Removing Bondo from a fiberglass hull

[chuck chesney]

I recently was given a fiberglass hull, possibly a "one of" of the U.S.S. Skate. The hull is pretty old, and I don't know exactly it's age, but it will make a great project for restoration. It has only one major flaw...the original builder used lots of Bondo to hold the prop shafts in position, and I want to get it out. Does anybody know a chemical method to loosen up the Bondo from the fiberglass? I can always fire up the old Dremel tool and sand it out, but would much rather be able to loosen it by other, cleaner, methods.
Thanks, Chuck

[mylo]

Chuck,

In the process of

Chuck,

In the process of my VIIc/41 build, I came across that very situation and was looking for an "easier" way. ......I couldn't find one and resorted to the Dremel Method of Bondo Removal (DMBR). Not what you want to hear, but maybe save you some time "hoping". I dare say you're going to have to dig out the rotary tool and respirator mask.

Good Luck.

Mylo

[chuck chesney]

Thanks Mylo...I was afraid of

Thanks Mylo...I was afraid of that.

[mylo]

PLEASE....if you DO discover something,

PLEASE....if you DO discover something, let me know.

Mylo

[Guest]

Bondo is just polyester resin

Bondo is just polyester resin mixed with aluminium oxide (talc) to bulk it out and make it easier to sand down.

Anything that dissolves it will ruin the hull too, so it's a case of grinding it out and a large dose of patience I'm afraid.

Andy

[chuck chesney]

Andy and Mylo...
Thanks for the

Andy and Mylo...
Thanks for the input...I'm afraid that sanding all of the Bondo out of the area around the prop shafts is going to be a major pain, but it's going to give me something to keep busy with for a couple of weeks.

Thanks again...