03 bulldog Rear fender(end) looks like has deep scratches in paint. Its actually cracked paint under the clear coat. Maintenance shop says its the flexing fiberglass, paint/cracks will just get worse. Was thinking of gettin it shaved down 3-4" to get rid of cracks, eliminate same problem in future........... Any trials/errors? Ideas?
lsmln,
I have an extensive experience and knowledge in all of the different fiberglass lay-up techniques. If you're showing cracks in your paint, then most likely you also have cracks in fiberglass itself and in the gel-coat outer shell materials. If you look closely, you can probably see wrinkles in the clear coat as well, if it not too old or too much movement. All of the above is most likely being caused by the excessive vibrations to the rear fiberglass fender, which are normal.
I'd really be surprised to learn that "rigid mount" fender was made from fiberglass, on anything, unless it was a 1/4" "Structural Hybrid Lay-up". And even then, I'd still say that was a pretty bad judgement call on someones part.
The problems you're experiencing "may" be able to be rectified. But not by just any 'ol auto body technician, with no offence intended to anyone. But to stop that kind of cracking it's going to take some special lay-up techniques and experience with thin material lay-ups, "if" it can be prevented in the future.
Without seeing the extent of the damage, I could possibly see the following scenario. The required repair materials are not real expensive, but along with the added labor cost, prior to re-painting, it might equal the cost of a new steel fender. So that means that before any re-painting, you need to make that decision on which way to go, steel or fiberglass.
PM me if I can help.
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