stripped threads in fiberglass

[Padraig]

A couple of the # 6 screws that hold a dash panel on are lose and the threads are stripped out, I haven't had to do this repair in some time and can't remember the exact procedure.

I know to use Marine Tex and I think I drill the hole out a little bigger. Am I also supposed to chamfer the hole before filling?

Thanks,

 

[Radioactive]

The basic "generic" technique is to fill the hole with an epoxy/filler mix. Make your own or use marinetex. Then a) wait for it it cure, then b) drill a pilot hole just as you would for a new hole in fresh material.

Be sure to clean the existing hole down to "fresh material" prior to filling it with the mixture. Champfering it is not needed, but a clean, undamaged surface is. A "coarse" finish might be better than a "smooth" finish, but this is non-critical. All you need is to get to clean, undamaged material.

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Note: One common error in this situation is that if the panel is Starboard, HDPE or other material with a high thermal expansion coefficient, you -must- drill the hole in the panel a little bit large so that as the panel expands/contracts at a rate different from the hull the panel can slide a little bit. This avoids unnecessary stress on the screw and helps prevent the screws from pulling out.

 

[Padraig]

Thanks Bill! It is glass.