Expert: Gary - 12/11/2008

Question
I have a set of fiberglass fender flares attached to metal rear quarter panels (Auto).  The flares  were originally attached with rivets and I kept experiencing cracking which later resulted in me reinforcing the inside seam of the flares/rear quarter panel with an industrial 2 part epoxy in addition to using Duraglass filler to fix the cracks.  With-in six months or the last restoration the cracks have re-appeared and Im left mind boggled and in need of suggestions for the best possible fix to this night mare.  Are there any products that will stop this problem and provide me with a surface that will stop flexing and cracking once paint is applied.

Vr
Brian


Answer
Hi Brian,

Unfortunately, nothing you do will stop the cracking. Most likely, the cracking is due to expansion and contraction that happens with heat and cool. The fiberglass changes at a different rate than the metal and thus it leaves the cracks. To my knowledge there is nothing that can be done to prevent the cracking. Good luck with it!