Aluminum fuel tank leak

[buddyt396]

I have a leak in my center console fuel tank under the floor. I cut the floor to get the tank out. What is the best type of fiberglass to use to patch this repair. Never worked with fiberglass. Have done some body work with bondo before.

 

[AShipShow]

Really the best way to do it is similar to a floor in a house... cut the hole bigger until it spans to the middle of a stringer on each side to give it something to sit on... Then personally, I would grind a bevel on the existing deck and the new piece of wood to create a "valley" at the seams to allow room for buildup of new glass, this way you won't end up with a big obvious hump at the seams where the patch was made.

There might be a better way, but thats what I would do.

 

[buddyt396]

OK, thanks a bunch. Any Idea what type of fiberglass I should use.

 

[Scott Danforth]

plenty of similar writeups in the hull restoration forum. best to do is read some restoration threads.

 

[alldodge]

OK, thanks a bunch. Any Idea what type of fiberglass I should use.

Most use polyester resin and chop strain, then follow by some 1708. Can also use epoxy for a stronger bond. Either will work but epoxy cost more but doesn't need chop strain, just fiberglass cloth. Woodonglass can advise further

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd recommend marine grade laminating resin and Chopped Strand Mat. Screw some cleats under the edges of the opening for the removed wood to rest on and screwed to Ad some cabosil to thicken the resin and fill the crack