making a grp instrument back panel

[myoldsailor]

Hi,

I have a number of instruments thats come thru the aft bulkhead, I'd like to make a nice looking, grp box to cover the wires/instrument backs.

Now, I am a fibreglass newbie...how do I do this?

How do I make the fibreglass smooth/gel coat etc? I really want a nice job.

I could get someone to do this for me..but I have allot of time on my hands at the moment.

Cheers

 

[Pete7]

I would start with ordering the GRP booklet from Southport Glass Supplies. Very useful and tells you exactly what you need and how to do it.

Then find a GRP bowl or container of the right size to use as a mould, this will give a good finish and nice smooth curved edges.

http://www.glasplies.co.uk/

Pete

 

[VARNE]

Re: making a grp instrument back panel[re myold sailor]

Not quite sure of the advantages of GRP over wood, painted or varnished to suit, for such a job.
But if you have spare time,sounds like a sure way to fill it!

 

[myoldsailor]

Re: making a grp instrument back panel[re myold sailor]

I could use wood...but fancy getting sticky!

Thanks for the tips pete, wonder of there's any online resources.

 

[damo]

Like this?

I got books from the library, read articles, searched the forums and then made my panel /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I made a plug with mdf, faired it and gelcoated it. Then made a grp mould (which I still have BTW).

A valuable source of advice was my local materials supplier (Matrix Mouldings, Bristol - very helpful)

 

[nimbusgb]

or this

Its not as difficult as you think. There is plenty of data on the web on laying up glassfibre. Using a male mould 9 you lay the glass up on the outside, is quick and easy. Getting a good finish is then just a matter of sanding and polishing it up.

 

[myoldsailor]

Both very nice jobs guys, both look good.

I'll have a search on the google machine!