Punching A Hole In Fibreglass

[MattyB]

I know this seems like a strange question...

 

But how do you go about making a hole in fibreglass without causing fractures that could possibly spread? Is there a special way of doing it that should be left to the experts??

 

Don't worry I'm not about to vandalise my Liz

[Martin_S]

Not difficult, you can drill using a conventional electric drill. If the hole is bigger than the available drill bits/hole saw, you can chain drill it and clean up the edges of the hole with a file. If you use a hole saw, make sure its a good quality one and that it has a centre drill bit to locate it, otherwise the chances are it will skid off all over the place and scratch the surrounding area.

 

HOWEVER:

1) Always drill from the gelcoated (good) side rather from the reverse side of the panel, otherwise chips of gelcoat will flake of as the drill breaks through.

2) Tape over the area with masking tape first, and drill through the tape - again, this stops the gelcoat from chiping and flaking around the edge of the hole.

[Mark H]

Yup have done this to my old one to bolt the headlight covers on, masking tape stopped the drill bit slipping and the paint chipping.

[Zircon450]

Beefy,

 

Any details you have on the headlamp cover "bolts" would be usefull.

 

Mine are gummed on, and full of crap behind them, I saw some VERY small

stainless nuts and bolts on an Elise at Brunty, but don't know where to get the

little buggers from.

 

Any info old chap ?

 

[Mark H]

The details off the bag of them are:

 

Pan head slotted M33 - 5 x 30MM - 10 PCS

 

Pretty sure I got them from B&Q, they are in a little green bag.

[Zircon450]

Ta

[Mark H]

This might also help:

 

http://www.lotus-elise.nl/Mods/Stainless_S...uickoutkit.html

 

 

The ones I fitted were not as posh as those (i.e. not quick out) had to get my hand behind the wheelarch to tighten and loosen the nut from the bolt but still quicker than removing black goo!

 

Plus they demist a lot quicker.

[MattyB]

Sounds easy enough... Time to get my drill out!

 

I've bought a DTM/Exige style spoiler off some Max Power site see, needs fixing directly to the bodywork...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mark H]

Where do you live so I can burn your car first

[Scott_Mac]

Can i burn it second? And nick the wheels

[Zircon450]

Ta Ta Beefy

 

That Cloggy's a bit keen with the drill though !

 

[Ladders]

Matty

 

I'll nick the bit that makes your engine go "Wub wub wub" on tickover

[Scott_Mac]

Oi, i'm having those badly timed cams first...

[Zircon450]

Wub wub wub

Ladders, you been on the lash again ?

 

WUB WUB WUB indeed ?