I just got down shaping and glassing my first board but I’m clueless when it comes to installing fin plugs… I just went out and bought FCS G5 fins and plugs and it came with some white zig-zag things that I don’t know what to do with also I am completely clueless when it comes to install them and such.
PLEASE HELP
Alright, man, take a deep breath, make yourself a mug of tea, and check out the archives. Lots of FCS installation information there. The white stickies are to place around the sanded area where your fin plugs go to prevent your laminating resin/q cell/microballoon/whatever mixture from spewing out into your board. Tape works fine, too. The procedure is fairly simple, and materials/tools can be jury-rigged as needed. Don’t skimp on the fiberglass patches, measure your placements three times to make sure, and don’t be afraid to set the mixture off slow–the resin will soak into the foam creating a stronger bond.
Good luck!
you can also read (or print out) the manufacturer’s installation manual, it’s in PDF format at:
http://www.foamez.com/cats_manuals/
Some of the shortcuts & tips listed in the archives might make more sense if you’ve seen this document, so you know what the FCS templates & tools look like.
My first question is was I supposed to put the plugs in before I glassed or is it right that I waited untill I was done glassing
You were right waiting until done glassing. Although, while you were glassing, did you place extra glass (patches) in the fin area? This helps *thicken/strengthen the areas where you’ll be installing the fins.
*FCS recommends putting extra glass (patches) where your fins are being placed. FCS also suggests putting patches on the deck too but I’m not sure many people actually take it to this level.
Best,
HerbB