Shorten a fiberglass truck cap

[SlagKing]

There see....the good Lord saw what I wrote, and fixed the problem.

"the lord and me...we be mates"

Slag

[imagineer]

Dredging up an old thread...

Can anyone suggest a body filler that is recommended for direct application to fiberglass?

I'm finishing up modifications to a truck cap and am ready to start the bodywork.

Quick backstory:
I recently acquired a '17 Tacoma Double Cab short bed; and have a road trip planned for this summer. Although I don't want a cap for the truck, having one for this trip would be a big benefit.

I'm unwilling to spend $2000 for a new cap, and have not found any used ones for the 3rd generation Tacoma, so I got an old $50 Leer cap that fits a 6' bed, '00 S-10 and have shortened and widened it to fit the Tacoma.

I shortened it by 13.5" and widened it at the front by 2" and at the rear by 1.5". I removed the side windows and glassed over the openings. It's ready for bodywork and paint.

[Barks]

2008 to 2020. That's tenacity.

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by imagineer

Dredging up an old thread...

Can anyone suggest a body filler that is recommended for direct application to fiberglass?.

I suspect you already know the answer to your query but you wanted to show off your crafty workmanship, nice!

[imagineer]

Originally Posted by threepiece

I suspect you already know the answer to your query

Nope. Outside of marine products, I've found no fillers that address use on fiberglass.

[Lew Hartswick]

Originally Posted by imagineer

Nope. Outside of marine products, I've found no fillers that address use on fiberglass.

What's wrong with "marine products" like the epoxy with microbaloons filler from West Systems. They seem to use it a lot for boats and I don't see much different for auto use on fiberglass. That outfit has a lot good looking things. I get a sortof mag from them ever now and then, mostly about boats but every now and then air and car stuff.
...lew...

[mccutter]

Like Lew said, West Systems. Maybe just put a gel coat on it, skip the paint?

[arizonian]

Corvette bodies are f-glass. Maybe a Vette forum?

[threepiece]

Is there some reason not to use common auto body filler? I have used it several times on corvette bodies in the past without issue. Auto body fillers contain the same resin as fiberglass resin (polyester). I have on occasion added polyester resin to dried up body filler to soften it for spreading.

[imagineer]

Originally Posted by threepiece

Is there some reason not to use common auto body filler? I have used it several times on corvette bodies in the past without issue. Auto body fillers contain the same resin as fiberglass resin (polyester). I have on occasion added polyester resin to dried up body filler to soften it for spreading.

Thanks. That's the input I was looking for.

I've not been able to find any of the body filler manufacturers state clearly that their product will adhere to fiberglass, but I suppose as long as I select a filler that uses polyester resin and MEKP hardener, it should work.

I'm hoping to have this cap ready for paint by the end of this weekend.