How to Repair Fiberglass Snowmobile Hoods
It is common for the hood of a snowmobile to get cracks in it from opening and closing it repeatedly. Repairing these cracks is easy, and if caught early, can avoid damage to the structural integrity of the hood. The items needed for these repairs can be found in any car-parts store and in some hardware stores. Exact color-match codes for the paint can be acquired at snowmobile dealerships or on the Internet; any automotive paint store can mix the paint.
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Things You'll Need
- Latex gloves Sand paper Fiberglass resin Cloth Acid brushes Rubbing alcohol or similar solvent Spray paint
Instructions
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1
Remove the hood and bring it to a warm workplace. Clean the damaged area and wipe off any moisture. Place the hood on a soft blanket or rags to protect it from damage the floor or workbench may cause.
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2
Sand the effected area so all dirt, paint and grease is removed and the area around the crack is smooth. Increased surface area will add to the strength of the repair.
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3
Cut fiberglass cloth into strips about 30 percent longer and wider than the crack. Lay the pieces over the crack making sure they are smooth against the crack.
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Use the acid brush to mix resin with hardener in a cup according to the product's instructions. Once mixed, blot the resin onto the fiberglass cloth with the acid brush until the cloth is totally saturated. Apply subsequent layers of cloth and resin as needed.
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Allow the hood to dry overnight in a warm area.
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Sand the repaired crack until desired smoothness is achieved. Pay close attention to the edges.
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7
Paint the repair and buff it to a shine. Replace the hood and hit the trails.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't use too much resin. If the resin begins to gel, stop using it and mix another batch.
Do not exceed the amount of hardener called for by the resin manufacturer. This will produce a weaker repair, and may cause a fire hazard. Use proper respiratory protection in a well-ventilated area. Avoid getting resin on your skin or clothing.
