Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Apr 30, 2001 02:18am | #1

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   just like building a fiberglass boat... disk sanders, saber saw, woven roving, finish cloth, gelcoat, a good epoxy spray job when you're done..

   autobody workers can do it too...

   you can get everything you need, except experience, at an auto supply store.. or a marine supply store...

   here's one...

   http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/index.htm?E+scstore

1. 
   JohnD_ | Apr 30, 2001 11:54pm | #2

   *Shawn--You ain't going to like it. Those fiberglass systems are built from the outside in. That is, they start with a mold, spray a gel coat on it, and then add the glass/resin system onto that. So, the hidden inside looks like a bad hair day taken to the limits.If you have this tub out, on the loose, you will be able to do something. You will have to cut out the parts you don't want. Then, you will have to make a form with the surface you DO want, and mount it against the current final surface. Then, go around the back and add gel coat and glass/resin. Use plenty of glass, and let it go well onto the old work, to support things properly. Don't forget to put mold release on.If the tub is installed, oh my!! You have a real "opportunity" there.i (We don't have problems, and we don't have challenges.) Getting a a smooth surface to blend in with the existing body will be "interesting" as will be making sure that the unit is structurally sound at the joint.Have fun!

1. 
   Joe_Hennessey | May 01, 2001 03:16am | #3

   *Shawn, if you value your time at $3 an hour, you will still lose your ass on this deal. Volunteer someone else, & then come back and put the new shower unit in after they are done. And in addition, resin ain't cheap, clean up requires acetone, all brushes & mixing containers are throw away items, ect. You will itch, your clothes will be contaminated with fiberglass bits, your laundry will share it with others you live with too. If you or they are sensitive to it, nobody is gonna like it.If you don't know what you are doing now, you won't enjoy this & probably will not be satisfied with your final product. Had a buddy who was gonna do some fiberglass work. He had a friend who knew all about it he said. Turned out he knew all about selling it, which was pretty obvious after he ruined about $50 worth of product and the parts he started with. That stuff takes practice, and somebody who knows how to work with it to show you how. It ain't rocket science, but it's not what you think either. Good luck if you get stuck with this thing. And, oh-by-the-way, this is about the absolutely-est dumb-assed idea of the week too. Bet you already knew that, huh? JoeH

1. 
   Tim_Kline | May 01, 2001 05:17am | #4

   *b WBA At Your ServiceJoe is right on here. Especially about the $3 an hour part. Somebody needs their head examined for even recommending something like this. Chopping up a fiberglas tub for use in a commercial space ? The thing should be ceramic to begin with. Take a walk from this one.

1. 
   nigel_martin | May 01, 2001 01:11pm | #5

   *Just to add my 2 cents. Is this a "ONE" piece tub? If so rip it out and install a shower kit in its place.If you have tile above the existing tub, just cut the tub at the top rim and install a shower pan. Then tile up to the where the old rim was. I don't think the fiber glass on site will be easy to do and might be a call back problem.

2. 
   Art_B | May 01, 2001 03:06pm | #6

   *An additional "gotcha" not mentioned is that if it needs to be done indoors, the ketone/acetone stench will likely result in lawsuits from the rehabees. I did this once and my wife would've sued me if it wasn't a community property state. Another vote for dumbest idea of the week, esp. if it is indoors.

3. 
   diddidit_ | May 01, 2001 05:32pm | #7

   *Take it to a local boatyard and have them do it. It won't be cheap but it will be right. There are some real FG artists out there.did

4. 
   ChuckT_ | May 01, 2001 10:17pm | #8

   *My 2 cents worth, Matching the color is an art, one not mastered by me after many many attempts.

2. 
   Shawn_Conrad | May 01, 2001 10:17pm | #9

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   I've got a job coming up where I have to remodel a fiberglass tub. It's for the kept. of Vocational Rehabilitation in NC.. & I guess they think this is easier than installing a new walk-in shower. Anyway what I have to do is cut a chunk of the tub out 24"wide(centered)& down to 7" above the floor. Then I have to block it in (because it's hollow of course) & form it with fiberglass or bondoe or something . Then I'll have to have it re finished Any ideas on materials or techniques,etc.?