A Quest for 35mpg (Subaru Outback Limited Sedan 2.5L auto)

[Zerohour]

Hey guys just wanted to throw this up there. Here is the "low cost" Safety order for fiberglassing:

These are through McMaster-Carr, these could be find elsewhere, but McMaster is good at what they do, orders are on time, done right, and no hassle.

5231T394 Tyvek Suit w/ boots, elastic, and hood (XL, general size that fits most adult males)
5450T17 R95 Filter of Nuisance Organic Vapors

Total Cost ~$20, Shipping would be in the $5-$10 dollar range depending where it ships from and where you are. Most likely in the lower end of that range.

[NachtRitter]

Nah, I wasn't thinking of the Gel Coat. There are two types of resin. One is a "finishing" resin (this is what comes with the auto store repair kits) and one is a "laminating" resin. The finishing resin cures glossy and ought to be sanded before adding another layer. The laminating resin cures a bit duller and doesn't necessarily need to be sanded before adding another layer. The laminating resin shouldn't be used as the final coat, but the finishing resin can be used as an intermediate coat. (Note that I've only read all this; haven't seen it / used it first hand)

So what I was wondering is if you use the two different types of resins, or if you just use the finishing resin and deal with the sanding between applications. Based on your previous response, I'm gonna guess that you're using finishing resin only.

[Zerohour]

I believe what you might be referring to is the a "gloss" resin. The type of coat that is used on wooden boats and paddles. Its a clear resin with a high gloss.

I use Bondo resin in the gallon containers. Occasionally I use the quarts. I never purchase the "repair kits". I'm not aware of any differences between the repair kit and the quarts/gallons. The gallons generally dry with a semi-tacky surface, which aids in bonded the next layer. If you use alot of hardener or have long dry time the surface does becomes dry/smooth to the touch. If the Bondo resin is a "finishing" resin that yes thats what I use.

[NachtRitter]

You are right; I was thinking of the 'gloss' resin.

Thank you once again for the very informative answers!

[Zerohour]

I've got a new post up about building a hot box intake for the coming winter. Feel free to post in there!

Update on wheel skirts: sanded and filled in some lows last night. I'm headed out the garage now.

[Zerohour]

ugh spent the entire day sanding/filling. Its getting close.

I would have liked to been further ahead on this, but I got called into work for friday, then stayed 6.5 hours instead of "4-5" hours first requested.

Tonight I was would have preferred to have my party tonight, but a bunch of friends fell through, so its me, the sander, and a whole lot of mess in the garage. :-/

[evilskillit]

Originally Posted by Zerohour

Tonight I was would have preferred to have my party tonight, but a bunch of friends fell through, so its me, the sander, and a whole lot of mess in the garage. :-/

Thats not a party? Then I don't know what is. Add some beer I guess.


(Never mix alcohol and power tools, please drink responsibly.)

[Zerohour]

Nah I don't drink alone. I should be on my way to sloshed right now, but I'm just tired man ready for bed.

One of the skirts is close to the last layer of resin fill. I need to sand it out tomorrow to really tell.

The other one seems to have a much worse ripple in it. I don't want to keep resin laying on top. I'm having issues as well with the palm sander. It keeps flattening out the subtle arch on the wheel skirt and its not smoothing out the surface. I've switched over to a 1/3 sheet sander, and I've resorted to mud.

Tomorrow I need to run for gloves, acetone, and new spreaders. My old ones are just shot. I need to learn to clean them immediately after use. >.<

Going to bed shortly, I'm really bumped because I'm pretty sure I won't be ready to paint color on them Monday. And not to mention my friend had change their minds and only four people would actually going to show up tonight instead of 12-15 I invited. Glad I wasted my afternoon friday cleaning out the firepit, weed whacking and mowing in the back yard for tonight. ARGH! Between that and work if I had gotten to start Friday Morning I might have made paint this weekend. :-(

[Zerohour]

I need to do a supplies run this morning, then I should be in the garage today. This weekend has been a bust for other plans, hopefully I'll stay motivated enough to keep the dust production up.

Does anyone here know anything about dust collectors? I know they make small portable ones. How well do they work? I keep making a mess in the garage when I sand. I guess I could be sanding outside today, the weather is nice, but even then I'll have a mess in the driveway. Any ideas on dust collectors???

[Zerohour]

Pictures from the weekend...no...more...sanding...please...