Fiberglass over plywood?

[joe]

I'm in the process of planning on how I am going to construct a new inner wheel tub and front corner structure of rear clam area for my AP build, as they only come with a 1/2 wheel tub and no front corner inner clam structure. Right now I'm thinking epoxy and or resin with a combo of 1708 and chop strand mat over the plywood and thickened epoxy to glue them to the clam. I guess I'm debating on if I need "marine grade" plywood for a car that will hardly ever see rain. Thoughts or wondering what you have used to make body panels.

 

[Devin]

I'm in the process of planning on how I am going to construct a new inner wheel tub and front corner structure of rear clam area for my AP build, as they only come with a 1/2 wheel tub and no front corner inner clam structure. Right now I'm thinking epoxy and or resin with a combo of 1708 and chop strand mat over the plywood and thickened epoxy to glue them to the clam. I guess I'm debating on if I need "marine grade" plywood for a car that will hardly ever see rain. Thoughts or wondering what you have used to make body panels.

Sounds like you got a sound idea, however I would use insulation foam board in desired thickness. It is easy to shape and light weight and lay a couple of layers of fiberglass matting over it when secured in proper location.

 

[Ryan L]

Plywood sounds too heavy to me, would also be susceptible to moisture variations unless completely sealed and encapsulated. I have seen people layup fiberglass on a waxed table, then remove that, trim to size and join it together to form the inner wheel tubs.

 

[joe]

1/4” plywood really isn’t that heavy… and no heavier then the pieces from AP that I intend to replace. I intend to completely cover the new pieces with fiberglass and resin. The original pieces weren’t fared in properly. I can see a lot of air gaps. Can you tell I’ve been watching a lot of boat building videos on YouTube?!?