Need recommendation on Fiberglass/Fibreglass repair material

[pharriso]

Thought that I would give an update on what I had managed to source here in the US & the results of my first GRP repair.

First thanks to Allan for suggesting West Marine, I managed to get most supplies there in this kit - http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=996926&catalogId=10001#.UvKGL_muR8E

My first "practice" repair was on the Driver's side underdash trim (or Heater valence), mine completely snapped in two, caused by the scallop for the steering column.

First I used fibreglass & epoxy resin to form a shaped U:

Having the U profile adds a lot of strength.

Next up was a coat of filler to fill any voids:

Seems to me this part wasn't designed too well, clamping the part to the underside of the dashboard with just the surface area of the underside of a screwhead, it's only a matter of time before the GRP splits (too much lightness?). So I bonded in finishing washers:

& then recovered with the original vinyl & will use the BMW screw plugs to hide the screws:

Thanks everyone for your encouragement to give it a try, I am really pleased with the results

[collins_dan]

Phil,
They did turn out great. I tried the same on mine and they just kept breaking. I bought a new set from Ray and the fit has been great and they seem to be lasting really well.
Dan

[Gordon Sauer]

I did fix mine originally like yours and they looked like they would hold up but I couldn't get the exposed side to look good-Tried duplicating the texture With one of those vinyl type repair kits that gives you different swatches of embossed material using epoxy but Still not happy with it and I really didn't want to cover them with vinyl as not how mine came-Replaced to them but certainly looks like your fiberglass work should hold. Gordon Sauer

[pharriso]

Ray's parts do look good, but at $180 they aren't cheap...

Good to know that they are available.