Using fiberglass fenders on the street

steve68 · Post by **steve68** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:51 pm

just called japco..said that they are race only. as there isn't a way to mount the headlights...any ideas?
there is no return as they are made to order.
Make something to hold the light? or should the fender be strong enough to just hold he light. (if i put a reinforcement behind it)

Im just worried that i woun't be able to.but i guess i can do anything with enough time..

thanks in advance
steve

jbush · Post by **jbush** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:06 pm

I have also been thinking about doing this. I have a few other concerns, such as: How do the fiberglass fenders hold up to high winds? What problems have people had when running fiberglass on the street? How much skill is needed to mount the fenders (and align them)? Thanks.

Post by **spl310** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:34 pm

Well, I have an opinion on this. (Surprise, surprise! LOL!!!) There are HERDS of Cobra replicas and other kit cars out there that were delivered without provisions for headlights. Some of the kits are/were remarkably flimsy. Reinforce the body and drill some holes and mount the lights. The design of the fender is such that the mod on a roadster is SIMPLE!! Just find some trashed out fenders (EASY to do...) and cut out the headlight bucket mount. Fill all of the screw holes with wax (to keep them from getting plugged) and glass these bucket mounts into the new Japco glass. You will end up with a reinforced OEM mounting point in the new glass. Just be careful to line it all up and you should be fine. If you order some, it would be a good idea to have them make them thicker, but that is not critical. If you need to reinforce it, that is easily done with felt, carbon fiber strips and a fiberglass repair kit from the hardware store. Since it is race glass, plan on body work, but even that is easy on glass.

Heck guys, Corvettes are glass...

Oh, I would NOT chop up good fenders for the bucket mounts. They are too scarce...

steve68 · Post by **steve68** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:36 am

thats a good idea..im still just worried

about paying $500 or so for fenders then screwign them up or not being able to use them..
i talked to carl jaeger, but he is in canada...truck from canada? seems to expensive. $400 for fenders and then truck frieght?

thanks so far
steve

Chris Coker · Post by **Chris Coker** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:14 am

I guess the biggest difference in "Corvette fiberglass" and race car fiberglass is durability.

Race car fiberglass is thinner, a lot more flexible, and more prone to cracking than vette fiberglass. I wouldn't ever think about sitting on the front fenders of my race car. They just wouldn't handle the weight.

With a lot of work, you could probably get the fit and finish of the Japco products up to street car acceptability. But I think it would be a LOT of work.

Not trying to scare anyone off, just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

Happy Roadstering,
Chris

Post by **spl310** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:58 am

Steve,

I have a couple more ideas. There must be a couple of dozen shops down in Daytona that do fiberglass. (surfboard repair shops are fiberglass shops!) Check with them about making molds.

Also, check with US Body Source in Hampton Florida. They make fantastic fenders and hoods, and may be interested in making fenders if there is a market for them. Show them the prices on Rallye's website and explain how hard it is to find good fenders and their interest may perk up!!

steve68 · Post by **steve68** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:29 am

thats another good idea..maybe ill just read up on making molds and try it myself..i have plenty of time

steve

windy311 · Post by **windy311** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:43 am

there is a company that makes fenders for our cars here in AUSTRALIA the name is fibermaster. i will have to do more enquires and repost for you all. web siteis www.fibermaster.com.au. i could not get pride as it is chismas eve. merry christmas.