GI: Carbon/Kevlar/Fiberglass parts

[El Cuervo]

Hey schroder. One thing that we 1g owners need is: lower window trim. They are also known as the window sweeps. They have been discontinued for some time now. Some people paint them and they look ok but it would be nice to see this part in carbon fiber. This would most certantly enhance the looks of a 1g. Though rear spoilers, front lips and other carbon fiber parts would be nice, the lower window trims for the 1g are well needed and I'm sure most 1g owners would appreciate this. As we all know that nobody has even thought about fabricating this part. It has been brought up before by some other people that have planned to make carbon fiber parts but nobody seems to follow through.

Thank you very much.

 

[schroder]

Alright guys, for some of these parts can you attatch photos of the part and how it attaches? This will help me figure out rough costs for the cars. I'll also seriously look into the 1g window splitters or what not because its the one thing that really looked like crap that I knew I couldnt easially fix on my 1g. I may also look into getting some scrap ones at the yard and powder coat them black to offer them to you guys as a cheaper route (core included of course . Keep the ideas coming guys!

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Also, I wanted to let you guys know what parts I was looking to initially produce and then expand from there. I am not looking to go over board or over extend myself initially as I will be the Owner/Operator/Fabricator/Painter/Powder Coater while working a job to support myself until this starts to become my primary source of income. I will also be racing the truck that is talked about on the side to try and market the products and my abilities. Here they are along with a few "next ups"

Spark Plug Cover
2g center tail light (cover to replace the plastic)
1g and 2g front lip
Possibly the upper timing cover if I can find one in good shape

Next up
Lower timing cover with timing marks painted on
1g window trim
2g rear lip/diffuser

I will also be taking custom requests. As these go, the cost will be significantly reduced if you can find others interested in the same part. An order of 1 that requires mold making, testing and fitting will obviously run more than a group of 10 who request the same part. Keep the ideas coming, and if you thing something needs to be switched from the next ups to the first produced, let me know. If theres enough interest in this, I'll make it happen guys. Thanks again for the support and I'll keep you posted when everything is ready to go mid august!

 

[jayman089]

Hey bud, finally found this thread over here after first seeing you on NT.com. I'll throw my .02 in and say I'd still be down for a front/rear lip and an upper timing cover would be pretty nice.

Subscribed.

 

[schroder]

...Nice to have you aboard. The plan right now is to make a few parts for the DSM and the Tibby, and get group buys on them all. At first, I'm going to poll it for each site, and see where the most interest lies. For the top request on each site there will be a group buy offered. First to hit 10 will have the first parts produced and those who are in the group buy (unlimited number of entries, minimum of 10) will only be required to put down a 25% deposit. The other 75% plus shipping will be needed before the part is shipped. I hope this sounds fair to all of you who are interested! After I get all of the parts produced that I need to, I'll start branching out and fulfilling the rest of your needs (with your cars...mind out of the gutter!) Let me know how this works out for you guys!

 

[4g63turbo84]

what about center console in carbon fiber??

 

[schroder]

I'm looking into making a good amount of parts for many cars, and I've already been contacted by someone wanting a carbon fiber dash. I'd be more than happy to get the dash out there, along with the center console, but they will not be the first things mass produced unless I can find a group of 10 interested in picking them up at a discounted rate around 700 for the dash, probably 5 or 600 for the center console...I may be able to go a little lower depending on how much time is put into each one. The dash and console will both be more complicated than your standard hood, all will have 4 layers of carbon to keep it stiff, and all will be clearcoated and have a special UV resistant resin applied to the final coat to keep it from yellowing.

 

[LandoAWD]

My suggestion? Fresh parts.

CF consoles, trunks, hoods...these have been around for years. I remember a 2g armrest cover when I first joined Ebay in like 2001.

That said, there is a HUGE thread with parts requests. You'll find that lip spoilers for 1gs are at the top. These have NEVER been made, though they've been promised time and time again.

I'd also like to throw in some over-fenders (flares) for all styles, and possibly a rear diffuser or even an exhaust guard. I think both were attempted for 2gs, but I know the rear diffuser ended up having bunk fittment.

 

[awdrst]

Here is my two cents. I've been in the compsite industry for many years now and the one thing I can tell you is that for the most parts it's impossible to compete with china as far as producing carbon parts and selling them retail. I used to make some hoods and trunks for some street cars but couldn't even get close to what china was selling theirs for. People dont care enough about the higher quality and stuff like that. The money in this business is making parts for the race car guys or sell to the aerospace industry. The race car guys understand the difference between a carbon hood with a layer of carbon and the rest fiberglass and a actual light weight full carbon race car part. Stick with small parts if you can cause the molds are huge and take alot of space up. A hood for instance will end up being 5 inches longer on every side due to the flange and have to have a support structure on the back. There will also be two of those molds if you are making a back for it as well. Not sure how much experience you have making composite parts send me a pm and i'll help you out if you have any questions.

 

[gt35rx]

I would like to see a 2g 97-99 GSX spoiler made of Carbonfiber

 

[my dreamt dsm]

I would like to see a 2g 97-99 GSX spoiler made of Carbonfiber

Are you talking about the stock one... theres tons of them on ebay for like 200-$400 bucks!

 

[gixrman]

Heres my input since i've made a few pieces for my car and a few others. I've wanted to start a side business in one off CF/FG parts. My issues with starting one are the economy sucks, so who's going to buy your product? What is the market? CF isn't cheap and making molds isn't any cheaper. The big one is overhead, all the stupid shit that is needed just to make one part, cloth, resin, mixing cups, scale, brushes, tape, wax, vacuum pump, wood, plastic sheeting, peel ply, matting and the list goes on. And then theres scrap and trash becuase you just can't cut CF to size and lay it in the mold.

I'm just a novice and it takes me several times sometimes to get a part correct. I'm making a CF cover for my CAS right now and i've screwed it up twice. I've made my CF intake pipe 3 times to get the process down correctly. I will say that making sure your mold is flawless is key.

I'm not trying to deter you from this but just wanted to give some input other than everybody elses "can you make this part" suggestion. I really like making these parts for myself but when you have to make something for a customer it changes things. I would like to see someone on this site that actually makes it with there idea.

 

[wruggie]

i'd like fog light covers 2gb

 

[schroder]

I appreciate it man. I know its risky, but the over head isn't that bad for me, and having someone else helping to back the business is great too. I'm not going into the cost of carbon that i'm getting entirely, but with buying everything bulk, I'll have plenty for muliple group buys. I'm not cocky about it being easy, but its what I want..and in all honesty, its what being in America is supposed to be about. Not obesity or debt, but chasing something you want. I also know that making something for yourself is different than for a customer. My molds will be male molds as I think they are way easier to get everything to lay correctly, and get the vacuum bag on it.

Like I said tho man, I appreciate the advise and help, and I know you weren't trying to deter me...which is why I'm starting slow, keeping overhead down, and working while trying to get this going. I may not have much of a life at first, but when it works out the way I want it, my life will be that much more complete (for goals...money isn't everything, but it sure helps

AWD...didn't see your post til now...I appreciate the offer to help man I may end up PMing you once I get going. I know that most places that sell things cheap are just fiberglass with a carbon overlay, and for those who want to keep cost down even more, I may offer that as an option...as in America, try to cater to everyone...But I'm also doing powder coating and want to expand slowly...as long as I can continue to grow Feel free to let me know what you guys all want though, but right now I've already listed the first 3...the only one that may get tossed in will be the 1g front lip. Thanks again guys!

 

[jdodds]

I bought a little bit of carbon recently to try it out. Ive only done a few pieces at this point but its really not as hard as I thought it would be. As long as you have the time to do it and dont have much overhead like the larger companies, you could make some cash off it. I plan on reproducing a good bunch of these spark plug covers. Ive always liked the design of this one.

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Keep in mind that this one wasnt done in the pic. Still needed to be sanded out and have one last layer of epoxy resin sprayed on it to smooth things out.

 

[schroder]

Nice man! What cover did you use for the mold?

 

[jdodds]

I modified the design of the hyundai cover a little bit. It makes for a pretty easy plug. Just remember that all your prep work on the plug needs to be absolutely flawless to end up with a useable mold.

 

[schroder]

Nice...Looks like you dropped the "H" from the middle man...turned out really well...Out of curiosity, how many layers of carbon did you have to use?

 

[jdodds]

Nice...Looks like you dropped the "H" from the middle man...turned out really well...Out of curiosity, how many layers of carbon did you have to use?

Im only going to use 2-4 layers of carbon then reinforce it with a little fiberglass on the back side to keep cost down. The one in the pic is just a single layer overlay with crappy surfboard resin. I suggest you use the faster 4:1 resin if you want these things to be done any time soon.

 

[schroder]

...I've already got a few resins I'm going to use man Check out west systems...from what I'm told, they are one of the best...and offer a very clear all weather resin

Also, I figured for a piece like the one your making, you could rock with 2...tops 3...since it doesn't need structural integrity.

 

[gixrman]

I appreciate it man. I know its risky, but the over head isn't that bad for me, and having someone else helping to back the business is great too. I'm not going into the cost of carbon that i'm getting entirely, but with buying everything bulk, I'll have plenty for muliple group buys. I'm not cocky about it being easy, but its what I want..and in all honesty, its what being in America is supposed to be about. Not obesity or debt, but chasing something you want. I also know that making something for yourself is different than for a customer. My molds will be male molds as I think they are way easier to get everything to lay correctly, and get the vacuum bag on it.

Like I said tho man, I appreciate the advise and help, and I know you weren't trying to deter me...which is why I'm starting slow, keeping overhead down, and working while trying to get this going. I may not have much of a life at first, but when it works out the way I want it, my life will be that much more complete (for goals...money isn't everything, but it sure helps

AWD...didn't see your post til now...I appreciate the offer to help man I may end up PMing you once I get going. I know that most places that sell things cheap are just fiberglass with a carbon overlay, and for those who want to keep cost down even more, I may offer that as an option...as in America, try to cater to everyone...But I'm also doing powder coating and want to expand slowly...as long as I can continue to grow Feel free to let me know what you guys all want though, but right now I've already listed the first 3...the only one that may get tossed in will be the 1g front lip. Thanks again guys!

Well it sounds like your headed in the right direction. WEST SYSTEM epoxy is what I use, its good stuff. I talked to them sometime ago when I had concerns over max temp of the 105 resin. Good product feedback. But good luck man look forward to seeing what you make.

I bought a little bit of carbon recently to try it out. Ive only done a few pieces at this point but its really not as hard as I thought it would be. As long as you have the time to do it and dont have much overhead like the larger companies, you could make some cash off it. I plan on reproducing a good bunch of these spark plug covers. Ive always liked the design of this one.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Keep in mind that this one wasnt done in the pic. Still needed to be sanded out and have one last layer of epoxy resin sprayed on it to smooth things out.

If you hit the resin with a tourch (soddering type) after you lay a coat of resin it pops those nasty fish eyes.

 

[jdodds]

I just put in an order for the west system resin on tuesday. The ONLY reason I used that other stuff is that it came with the kit so I did a quick overlay on an extra cover I had. I seriously dont have time to wait 24 hours for that surfboard resin to cure. ive got some other carbon pieces that have never been made before in the works. Ill start a thread once Ive perfected the first part. i think it might be something that some would want. Its mostly dress up stuff but I think there could be a market for it. My only issue at the moment is fabricating the mold for it from scratch. Luckily my car is down due to a spun bearing and its parked right behind my work area so I have plenty of time to do it. The car basically sits there and stares at me while im out here so I have no choice but to make these parts.

Also, I dont wanna take business from schroder at all here. If anything, Id like to share some ideas or molds with him once Im up and running to possibly combine efforts to make some new and exciting things.

 

[schroder]

Gotcha I'm still workin out a few more ideas and getting some things in order, but I'm really excited to try and get this stuff started! Any ideas or suggestions are still welcome, and I may try to get a poll up here so I can work on acquiring the materials I'm going to need for each mold...seeing which are going to be the most popular.

EDIT: Ok guys, the poll is up. I left the option to vote multiple times, but I do not want you guys voting 10 times for the same thing. If you have a top 2 or 3 that you'd purchase first or would really like to see made (with the intent of purchasing) vote for those 1 to 3 choices. Thanks again for all of your input, and I apologize if your suggestion is not on the list now. I'll still be open other options in the future, but i've got to start somewhere first.

 

[El Cuervo]

I know that the 1g lower window trim did not make it to the list. This sucks
However, I would still purchase a set from you if you are willing to make me some. I'll pay for them. Money is not an issue. The thing is that these trims really make my car look like shit!! .

Thanks.

 

[schroder]

I'm not saying they will not be produced, just probably not first. I really need to look into them to see how they are affixed to the vehicle. It may be easier for me to go to the junk yard and rip a bunch of them off and just powder coat them and sell them that way, or offer them with a carbon overlay. A picture of the part you are referring to would be great, but I'm pretty sure I know the one: on my 1g it was the outer piece at the base of the window where the rubber would crack and fall into the door and the metal itself was chipping. This is the one you are referring to, correct? If so, were you just looking to have the metallic piece redone, or were you hoping to have the seal replaced also? If that was the case, I have no idea where to get a replacement seal, even generic. If you can point me in the right direction with that, it may be one of the first things I rape from some of the local 1gs at the yards...and simply offer the part with a core charge

 

[El Cuervo]

Yeah thats the piece. Or what you could do is: You know the black bottom part of it that peels over time and exposes the metal? well instead of powder coating them, you can cover that area with carbon fiber. That would be much more simpler than making any carbon fiber part. Also that would look awesome!!! At least I think so. So, If you could do them like that, I'll commit to buy a set from you. Just let me know when you can have them done. I have money ready!! These would look awesome with a carbon fiber solar wing or wrapped carbon fiber solar wing GT Styling Solar Wing or GT Styling 51220 - GT Styling Solarwing II Rear Window Deflectors - Overview - SummitRacing.com and some side window vent gards.

Thanks.

I couldn't vote 3 times on once but I would also like to see some 1gb front and rear lip.