3M tape is "half-working" for me. I will point it out at CJ.

However, the original Ford double-sided tape used for my side molding is so strong, I sanded my side skirt top lip down thin enough to slide up underneath the molding and the only place where the skirt has pryed the molding away was the one and only piece I took off and put back on.

I think 3M tape works though on areas that are not under any stress. In other words, for two surfaces that naturally fall together and in place, the tape should work at keeping them there. But for those parts that have to bend to fit right and stay bent, you should consider screws in the wheel well lip.

You may have to sand along the top edge of the front spoiler from the center out to the corners where it turns to go back to the wheel. I had to do that on mine in order to get the wheel well lip to slide into the wheel well. Also, for this piece, you can use screws under the corner molding. You will have to cut the GFX lip to contour the cornering lamp opening and you may have to cut the bottom edge of the molding so the bottom doesn't stick out. Also, you may have to cut a little on the back side of the molding to make room for the bolt heads.

While I am not a fan of drilling holes in cars, I also do not trust tape to hold these parts against 70-80mph wind and endless road vibrations. There are ways you can drill holes and things you can do to prevent rust from forming there. A combined effort of bolts and tape should yield a clean yet strong solution.

Installing GFX

Reply #9 – April 09, 2006, 01:45:43 PM

You could always ductape it on, worked for my friends cardboard bodykit :D