Is this engine cover salvageable?

[Tom999w]

It looks like this engine cover blew off onto the highway during transport to my house in New York from Michigan. Is it worth it to fiberglass fix it or should I just buy a new used one? I know classic American cars are all about originality and keeping the "born-with" panels, but I'm thinking there's no redeeming value to salvaging this cover when I may be able to buy another one for less than the cost of fiberglass repair to the existing one...

[Tom999w]

One more picture...

[Tom999w]

Another picture...

[Richard48Y]

Scrap.
Hang it on the wall as a reminder of how NOT to move a Europa.

I expanded the image, so see clearly that a lot of the return edges are missing.
You did not say if you have the corner piece.
Used may be found, new are available.
Racing heritage cars so no shame in replacing consumable bits.

[Tom999w]

I didn't move it, the shipper did Ya, most of the edges are missing, and the edges that are existing fall off in your hand because they're broken loose. The missing corner piece is somewhere on the highway between Michigan and New York.
  I guess I'll have to build a garage so I'll have a wall to hang it on 

[Richard48Y]

Not loading a Europa backward has been discussed many times here, guess this is what the shipper did?
In any case, shipper should be insured, shipper should be buying you a new part.

[dakazman]

   Hi Tom,
     How much time you have determines if it is salvageable .  Shipping cost of a used lid would easily pay for the materials needed. then the one you buy may need repair also. think of it as a practice piece.

  You have the exact opposite side that can be used as an inversed cutout to do the repairs. There is a lot of area that looks good, if need to be spliced in. We have many members who have repaired far worse.   It would also look better hanging on your wall in the garage you will build someday. 

 Dakazman

[BDA]

I agree with D’man. It’s really a $ and motivation calculation. Your lid is really rough and if you can find a better one at a cost you like, then that’s might be the best way for you to go. On the other hand, if you’re more adventurous and cost is more of an interest to you, there is almost no fiberglass bit that can’t be repaired.

I should add time as a constraint and say that adventurousness also encompasses skill (or motivation to learn) and availability of facilities to a degree but I think you get my idea. I would also say that working with fiberglass is pretty forgiving - it’s pretty easy to fix mistakes.

Nobody would think less of you if you bought a replacement but if you resurrected yours to like new, that would be very impressive and might be very satisfying.

[Tom999w]

Thanks everyone, I agree. I've never worked with fiberglass before but think it can't be too hard. This is where youtube comes in handy...

[BDA]

I would advise you to concentrate on the fiberglass repair videos for cars rather than boats. It's not that the process is that different the techniques can be different. Cars tend to have more curves and more intricate lines than boats.

Thinking about your project, it might be beneficial to get some fiberglass sheet. You might be able to find some locally. You can also buy it at places like ebay or Amazon.

I think the lip around the lid will be the hardest part. It may help to make smaller "assemblies" since it will probably be easier to position small pieces of 'glass. and then graft those assemblies to the larger lid.

You'll probably find some good videos on your own but just looking around, this one looked like it should be very helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLJecJfFUGI.

Good luck and let us know if we can give you a hand.

[Tom999w]

Oh wow, thanks for the info!

[lotusfanatic]

Hi Tom,

I would keep the old, original panel (assuming you have somewhere to store it?) as you may want to have it repaired one day?

Then find a good used panel or a new panel as repairing the original will be time-consuming and/or expensive,

I had the same issue as you, my car was collected and transported with the rear facing forward: The engine cover was torn off and smashed... 

Mark     

[dakazman]

  Another site that has all that you need and more .

https://www.fibreglast.com/category/Learning_Center

  Also , please use polyester glass resin.
    But most importantly

     DO NOT USE CLOTH FABRIC .

Dakazman

[Exlimey]

Tom,where are you in upstate NY ? I am in central VT ,there is one about 10 miles from my house,at present buried under snow. May be able to grab it come spring. Bruce.

[Tom999w]

Hi all, thanks for the info, it will help alot.

I'm located in Sullivan County, New York (near Woodstock 1969, for all you hippies out there). I think I'll try to salvage the cover. If it doesn't work out I'll let you know, Bruce. Thanks very much.