Auto body repair & detailing: corvette repair panel, corvette repair, guestion

Question
Ernie I have a 1973 corvette that I am going to restore. It has a hole in the right front frnder and I have a repair panel that will cover it.How is the best way to cut out old fender and fiberglass in new. Thanks Randy

Answer
I guess my first guestion would be ,How big is the hole?I have done a lot of glasswork and usually just repair the damaged area with glass cloth and mat.If you are set on replacing the panel you have to cut "bonding strips" to reinforce the joints.These are cut from the damaged panel the length of the joint about 2 in. wide.These are glassed to the original panel and held in place with screws. Let this cure and trim the new panel to fit.When the new panel fits right you can then glass it in.You can use a cut off wheel and grinder to trim and fit.