1973-1974 Corvette C3 Center Wheel Forward One Piece Front End

Tech Tip: Gel Coat Finish & Handling for Corvette Fiberglass Parts

Corvette fiberglass parts arrive with a durable gel coat finish, providing a smooth surface ready for sanding and painting. This protective layer not only ensures the part’s durability but may also present minor imperfections such as air bubbles or mold parting marks due to the molding process. These imperfections are normal and can be easily addressed during prep work to achieve a flawless finish.

Preparation Tips for Fiberglass Parts:
Sanding Start by sanding the gel coat with 180 to 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. This step creates a rough surface that helps the paint bond effectively to the part.
Mold Parting Marks In the event that mold parting marks are visible, they can be carefully removed using fine sanding techniques, ensuring the part remains smooth and clean for the next steps.
Filling Deep Imperfections For deeper imperfections, use a fiberglass-compatible filler designed to bond securely with the material. This ensures a smooth, even surface that preserves the integrity and appearance of your part.
Priming Apply a suitable primer to seal the surface. This step enhances the paint’s adhesion and provides the necessary foundation for the final finish.

Important Note Before painting, always fit fiberglass parts to the car. Each Corvette is unique, and fitting the parts ensures that they align properly and function as intended. This step minimizes potential issues and ensures a better overall fit for your restoration.

Why These Steps Matter Proper preparation of fiberglass Corvette parts is essential for achieving a flawless finish and long-lasting durability. Whether you are restoring original parts or upgrading with new, these techniques will ensure that your restoration looks as good as it performs.

Why Choose Mid America Motorworks for Your Corvette Fiberglass Needs?

When you choose Mid America Motorworks, you’re selecting high-quality fiberglass parts designed for Corvette restorations. With a focus on OEM accuracy and attention to detail, we make sure every part fits perfectly and performs like the original.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Truck Freight

Question:  Why do my parts need to be shipped by truck?

Answer:  When Items that are too large to go by our normal carriers, they are shipped Truck Freight.

Question:  How is my freight price obtained?

Answer:  Freight pricing is based on multiple factors such as the shipment's freight class, density, route, and even how the items are packaged.  We contact a freight carrier and obtain shipping costs. We then add this to you order.

Question:  What do I or the freight company need to know about delivery?

Answer: You should know that your address (receiving location) needs to be adequate to accommodate a semi-truck.

Money Saving TIP: Typically we encourage you to provide a commercial address for delivery. Commercial locations/facilities can accommodate a large truck delivery and rates are often much less expensive.

Question:  What happens when I place an order that requires truck freight?

Answer: After your order is placed and we contact the freight company for rates, we call you and advise the specific details of the shipment.

Questions: What are the meanings of classifications?

Answer: Each item is classified within specific carrier guidelines. These guidelines are the class of an item and the related costs, density and inherent risks of transporting such an item. All items shipped by MAM have been evaluated as to the most economical fright classification prior to shipping.

Question: How will this item be unloaded?

Answer: The carrier delivers to your destination and it is available to you at the “end of their trailer”.  It is your responsibility to be able to get it off the truck,

Question: What about heavy items like motors, transmissions and complete front ends?

Answer: If you are going to need a truck with a lift gate, we need to know that in advance of getting a quote for freight costs. If your items are to be delivered to a location with a freight dock, we also need to know that information.

Additional Ordering and Truck Freight Information Needed:

Your order will not be process until we receive YOUR approval and additional information for the freight delivery.  If we do not get your approval after 7 days, your order will be cancelled.

Make sure to provide a current telephone number. Shipping carrier will usually contact you directly to arrange a delivery date and time.

Someone should be present for delivery to sign for the shipment.

Check to make sure the shipment arrives in good condition and note any damage on the shipping receipt before the driver leaves.