Repairing Auto Body & Other Vehicle Parts with Epoxy Resin

After our homes, our second largest purchase is our cars, trucks and SUVs. And aside from providing basic transportation for most of us; car enthusiasts, restorers and hobbyists repair and refurbish automobiles both classic and not so classic. This industry uses a great many tools in their efforts to keep these vehicles on the road or show worthy – one of these is epoxy resin…

Versatile and durable epoxy resin makes permanent automotive body, and other repairs, as both filler and adhesive. This flexible polymer works with a variety of surfaces including plastics, fiberglass, metals and wood – and creates a fully sand-able and paintable surface when cured. Professionals and do-it-yourselfers can achieve great results using epoxy resin in a number of automotive applications…

Restoring Metal & Fiberglass Auto Body Panels

Epoxy resin provides superior bonding and moisture proofing qualities than polyester automotive body fillers – to repair corroded or damaged metal and fiberglass auto body panels. Even if a body panel is missing completely; fiberglass cloth may be used with epoxy to rebuild the area – creating a strong permanent foundation to anchor the repair. Once the epoxy has cured; simply sand smooth and apply primer and paint.

Repairing Cracked Bumpers & Fenders

We’ve all had minor “fenders benders” at one time or another, and epoxy resin makes for a great repair for minor automotive mishaps. First, make sure the edges of the crack are clean and lineup when pressed together. The tools you’ll need are epoxy resin (of course), plastic repair tape (to hold the crack together during curing) and a plastic spreader and mixing plate. Mix some epoxy resin on a mixing plate or other surface from which to work, apply within the crack evenly, and tape (to hold until dry) – and cover the tape with another layer of epoxy. Once the repaired area has dried – sand smooth and finish with primer and paint.

Repair Cracked Steering Wheels & Other Automotive Plastics

With cracked plastic interior (or exterior for that matter), car parts – it’s easier to work with them if you remove them first (if possible). Then, be sure to thoroughly clean the part to ensure a solid bond for the adhesive. (In the case of parts frequently handled like a steering wheel; you want to remove any buildup of oils for instance.) Open up the crack a little, preferably making the bottom a bit larger than the top – to increase the bonding surface area and so the epoxy, once set, will be trapped into the crack and can’t come out. After the repair has dried, gently shave off any excess epoxy – and you’re good to go!

Taking proper care of your vehicle ensures long operational life for you – and good resale value when the time comes to trade in. A win for you – and one the next owner will appreciate as well! Happy motoring!

NOTE: It is recommended that a painted finish coat be applied to epoxy resin used for auto body repair to protect the resin from the elements.