Working with Carbon Fiber (HELP!)

[RU2SLOW?]

I have a 2 part question about working with carbon fiber and I was hoping that you all could help me because I'm pretty desperate right now...

I just picked up a carbon fiber hood and headlight lids for my car, but when I got them I noticed that they have what seems to be dust/dirt particles trapped under the clearcoat that was applied by the manufacturer- they're very noticeable in sunlight . When I contacted him he basically told me it's not his problem but that I should have the pieces wet sanded and buffed. But, before I go ahead with this I just wanna make sure its OK to wet sand and buff carbon fiber, and ask if there were any particular measures or tips I should know about when working with carbon fiber? The headlight lids are glue-on pieces so they are very thin- is it too dangerous to wet sand and/or buff these because of their lack of thickness?

Also, I'll be drilling through the hood for hood pins and I wanted to know if I need to use any specific drill bits or tools when doing so? Should I take any specific precautions for doing this to carbon fiber?

Sorry to bombard you with questions but I had a pretty bad experience with this manufacturer and he's basically left me high and dry to fix his mistakes. Please help me out in any way you can think of. Thanks...

 

[n0c7]

I don't have any experience with carbon fiber, but I just finished repainting, wetsanding, and buffing my front kit myself. I sanded up to 1000grit and I was very happy with the results. I don't know how sensitive carbon fiber is, but if you want to be really careful maybe use 2000grit? If you want to get the dust nibs out your gonna have to start at something a bit rougher like 800grit or even 600grit if they are bad, but you can't sand too long or you'll remove all of the clear.

 

[RU2SLOW?]

Thanks for the suggestions- this is definitely an excellent start. However, I'm hoping that someone who has worked with carbon fiber personally or has some kind of first hand experience will chime in just so that I can be really sure.

BTW I was worried about getting down past the clearcoat if not careful enough. This wouldn't be so bad though- I wouldn't mind having the hood clearcoated again if need be, but I'm more concerned with actually messing up the carbon fiber itself if I get past the clear without knowing.

 

[GotSome-Turbo]

1st sand(lightly to eliminate high spots quicker ie dirt) with 1000grit then rinse
2nd sand with 1500grit then rinse
3rd sand with 2000grit then rinse

-next get some 3M perfect-it 3 rubbing compound and buff everything you sanded .Stay away from the edge's at leas 1/2 an inch unless you're experienced at buffing, you can also put some masking tape on the edges's next to the piece you're buffing to avoid accidentaly hitting those.
-do small area's at a time with this until the shine comes thru good

finally make sure all the rubbing compound residue is remover from the surface(rinse/clean it off!)
-get some 3M perfect-it 3 machine glaze, change buffing pads and go over it all again(small sections)
-now that it's looking like aces you can apply your favorite polish/wax and really set the shine in!

oh BTW I'm PPG certified and have beeen painting for several years and this is the method I use to produce awsome shines, unless I'm working on my car cause I don't have enough time to buff it out right now
hope this helps

 

[GotSome-Turbo]

oh yeah forgot to mention when you are sanding use a rubber block or sanding sponge, and don't use a punching motion(arm straight out then back) instead go left to right with your arm just like you are waving, I know it sounds crazy but it makes a big difference because if you use a punching motion(without a rubber block or sponge) your fingers will actually leave grooves. That's why it's important to use the "waving" motion, it will sand the surface evenly, or just buy a rubber sanding block or sponge from any auto parts store.

BTW you might have to go to automotive paint store to buy the 3M compounds and they're not cheap, around $20 per bottle, but the end result is worth it!

 

[RU2SLOW?]

Thank you soooo much GotSome. That was exactly what I was looking for- great tips and suggestions.

Now, does anybody have any idea about drilling through carbon fiber for the hood pins?

 

[RU2SLOW?]

Any one else know about drilling through carbon fiber?

 

[optimuspeterson]

any bit should be fine. When I did mine i just started out with a small bit and went larger gradually. I know its scary drilling into a 500 dollar part but you'll be ok.

 

[RU2SLOW?]

Thanks ALOT man that's exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate all of your help for you guys who posted. I guess it's time to get to work...

 

[dsptrigger]

put some tape on both sides of where you are drilling. duct tape will work. it will keep the hood from "shredding"(for lack of a better word).