BMW 7 Series: Repair Work On GFP Components With Gelcoat Surface

Scratches in Gelcoat surface

Scratches in the Gelcoat surface which do not allow the GFP mat structure to show through can be touched up.

Sand out scratches with water and 800 wet sandpaper. Then sand with water and 2000 wet sandpaper. Prepare repair area for polishing.

Cracks in Gelcoat surface

Sand the cracked area in a V shape beyond the end of the crack and clean.

There must be no grease or oil residues, moisture or dust remaining in the crack to be repaired.

When repairing holes such as e.g. rivet holes, deburr hole edge and heavily roughen large area around hole.

Prepare required amount of Gelcoat paste with 2% hardener and fill prepared repair area with spatula.

Apply Gelcoat paste in several applications to repair areas.

Adhere to mixture ratio (2 parts hardener to 100 parts Gelcoat paste) as precisely as possible.

Too much added hardener slows down the hardening time and changes the paint color.

The hardening period is at least 12 hours at 20º C room temperature.

The hardening period can be longer depending on the temperature.

Once the Gelcoat paste has hardened, sand the touched-up area with water and 800 wet sandpaper. Sand with water and 2000 wet sandpaper and prepare for polishing.

REPLACING 12 VOLT SOCKET

From underside of platform, cut through cable tie (1) and remove. Disconnect plug with grommet (2) from socket (3) towards bottom.

Installation

Position all seals correctly. Also secure plug with grommet (2) using new cable tie to other socket.

Fig. 106: Removing Cable Tie

On upper side of platform, release Phillips screws (1) on mounting bracket (2).

Fig. 107: Identifying Phillips Screws On Mounting Bracket

Remove sealing compound along white marking (1).

Installation

Make sure cable is correctly laid.

Use Sikaflex 221 as sealing compound.

Fig. 108: Identifying White Marking

Grip under mounting bracket (1) with a screwdriver and lever out bracket (1) towards top. Remove bracket (1).

Fig. 109: Removing Bracket

Release nut (1). Remove socket (2) from mounting bracket (3).

Fig. 110: Identifying Socket, Mounting Bracket With Nut

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