Expert: Michael Kakuk - 4/1/2010

Question
Hi Machael, thank you for making yourself available.

Six months ago I purchased my first car off a dodgy character. Its a second hand 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer. It had many scratches at the time but i've had no mechanical problems.
I've had a steep learning curb and i've since learnt this car was in an accident (bad enough to write it off) sustaining rear damage to the back bumper and rear panel.
Im not too knowledgeable but the rear right side panel seems to have been repaired with a mix of metal sheeting and fibre glass and recently cracks have appeared in several places on the panel ranging from small spider web near the back light to one large split in the panel roughly 30cm long running from my fuel cap.

These cracks are getting bigger, i assume with heating and contraction and it looks like the large split will move to join up with the other cracks.

I may get a quote from a bodyshop, however if were to repair it myself or at least slow down the cracking, how would i go about doing this? I have heard many different techniques including epoxy then duraglass or using a fibreglass repair kit.

Thanks for your time, if you would like photos i can email these to you. Cheers
Tom

Answer
TOM......IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE A MESS ON YOUR HANDS. THE CRACKING COULD BE DUE TO EXCESS FILLER USED INSTEAD OF WORKING THE METAL OUT TO THE POINT THAT LESS FILLER COULD BE USED.

YOU COULD GRIND DOWN THE CRACKS AND REAPPLY BODY FILLER BUT THERE ISN'T ANY GUARANTEE THAT WOULD HOLD UP.

I WOULD GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL BODY SHOP AND GET THEIR OPINION ON WHAT HAD BEEN DONE AND WHAT NEED TO BE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.



MIKE