Carbon fiber hood liner/ front air dam/coil cover

[azygoustoyou]

Hi all,
While working with fiberglass trying to figure out how to make bumberettes cheap for everyone, I came across a new air dam. I figured I'd make one for my car. Then thought since I was going to have a mold. I'd sell some. Also I have a decent hood (large hump) just sitting around. I'm going to make a mold of the inside and make a carbon fiber hood liner. It will secure to the hood the same way as the original liner. Anyways, I ordered the materials today and they should be here by Friday. I will be a using vinyl ester resin with the carbon / or kevlar to make these items.
Vinyl Ester resin is superior in every property as compared to all polyester resins. This product is used in high performance applications in which high-strength and maximum heat tolerance is necessary. This resin is extremely chemical resistant when cured. Similar in strength to epoxies with much increased stiffness.

I'll show pic's of the first ones done. I purchased enough product to make three of each. Pm if interested. Pricing to follow after first one completed.
All thoughts appreciated

[azygoustoyou]

It sure is a pain to get the hood prepped. Putting clay around the edges to insure there is plenty of clearance for all hoods.

[azruss]

BTDT. vinyl esters and carbon fiber are a PITA to work with. The result is great. I have a couple of canoes i made with vinyl ester and unidirectional e-glass (didnt use carbon fiber because it had no impact strength). tough little project you decided to take on. anxious to see how it looks when you get done.

[azruss]

BTW, old school modeling clay.....the stuff similar to plumbers putty....not play-dough is a great seam filler. easy to smooth with a socket, can wax and gelcoat over, and you can save it and reuse it after you're done.

[azygoustoyou]

Thanks for the tip! I sure hope it comes out right. Just getting the plug is a PIA.

[azruss]

the plug is where all the work is. Tip #2. clear vinyl box tape is a great plug material. can use it to cover any holes. it also works great as a release agent (with or without wax) on existing sheetmetal you dont want the glass to bond to.

[azygoustoyou]

Is that packaging tape?
Finally Charlie and I got the first half done. Now can you do that with a dog?

[azygoustoyou]

After about 20 hours, I'm ready for the next step. Though I still have to finish this one.

[azruss]

went on line to check out the clay you are using. looks like its the old school stuff. The issue is I picked up a infection that killed my computer. will be back in touch once i'm up and running.

[azygoustoyou]

I think I'm done with the molding of the clay. I'll attend to imperfections on the mold. It looks really good though. I guess that's why I now have 26 hours into the clay work. I have one coat of mold release on it now. I'm working days the next two days. So Ill get back to it on Wed.

[manoa matt]

"I now have 26 hours into the clay work."

Brady, are you a glutton for punishment?

[azygoustoyou]

Yeah I guess Matt,
I'm so dam annul when it comes to making something, it has to near perfect. Last night I looked at it and said to my myself, I can make it better. So I jumped back into it and redid it again. I figured out how to get it smoother and more even. It's less work on the next step. It will be nice when I'm done.

[maytag]

Yeah I guess Matt,
I'm so dam annul when it comes to making something, it has to near perfect. Last night I looked at it and said to my myself, I can make it better. So I jumped back into it and redid it again. I figured out how to get it smoother and more even. It's less work on the next step. It will be nice when I'm done.

that right there is why I couldn't make a living in drywall !!!

But with my minimal experience in 'glass and other composites, I would agree: the better you get this step, the easier the next one, and the better the eventual product.
The devil is in the details!

[azygoustoyou]

I'm working on two front spoilers now. Figures I had a hard time releasing the part from the mold. This stuff if fighting me to the end. I was able to save the first part. The mold looks rough but gives the general shape that is needed. I knew I wouldn't get another part out of it. So I decided to just throw aluminum foil over the whole mold and not even use mold release. I was able to get the second part out easy. The aluminum foil even pulled off without much hassle. The only way to make the spoilers now is do an overlay. Problem is it takes more materials and time. At least I am able to get a couple done. Doing an overlay, you have to be careful not to sand through the carbon like I did the first one. Now I have to cover it again. Here's a pic of them.

[grittracing]

brady the hood inner. is it for the stlye hood with the inner like in the top Pictures ? what year hood did you use for the mold?