Fibreglass cracks!?

[JayT54]

Hey there so recently purchased a 2012 forest river tracer model 3150bhd, so long story short it was parked close to a barn fire and had warped the ac shroud (which on the hunt for a new one, but it has created a few cracks in the fibreglass that I would like to know how to go about fixing, the structure and everything is fine just some cracking, also the whole trailer has a gel coat I believe except it seems to have disappeared where the fire was so half the back of the trailer and the other sides are a nice gel finish except for the trailer awning side which is a matte fibreglass, I’m wondering how I can go about fixing this is gel something you paint on after? I’ve also been doing a bit of research and it says that fixing cracks is kinda like drywall mudding and taping which I am really good at would I do it kinda the same obviously with fibreglass materials and then exterior paint in the painted areas and then apply a gel coat? Attached some pictures any help is appreciated

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Hard to believe the trailer has a gel coat on the sides. A gel coat is the top shiny layer of a molded fiberglass piece and the molded pieces are typically only used as a front or rear cap and smaller pieces around a wheel well. The flat sides are typically filon sheeting laminated on a luan plywood backer. The thin filon is sort-of shiny and is often painted with a clear-coat for extra sine and protection.

It can be sanded and filled like any fiberglass but remember it is very thin, about 0.045", so no deep grinding.

 

[zulu]

As someone who has recently repaired fiberglass on his RV, I suggest you leave it as is. Even if you get the surface perfectly smooth, you'll have to color match and if you don't, the repair will stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[JayT54]

Well I’m not sure it’s gel coat but it is very shiny on the rest of the trailer and where the cracks are is matte finish! And if I did repair the cracks I would paint the whole side of that trailer so I wouldn’t have to spot colour match and then contact the trailer dealer and see about getting new decals

 

[Kirk]

It might be a good idea to repair the cracks and then paint the entire trailer with a quality automotive paint.

 

[NY_Dutch]

As far as your A/C shroud search, check out Icon brand shrouds. They make an excellent product. You may find better prices at Amazon and other online sources than buying direct:

Air Conditioner Shrouds | AC Shrouds | RV Air Conditioner Covers

Buy AC shrouds constructed of high-impact UV resistant material, thicker and stronger than the originals. ICon Direct is a leading maker of after market AC shrouds. Buy yours now!

www.icondirect.com

 

[JayT54]

Anyone use liquid rubber off Amazon

 

[TheBar]

Anyone use liquid rubber off Amazon

There are lots of liquid rubber products on Amazon. Likely varying quality. I would buy one which has been around for years with a proven track record. I used the Proguard brand which doesn't seem to be available for some reason.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Do you mean the generic liquid rubber type product or the specific brand name "Liquid Rubber"?