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Best gel filler

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Post by Peterm Mon Feb 08, 2021 7:29 pm

A tree branch attacked the top corner of my Nuevo ES leaving a deep branching crack about 6 inches long in the gel coat exposing the fibre glass. The fibre glass underneath seems OK and I have put an emergency coat of Stormseal over the damage to keep the water out of the laminations. 
What I would like is a recommendation of the best white gel coat repair kit. Plus I suppose something that will remove a layer of Stormseal glue from the fibre glass.
Has anybody done this job themselves and has any tips, please?

YouTube has lots of American vids of boat gel repairs.

It is ironic that there is not a mark on the van from 55000miles of rallying, and I pranged it driving around the block to give it a run.

Thanks

Peter Murphy
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Post by IanH Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:06 pm

Even as an avid diy person, I'd leave this to a boat specialist, real problem being the exposure of the glass under the gel coat. This will absorb water and should be covered immediately as you have done. The problem being that any water will remain after the repair and cause osmosis in the future.
We're fortunate to have wall to wall boat places here on the Broads, but there must be a few round your way??
Need to be done in a controlled environment as well, certainly not outside if your were here today!!!
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Post by roli Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:40 am

Hi Peter, hope you and Janet are both keeping ok, long time no see.  I would agree with IanH and get it done professionally.
We had one done on the Executive and even AS couldnt see the repair. It was a firm in Newton-Le-Willows, but sure there will be someone closer to you
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Post by Molly3 Tue Feb 09, 2021 3:21 pm

Use epoxy gell coat filler  as it is waterproof    sand out all the the cracks  fill to correct level rub down filler with wet 600 grit  wet or dry  finish with  wet 1200 wet or dry .White,  Colour should be a reasonable  match . Or paint with rattle cans start with , etch primer. very light coat then primer  about 3 coats , then flat with 1200  wet  then  colour  then finish with lacquer  , I have done almost invisible repairs with just epoxy filler,  taking into account ,travel , high repair cost ,  give it go  .
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Post by Peter Brown Tue Feb 09, 2021 4:24 pm

I agree, go for a professional repair but suggest you first call Cheltenham Laminating 01452 713098 who made the body who will tell you what sort of work is needed - they would do it but a long way from home for you.

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Post by Libraryman2 Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:10 pm

I would disagree with the above comments, though I respect the reasoning.
I had damage to the rear skirt and repaired it with the gel supplied by Cheltenham laminates ...the original supplier of Autosleeper panels...
It’s easy to use but it has to be done in warm weather.

Ray
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Post by Peter Brown Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:17 pm

Nothing to do with capability but I don't think that Janet should be balancing at the top of the steps while Peter shouts instructions.
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Post by Paulmold Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:32 pm

Just asking- the Nuevo, which Peterm has, only has one-piece fibreglass roof not whole body, did (do)  Cheltenham Laminates make the roofs for the Styrofoam bodies as well?

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Post by Peter Brown Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:41 pm

Yes Paul, I'm sure they did.
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Post by Peterm Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:58 am

Thanks for all your replies. 
I am waiting for the weather to improve.

Peter
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Post by inspiredron Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:17 am

Paulmold wrote:Just asking- the Nuevo, which Peterm has, only has one-piece fibreglass roof not whole body, did (do)  Cheltenham Laminates make the roofs for the Styrofoam bodies as well?
When A/S had to source a 2011 style body shell for my 2012 Nuevo it came from Cheltenham Laminates. I know because the production director told me - they did a quick build for me because, after waiting 5 months for delivery, they originally sent a 2012 body shell Van. He checked that CL had a body shell/roof in stock and built the van in about 3 weeks! The back and eyebrow is also gel coat - not sure about the sides.

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