Ok I now have my project at home. Time to start filling all the old dings and scratches to get ready for new paint. Most are pretty deep so I will have to grind out some of the old exposed glass and start new. I am wondering what fiberglass products you are using to fill these scratches. Also I will be glassing over the old portholes. Any special tips or tricks? I have a few fiberglass repair books on the way. It is something that I want to do, just want to try and get it right the first time without hiring a pro...All help appreciated. The boat is a 1979 Formula 255.

Get the West System book on fiberglass repair. Even if you don't use West it gives some really good ideas on prep, tricks, etc.

I second the West System advice

My body shop buddy told me this.........

If there is an area (like filling a hole) and you need a temporary backing, you can use cardboard. But first cover it with masking tape. The fiberglass resin does not stick to the non-sticky side of masking tape very well. Once it sets up, you can pull it away.

And.......

I have found that the plastic caps from stuff like Brakeen, carb cleaner and paint cans make excellent little mixing bowls for the resin and hardener. Get a box of these brushes to mix it with.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41338

Prat look for my painting my boat thread. If you can not find it let me know and I will look for it for ya.

Jon