Brief Description: Windshield Install Part 4: retainer finishing
Image 1 shows the retainer is trimmed using the Fein multi-tool. All the layers added up to at least 1/8" thickness so it is particularly beefy. The windshield also fits very nicely against the retainer.
Then it was ready to add filler. I followed the composites finishing advice found in this document on the web:
http://curedcomposites.com/finish.html
The procedure makes a lot of sense to me: add way more filler than you need, then sand it all down flat....once. A long flat surface is certainly more straighforward; on this very curved retainer, it is a bit more complicated. Nevertheless, I thought the principle sound.
Image 2 is after application of a layer of very dry micro, thinned with a little rubbing alcohol. One of the other builders suggested the rubbing alcohol, and it made spreading this micro much more feasible. It's meant to be ugly and should be 1/8 to 1/4" thick.
Image 3 is what it looks like after knocking down the ugly layer of micro with 60 grit paper. I painted the retainer black before the micro was applied so that you can see the dark high-spots appearing as the sanding progresses. There are still some obvious nicks and holes, but these get attended to in part 5..