champi0n

iTrader: (1)

I've been thinking of what mods to do to the rx8 and I've decided to try my hand at molding various parts in CF.

Starting off this is more of a pet project/hobby. I'll hone my skill on the smaller aesthetic pieces, trying different techniques and what not. Learning.. wasting carbon fibre, all that fun stuff. (maybe some brackets, engine cover, battery box etc..) but eventually work my way up to side skirts, splitter, trunk, hood, front 1/4 panels and maybe even the doors. Basically anything that can be bolted on the car i'll be making into CF.

Likely i'll be doing everything via infusion. I don't want to make any "covers" either. If it's going to be made into carbon fibre, it's going to be a direct replacement. If that involves complicated several piece molds, so be it.

I don't really have a goal to accomplish other than it's just something i'm interested in spending my time on. I doubt the weight savings will have much of an impact on performance. But i'll keep track of the original weight vs the carbon fibre counterpart. Maybe i'll shot for 100lbs lost (without actually removing anything - I do want to keep car "stock").

So is there anyone out there that has some experience on the topic? Any suggestions, knowledge or anything you want to share? Thoughts on number of layers on large pieces vs smaller pieces? Best way to implement structural bracing on items like a hood?

Anyone have any suggestions or parts to replace with cf? I may even attempt at replacing the glass in the sun roof with cf.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

gl i love cf. how about you get really good at it and than replace my cars entire body. lol ive never done any work with it but i would love some knowledge on the process. please keep this updated.

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

There is a carbon fiber roof replacement. But on a side note someone needs to make that little plastic roof trim out of CF so I can replace mine.

Working with CF can be frustrating until you get the hang of it. Aside from molding you will need to build a top layer anyways of show carbon. The carbon underneath doesn't always come out as pretty as you like. Then you will need to do the easy part, which is coating it for UV and weather protection. I have actually worked with carbon fiber when I rebuilt my floor panels in my 1958. They had severe rust damage and you could see the road through the passengers side. It took about 3 pieces to build each side strong enough you can jump on it. That is for a decent sized floor panel too.

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

Depending on how serious you get about it, you might consider taking one of the Experimental Aircraft Association composite construction workshops. It's based around structural fiberglass molding and finishing techniques, but much should also apply to CF.

http://www.sportair.com/workshops/Co...html#TopOfPage

champi0n

iTrader: (1)

omg it took so long to write my reply it logged me out... frustrating!

I'll chime in again later lol.

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

always click the remember me button when you log on, I had that happen once or twice too lol.