fiberglass bodies - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

JJS · 02-05-2006, 07:53 AM

anyone have any first hand wheeling experience with fiberglass? my cruiser has a fiberglass tub on it, as the original body rotted away long ago. it's of pretty strong construction, with very solid floor boards, fenders wells, and fire wall. i do want to wheel it when it's finished, and i've taken most of the precautions to make sure the fiberglass won't crack (plating bolts, etc.).

so the question is, for anyone running a fiberglass tub, how has it held up long term to abuse?

bignissan · 02-05-2006, 11:30 PM

i don't own anything fiberglass....but will say this, as soon as it touches rocks it's toast. It's a composite, and "most" composites have horrible impact strength.

Icemanii · 02-06-2006, 07:32 AM

I have wheeled my CJ7 with 'glass tub often. It does fine, but I plan on putting rocker guards on it. Right now, it has sidepipes w' headers, so they are taking the shots. Don't want to find out what happens if a rock contacts the tub, it will be a hole for sure.

Rattlecan · 02-06-2006, 07:42 AM

Fiberglass is unforgiving. If you plan on mild wheeling with minimal contact with trees, rocks, etc it will do fine. Might want to invest in rocker protection, and maybe a partial exo. Make sure the rocker and exo are tied to the frame.

GPERX4 · 02-06-2006, 12:19 PM

I like my glass body been on for about 16 years now armor it and you'll be fine.It is easier to fix then metal, but you can trash anything.

Tech Tim · 02-06-2006, 12:44 PM

If it is done right, fiberglass will last a long time and handle alot of abuse. Properly laid up 'glass will actually flex a bit and absorb impacts. Just don't expect to be able to drag it over rocks.

Fourwheeler mag's Ned Bacon's Killer Bee flattie has had a 'glass tub for 20 years and it has been bounced off of rocks for many, many years with amazing little damage.

JJS · 02-06-2006, 03:35 PM

i have rocker guards and sliders on it. i think it's gonna do okay. i just wanted some opinions. the truck's not done yet, so it hasn't been wheeled.

02-05-2006, 07:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
JJS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Member # 28835 Location: SC Posts: 551	fiberglass bodies anyone have any first hand wheeling experience with fiberglass? my cruiser has a fiberglass tub on it, as the original body rotted away long ago. it's of pretty strong construction, with very solid floor boards, fenders wells, and fire wall. i do want to wheel it when it's finished, and i've taken most of the precautions to make sure the fiberglass won't crack (plating bolts, etc.). so the question is, for anyone running a fiberglass tub, how has it held up long term to abuse? __________________ 2012 JK. Stock as hell for now.

02-05-2006, 11:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
bignissan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14644 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 2,019	i don't own anything fiberglass....but will say this, as soon as it touches rocks it's toast. It's a composite, and "most" composites have horrible impact strength. __________________ 1986.5 Nissan crawler - dual cases, one tons, 42's... 2003 SV650 1997 F350 DRW PSD

02-06-2006, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
GPERX4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12414 Posts: 774	I like my glass body been on for about 16 years now armor it and you'll be fine.It is easier to fix then metal, but you can trash anything. __________________ Team Devil Frogg Kettering, Ohio

02-06-2006, 12:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tech Tim Super Willie Join Date: Apr 2003 Member # 19067 Location: T90, WA Posts: 4,086	If it is done right, fiberglass will last a long time and handle alot of abuse. Properly laid up 'glass will actually flex a bit and absorb impacts. Just don't expect to be able to drag it over rocks. Fourwheeler mag's Ned Bacon's Killer Bee flattie has had a 'glass tub for 20 years and it has been bounced off of rocks for many, many years with amazing little damage. __________________ Tim Lund Yeah, I wear a Kilt... what you're not man enough?! Want beadlocks? Allied Beadlocks.... Best designed and best priced aluminum beadlock on the market! Got 40 SPLINE? Time for you to get 40 spline too! 40 spline hubs, spindles, outer stub shafts, 40 spline 14 bolt & Dana 60 Air Lockers http://www.wildwestfab.com.... WILD WEST OFF ROAD 360-264-5363

02-06-2006, 03:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
JJS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Member # 28835 Location: SC Posts: 551	i have rocker guards and sliders on it. i think it's gonna do okay. i just wanted some opinions. the truck's not done yet, so it hasn't been wheeled. __________________ 2012 JK. Stock as hell for now.

02-06-2006, 07:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
Icemanii Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Member # 55458 Location: 48085 Posts: 461	I have wheeled my CJ7 with 'glass tub often. It does fine, but I plan on putting rocker guards on it. Right now, it has sidepipes w' headers, so they are taking the shots. Don't want to find out what happens if a rock contacts the tub, it will be a hole for sure.

02-06-2006, 07:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
Rattlecan Rock God Join Date: Jul 2005 Member # 50639 Posts: 1,216	Fiberglass is unforgiving. If you plan on mild wheeling with minimal contact with trees, rocks, etc it will do fine. Might want to invest in rocker protection, and maybe a partial exo. Make sure the rocker and exo are tied to the frame.

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