Good fairing tutorials?

[theFunsmith]

Got my console all rebuilt and structurally sound. Now it is time to start smoothing things out. I was wondering if there are any recommended tutorials on fiberglass fairing I might read before getting dirty. Using the search feature here, I get a lot of posts on the post-buildup sanding, but not much on prep and compound choice and application. I may be over thinking this process,  but I want to do it right. Google isn't much help, unless you are searching for a fiberglass motorcycle fairing.

[RickK]

You can buy faring boards (3M) or make your own.  3M makes some kick butt paper to use on the boards too - hard to wear it out. Here is a link to a pic of the boards and paper.
https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=10101.msg131468#msg131468

[theFunsmith]

Thank you for the excellent tool recommendations, Rick. I now have those longboards on the way. I was hoping for some how-to type reading material on the fairing process though. This is my first venture into fairing glass and was hoping to get saturated with info on the compounds and techniques so I can avoid as many mistakes as possible.

[Que Pasa]

Are you using epoxy or poly. That will probably dictate what material you use. A good epoxy fairing compound is System three quik fair.

[RickK]

As Que mentioned, it depends on what resin you're using.  If you've been working with poly so far,  you can make your own fairing compound with polyester resin and microballoons. You can also use a polyester "bondo" - I bought the stuff I used at an automotive supply house - I bought the more expensive "no pin holes" kind even though I still got some pin holes.    I used glazing putty to fill those.

[theFunsmith]

I've been using vinylester, and I think I will for most of the rebuild. I found an awesome deal on vinylester from RevChem Composites locally, that is even less expensive than I can get poly online, even before shipping.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Premade fairing compounds usually are easier to work with and sand, are more consistent and will have less pinholes, but are also pricier. Pretty much take your high spots down, but not so far down youre taking too much glass away. Then fill your lows. Then repeat and repeat and repeat! It helps tremendously if you can apply the stuff just a touch proud (higher) than it needs to be. Too much and youre wasting material, not high enough and youll need to fill again.

[theFunsmith]

Thank you all for the replies. I think I may have been overthinking this. I will give it a shot here as soon as I get enough of a break in the rain to rough sand outside.

Also with regards to fairing boards like Rick used, I found a pretty good deal, almost half price of west marine, and about $25 less than the next best price I found.

http://www.apdindustrial.com/FileFairingBoards.htm

[RickK]

Good price for the marine boards.  The paper is the killer and you can only buy it in the 10 pack.  I think I used one, maybe two of each grit on my entire rebuild - can't wear them out.