Thread: building a T-bucket starting with building the glass body

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Well, Zachariah,this is what I do for a living,,we may do it a bit different down here,but,firstly,give the mold a good waxing,,if it has been sitting for a while it will need it,plus you dont know when it was waxed last probably.I always spray a couple of light coats of mold release on the mold and when dry,give it a good coat of gelcoat,but not too thick,as it may shrink from the mold when it cures..When I layup a bucket body,I use 600 gram/sq.metre mat,,three layers,but I always put a piece of core mat in areas like the doors and the side panel behind the doors,and a piece in the front bulkhead,firewall, whichever you call it up there.I aways roll the first two layers,then put in the coremat,roll that,then the top layer of mat,and roll it again.It usually takes me 6 hours to do the lay up,start early,bout 8.15am.All done by hand,no chopper gun here,hand laminating is stronger.Dont make the mistake of going too heavy with the layup,the thicker the body,the more brittle it will be.Our T buckets are only about 4mm thick,and well framed.
Hope this has been a help to you. Robin.

Thanks for all of the help. I have started to work on weekends and still struggling to find a good semi-local supplier. I have moved and it seems that with all of the lakes and boat shops around someone should have some but alas no luck. I might have to order online and pay shipping ahhhhhh pricey. I have got some filler to fix the mold. Should have more pics soon.

Thanks,
Zachariah

Zach, try the yellow pages in your area or the next big town. Two sources that I know of, one is fiberglass suppliers who sell to people like boat builders and hobbyists, and the second is an old time marine/boatyard kind of place. We have one here called the Marine Trading Post, and they sell resin in the $ 20 a gallon range. One Sunday I was out and called West Marine, they get $ 45 a gallon for the same stuff. I finally went to Home Depot and paid $ 32 just because I had to.

Another suggestion, if not for you Zach but for anyone reading this who is just starting on fiberglassing, buy your supplies by the box. I'm talking throwaway brushes, latex gloves, stir sticks, plastic buckets (in very small to about one quart size) and also buy your laquer thinner in 5 gallon containers. I paid $ 12 a gallon for laquer thinner at HD, and I get 5 gallons for $ 30 at the local automotive paint store.

You will be amazed how many gallons of resin and all the other supplies you will go through. I have about 4 gallons of resin in my T body, and about `15 yards of mat. Just thought I would mention these things.

Don

Thanks Don,

I have found a good supplier online. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get stuff. I am three hours from the closest marine supply that would sell me what I need, and the closest HD is an hour away.

Now that I have found the stuff it is a matter of getting it here. This weekend I am taking my Chevy to a local show, with a for sale sign. If someone will buy it, more money for the T.

Everyone stay safe this weekend, watch out for the crazies, well I mean "YOU".

I built a fiberglass front end for my 40 chevy panel truck many years ago. Used the original beat up & cracked front end parts as a plug. Looking forward to your build.

Is that the mold from Norwoods in Sevierville, TN? I am pretty sure it is. My 2 cars came from that mold.

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I've been through Sevierville, TN? a few times. Never stayed at the Holiday Inn Express though.