Super Jet Type of Resin for top deck vs bottom?

[swapmeet]

I know the top and bottom deck of the SJ is made of a different type of glass or different glass process (not 100% sure what each one is).
I have a 96 RN.

When reinforcing the engine bay/bilge, does the type of resin matter?
What about prep? Should you scuff everything with coarse grit to promote adhesion? (like body filler etc)
Maybe degreaser or paint prep to remove any residue?


I'll get into why i'm asking these questions in another thread. I just need to know how to do this the right way. :tapedshut:

 

[aramis]

Here's what I (think I) know...if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will chime in.

- Your bottom deck is SMC - Sheet Molded Compound. Basically, starts out as a slurry of chopped up fibers, resin, mold release and who knows what else and is spit out as sheets. These sheets get formed into the bottom deck.
- Top deck is hand laid fiberglass.
- Use only true EPOXY resin for both...not polyester resin like cheap bondo brand stuff.
- scuff everything up good to get bite (creating more surface area). I use 60 grit.
- clean the surface after scuffing to remove the dry dust you created
- if you are scuffing / bonding to the SMC, then you have to degrease right before bonding. Scuffing the SMC will leave you with a fresh surface that is rich in mold release. This needs to be cleaned right before bonding.

Hope that helps...

 

[motoman96]

Bottom is metton, top is glass. Epoxy resin is your best bet for both.

 

[MileHighJSC]

Clean the engine area First, use a good quality wax and grease remover from a body shop, and use alot of it. You can also use acetone, but you must be carefull and wipe it off because it can soften glass, if you spill it in crevasses and let it sit. Wax and grease remover will not have an adverse affect on the glass. and if you scuff the hull first you will be pushing the oil and grease down into the smc,glass.

 

[snowxr]

Bottom is metton, top is glass. Epoxy resin is your best bet for both.

No, the bottom of a RN is SMC. SN topdecks are metton.

 

[swapmeet]

Ok great advice y'all... I won't have a problem doing that.

While we're on the subject (and maybe this will be useful to other members later) for a flat water RN, what is a common practice for reinforcing?
My goal is to try and keep it light as possible, so i want to err on the side of too little vs crazy 'bomber tough' surf reinforcement.
I was thinking one good layer of Carbon or Kevlar on each side, maybe 9-13oz?
Am I way of base or is that close? Not sure what to do on the bottom.

 

[swapmeet]

Hmmm... carbon/kevlar hybrid 5.5oz?

 

[McDog]

uscomposites.com


3:1 epoxy resin

the 1208 biax is best for reinforcement IMHO. 5.5 oz carbon/kevlar is pretty but doesn't add much strength with just one layer and is a bitch to cut and get to lay well without vacuum bagging..

 

[swapmeet]

Thanks! Been reading a lot of threads about it.

 

[tomski]

I use the materials for the application;


Vinyl ester on the top deck. Tray work, repairs, and upper reinforcement.

Epoxy for the smc bottom and last layer of reinforcement.

 

[swapmeet]

Everything I've read says stick with epoxy.

 

[MileHighJSC]

You can use poly resin on your top deck. I like using UV cure poly resin when you are working the top deck exclusivity. The reasons arebecause you have an infinite work time until you put the UV to it. Then it is sandable in 3 minuets. And is waaay cheaper than epoxy. epoxy in the only thing to use when laying from glass to smc. Keep in mind that you can use epoxy over the top of just about any material, but you can not use poly over the top of epoxy, it can have a bad chemical reaction.