2 Dr Roof & Tailgate fiberglass repair

[Dman]

Yes it was my turn to do what most every other Bronco owner has had to or will have to do at some time. I figure there was not much need for a write up, but thought I would share some pictures. Just FYI I hate body work and I'm not very good at it either, but I did get it fiber-glassed, sanded, and primered before winter.

Roof before: when I sanded it down I found large holes packed with body putty.
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1641

Roof after:
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1640

Drip Rail before:
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1639

Drip Rail after:
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1638

Tailgate before:
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1643

Tailgate after:
http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/picture.php?albumid=2&pictureid=1642
After it was primered, I pulled the masking tape off and surprise ! That dark gray trim is actually a reflector the previous owner had painted. On more thing for the to do list. :)

[JohnDeStef]

Nice project and we love the before, after pics!!

Keep it going :D it's lookin' great.

[sheepman]

After it was primered, I pulled the masking tape off and surprise ! That dark gray trim is actually a reflector the previous owner had painted. On more thing for the to do list. :)

I don't know if you know or not. That read is factory, in 92 they went to black. 80-? was black also for the broncos.

[Dman]

After i saw it, little lights went off in my head and I suddenly remembered these being in a couple of different colors. Why would anyone paint over it? Better yet how am I going to get all that paint off without hurting the plastic?

I thought about trying to tape over the rest and pull as much as possible off first, then maybe using a wet brillo pad to "lightly" scrub the rest off. Anyone have a better idea?

[JohnDeStef]

After i saw it, little lights went off in my head and I suddenly remembered these being in a couple of different colors. Why would anyone paint over it? Better yet how am I going to get all that paint off without hurting the plastic?

I thought about trying to tape over the rest and pull as much as possible off first, then maybe using a wet brillo pad to "lightly" scrub the rest off. Anyone have a better idea?

Usually those red lenses either crack or get discolored from behind. Maybe they painted it to hide discoloration.... There may be more work once the paint's off.

I'd lightly wash it with lacquer thinner to get the paint off. The thinner may cloud the red plastic, but that can be wet sanded and compound polished.

The red lens may have separated from the aluminum plate. Two sided tape holds it on.

? I think ? the Ford emblem goes through the red lens and attaches to the aluminum. If that's correct, the emblem's a biotch to get off. I remember mutilating my emblem to get it off. Perhaps if the aluminum plate was pulled, you could shave the melted tabs behind the aluminum that hold the emblem in place.

I got my red lens off, cleaned it and reapplied it with 1/8" double sided tape.

Over tightening the aluminum plate makes curves, and causes the lens to separate.

[Dman]

That's great info johnDestef, I really appreicate you sharing. I will let you know how big of a mess I make ha ha.