Cracked Hardtop

[Dr3amline]

i have a 1979 cj7, Hard top has a crack in it going from where it attaches to the tub to the side window. anyone know if its possible to fix??? and how TIA!

 

[phall92139]

Don't know what the material is for a '79 CJ7, but I'll give you information from my '03 TJ FSM:

HARD TOP REPAIR​

NOTE: The hard top is manufactured from a sheet
molded compound (SMC).SMC is constructed using
short fiberglass strands usually less than 5.08 cm
(2 inches) long. Sheet stock of glass impregnated
resin matting is placed into the mold and pressed
under heat to flow material throughout the mold.
Tooling is shear edge designed to mold to net (i.e.
no trimming at periphery required).SMC is repairable
in accordance with established procedures
described within this manual. (Refer to 23 - BODY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY PANEL​

REPAIR)

HARD TOP REPAIR​

If it has been determined that the hard top can be
repaired. The following required materials and procedures
are to be used.
(1) Use a grinder to remove the paint and outline
the damaged area. Use a grade 150 grit disc for paint
removal.
(2) Grind the outlined surface area again with a
240 grit disc to prevent coarse scratches from appearing
in the final finish.
(3) If cracks extend from the hole, it will be necessary
to stop-drill the crack(s) with a 3-mm (1/8-in)
diameter drill bit. This will prevent the crack from
spreading and allow repair material to be effective.
(4) Position a fiberglass mat or cloth on the repair
surface area. Cut the mat 2.5 cm (1 in.) larger than
repair area but smaller than the outline area. Make
the outline area larger if required.
(5) Clean the outlined area.
(6) Place the fiberglass cloth on aluminum foil.
(7) Pour the fiberglass resin into a clean container.
(8) Mix the appropriate amount of hardener and
resin. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
(9) Apply the hardener/resin mixture to both sides
of the fiberglass cloth.
(10) Place the fiberglass cloth over the repair area.
Next, place the aluminum foil over the cloth using a
plastic spreader to smooth-out the cloth and resin.
Use firm pressure to remove air bubbles and to
smooth-out the cloth. Remove the aluminum foil.
(11) Allow the resin to cure.
(12) Smooth-out the surface area to the contour of
the hard top with a 150-grit disc.
(13) Apply plastic filler to complete the repair. Finish
smoothing the surface area with 240-320 grit​

paper.

(14) Repeat the previous steps on the inside area
of the hard top.
(15) Featheredge the repaired surface area.
(16) Prime the repaired surface area with PPG​

​

​

​

t​

Epoxy Primer, or an equivalent product.
(17) Apply surface primer to the surface area.
(18) Prime the surface area for the color coat.
(19) Apply color coat to the repaired surface area.
​

HARD TOP FRACTURE REPAIR​

If it has been determined that the hard top can be
repaired. The following required materials and procedures
are to be used.
(1) Use a grinder to remove the paint and outline
the damaged area. Use a grade 150 grit disc for paint
removal.
(2) Grind the outlined surface area again with a
240 grit disc to prevent coarse scratches from appearing
in the final finish.
(3) If cracks extend from the damaged area, it will
be necessary to stop drill the cracks with a 3-mm
(1/8-in) diameter drill bit. This will prevent the crack
and/or fracture from spreading and allow repair
material to be effective.
(4) Bevel the edges of the crack/fracture on both
sides with a rotary file.​

NOTE: The edges should be beveled on the inside
and outside of the top to ensure sufficient surface
area for good bonding.​

(5) Complete the repairs with fiberglass cloth and
resin as described in the hard top hole repair procedure.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/REMOVABLE TOP -​

STANDARD PROCEDURE)

 

[Dr3amline]

thank you for the info

 

[TerryMason]

I fixed a chunk that was taken out of my 85's hard top. I just used fiberglass bondo (you can get it at the local car parts store).