Hatch Repair
 

Any body had to repair the hatch where the supports bolts to it? I have a hatch that has that area busted out and was looking for a way to fix it.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

anyone?

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I don't have a clue how to fix but I probably have the plate in my hatch pieces can look if interested.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

Might even have a hatch piece large enough to graft in.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

Yes I would be interested, if you'll get me pictures and price that would be great.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I will look at the beginning of the week

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I'll be tackling this same project this weekend... I'll let you know how it turns out.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I cut a round hole in the bottom panel that was covered with a snap in cover. Through this hole I slid a AL 1 1/2X 12" angle to replace the nut plate. Then I pop riveted the angel to the fiber glass at both ends . After fiber glassing the old piece in I threaded the new holes in the AL. Not good looking but heavy duty.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

My hatch was much worse than just the busted out support area so I probably tackled this project differently than what you would be doing.

First thing I did was separate the two halves of the hatch using a heat gun and putty knife. I cleaned off the old bonding compound and sanded the insides.

Next I laid a couple layers of fiberglass with epoxy resin (polyurethane won't stick) from the back side of the damaged areas.

Tomorrow I'll sand the front side of the repaired areas and put another layer of glass on the outside followed by some SMC filler putty to smooth it all out. Will post pics of the process I used once complete.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

The repairs from on the inside seemed strong enough so I skipped adding another layer of glass on the outside and went straight to the SMC filler. It has bits of carbon fiber in it for reinforcement so it should add some strength as well.

The camera on my phone gave out but I did take some with another camera.... I shared some photos of the progress one I get them uploaded.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I would be interested in the photos, thanks for sharing.

Jothan

Re: Hatch Repair
 

Sorry none large enough to use as a patch 8 shipped.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I will take them, at least that will give me an idea what I'm missing.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I was missing one of those pieces too... I just cut a piece of plate and tacked on some nuts. I believe they were 1/4-20.

Re: Hatch Repair
 

I have a couple of places on my hatch that needs repair too. In a couple of spots I have holes, not quite as big as yours, but they need to be patched up. I was just planning on sanding it back and filling them with pieces of fiberglass. If it adheres well to the sides it should be a rigid and permanent fix.