Truck Topper Paint and Fiberglass Repair

[02TACO20]

I found a great deal on a LEER Topper for my 2020 Tacoma. It has some damage to the passenger-side skirt where it overhangs the bed rail that I need to repair. I've done some fiberglass repairs before but they have always been somewhere that they are covered up or otherwise a non-issue if the repair could be seen. In this case, I need to do this in a way that I can touch up the paint and with any luck, be invisible to someone unless I point it out to them!

I understand fiberglass pieces like this frequently have a "gel coat" versus paint. I'm not sure if that's the case with this, or if it matters in terms of what I use to touch it up. Any ideas? I'm doing some research into how to fill in the chips before sanding and repainting this area too. I've used "Bondo Glass" with great success for filling small areas like this before, but since it's dark colored I wonder if it might be easier to get a finished look using something that dries white. JB Weld makes some epoxies that dry white and seems like could also be suitable for this.

Any advice on the process for filling, sanding, painting, and finally - cutting and buffing for this?

I'll be posting some progress photos once I begin repairing this.

View attachment 71066View attachment 71067View attachment 71068

 

[57Rambler]

I think I'd investigate/try something like Evercoat's "Gel-Kote" repair products ...

 

[PaulMys]

Having worked in the marine industry for over 30 years, there is no better filler for fiberglass repair than this.


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[02TACO20]

I think I'd investigate/try something like Evercoat's "Gel-Kote" repair products ...

I'll definitely look into that product, thanks for the suggestion.

Having worked in the marine industry for over 30 years, there is no better filler for fiberglass repair than this.

That's quite the testimonial, very much appreciated. Do you have any advice specific to this kind of repair or should it be pretty straightforward?a

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I'll definitely look into that product, thanks for the suggestion.


That's quite the testimonial, very much appreciated. Do you have any advice specific to this kind of repair or should it be pretty straightforward?

If you've never done any custom fiberglass work while it's not super hard, there is some technique and skill required. At least you have the back portion to work with,

My advice would be to rebuild in steps, that is don't try to fix in one application. Build-up and build-out. Gravity is going to be your enemy.


There's probably some talented people on this forum that can provide some step-by-step info - you might also look for a boat restoration forum, maybe TheHullTruth.com

 

[57Rambler]

Well, the pic looks to me like there is both fiberglass and gel coat involved.

Hence my recommendation of the Evercoat product. You can layer it to repair larger damages, and it will yield a better finish than fiberglass ... not molded quality finish, but decent enough.

 

[PaulMys]

My advice would be to rebuild in steps, that is don't try to fix in one application. Build-up and build-out. Gravity is going to be your enemy.

Actually Mike, the 3M id designed to fill areas such as in the OP's pics in one application. When mixed, it is the consistency of cold peanut butter, and man does it stay put.

It's really amazing stuff.