Repairing locker hinge fiberglass cracks

[Buzz]

Does anyone know a way to repair the fiberglass cracks around the locker hinges? I was thinking of getting some clear resin and just build it up with fiber on the bottom side to strengthen it. If someone has done this let me know plz.

[tangentair]

I am not sure of your question as your profile does not specify an , , or etc. My does not have a locker with doors. (yet) If what you are seeing is just normal gel coat cracks, there is a gel coat repair kit available that is easy to use - sand it down, smear on coating, cover with airtight seal. But first detrermine if the stress cracks can be prevented by a judicious use of epoxy or other stiffening agent. If it really is the fiberglass then an epoxy repair is more elaborate and you might want to look at some of the videos on utube or the MAS epoxy website before jumping in.

[Currie]

Post pics?

FWIW - the first thing that comes to mind for me is to actually reinforce the hinge area with somewhat larger stainless steel plates. Make them cover the cracked area. Epoxy and bolt them down. Then mount the hinges to the plates. Sometimes fiberglass-only repairs just end up being layers of goop on top of goop, without much added strength. Not sure though, without seeing the actual damage.

Cheers,

~Bob

[kmclemore]

I've found that the only effective way to deal with stress cracks over the long term is to do one of the two following things:

Option 1: Completely grind out the old gel and glass, and replace it with new glass and gel. Reinforce the hidden side of the fiberglass with additional thickness of either glass or substrate (metal/wood/etc.). It is this weakness which caused the problem in the first place, so you need to strengthen the piece.

Option 2: Ignore them. Learn to accept the fact that nearly all fiberglass eventually gets stress cracks and yet still works just fine. Only fix it if it looks like it's gonna snap.

[Buzz]

I will shop around and find some SS and epoxy it on as backing then fill the cracks with resin then paint. I think it should work well.

Thanks for the good ideas.

[Buzz]

Worked like a champ. Used a piece of aluminum from Lowe's (couldn't find SS) + Gorilla Glue + New SS screws 3M marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 for the cracks.

Thanks