Date:         Mon, 26 Dec 2005 00:39:15 +0000
Reply-To:     Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      bumper repair was Re: tube bumpers
In-Reply-To:  <6.2.3.4.2.20051225142452.04ddba90@pop.ipa.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

You can't use fiberglass to repair the bumpers, it won't hold--unless the
repair is cosmetic and still I wouldn't use it.  The can use marine epoxy
though and it holds up well.  The fiberglass just doesn't want to stick for
some reason.  I took my bumper to a repair place and they recommended this
really expensive marine resin mix compound.  It sands easily and worked
great.  I'm sure they would know what you mean if you go to a marine store.


>From: Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
>Reply-To: Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: tube bumpers
>Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 14:38:07 -0600
>
>.....even better repairs made using kevlar/military S-glass and
>Gougeon Bros. West System Epoxy. Available from a friend of mine in
>Mustoe Virginia.  www.johnrsweet.com  He buys surplus and military
>contractor seconds that would fail Nasa and military testing, but
>work just fine for boat repairs and automotive applications.  The
>epoxy is pretty much the same price everywhere(haven't checked ebay),
>has an incredible shelf life, pumps for no hassle measuring ratios,
>and virtually no odor.
>
>John also sells a variety of graphite cloths, resin colorants,
>neoprene foams, minicell, fiberglass tools, and yes, the vinylester
>and polyester resins if you want to go the cheap route.
>
>For those of you that paddle whitewater and are familiar with the
>Gauley River in W.VA,  Sweets Falls on the lower run was named for
>him as he was one of several on the first descent way back in the
>70's and he apparently was the first to run that drop.
>
>No financial interest here, just a loyal customer besieged by
>excellent customer service over the last 15 years or so.
>
>DM&FS
>
>>obeechi@RUNBOX.COM writes:
>>
>>
>> > unfortunately, in the mean time I have a split in half carat rear
>>bumper
>> > held together with rope..,
>> >
>> >
>>
>>  ever heard of fiberglass resin/matting?
>>  fiberglass bumpers are easy to repair..
>>
>>
>>chris