Glassfibre novice

[masterofnone]

My radome unfortunatly received a direct hit with a brick so has a chunk missing and a crack in it. Aesthetics are not high on the list, do I need to make a mould, etc? Where do I start with this project, other than the swindlery for requisites.

 

[damo]

I had a related question a couple of days ago, and this very useful link was posted about gelcoat repairs
web page

I would patch the crack on the inside with some csm, then do the geloat repair. Try an auto supplier for grp repair kits, since they will probably be cheaper than a chandlers /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[masterofnone]

Right, thanks for that. 1.acetone 2.release agent. 3. wax.4.pva. 5.gel coat. 6. resin.7.matting 8.resin.9. chip out 10. go buy new radome /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Sy-Revolution]

What's your radome made from? Mine's fairly new and I'd say it was made of some kind of polythene/PVC, if I'm right I doubt GRP will stick to it.

 

[Strathglass]

[ QUOTE ]
What's your radome made from? Mine's fairly new and I'd say it was made of some kind of polythene/PVC, if I'm right I doubt GRP will stick to it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would tend to agree with that.

It was only when they used to fit scanners on planes during the war years that they used GRP.

I would think that the best way to repair it would be to find a plastic bumper repair kit or someone who specialises in repairing car bumpers.

The only alternative is a replacement raydome.

Iain

 

[alan006]

If you are not concerned about the apperance and only want to make it weathertight there is a simpler way. Get a lenght of 4inch matting, cut it so it makes a complete revolution of the scanner and allow a 6inch overlap. Wet the bandage out with resin and it will do the job. As it is sticking to itself it will stick, even with polyester resin.

 

[masterofnone]

I think this is the best plan so far, as I would concur the base is plastic not glass, thanks for the advice guys, my advice to you, do not ever think its a good idea to use hypalon (inflatable) paint in the house. swmbo was not especialy impressed, the vapours are a tad wiffey /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[leadersail]

Depends how big the crack or hole is but

method 1

warm inside of dome with hair dryer and then use a hot glue gun, if you warm the plastic it is incredibly strong, use a lot of glue as it stays hot and bonds better.

method 2

rough up inside surface (Sharpe knife cross shapes) and then use car body filler, any plastic again crossed with a knife can be used to bridge large gaps.

If there are any holes then use tape first to the outside to save the filler making a mess.

To finish remove tape and replace with white sticky back plastic.