feeler: anyone interested in FG or CF parts? [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board

feeler: anyone interested in FG or CF parts? [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board Toyota MR2 Message Board > Toyota MR2 Generations > MK 1 MR2 - AW11 > MK1 Body Kits and Exterior Modifications > feeler: anyone interested in FG or CF parts? PDA

View Full Version : feeler: anyone interested in FG or CF parts?

kevAW1109-11-2012, 02:32 AMI'm really wanting to get into fiberglass and composite parts for the MK1. I was originally planning on just using parts from my car for the molds until I realized it's a bad idea with my car being a daily driver. Driving around with missing body parts is a bad idea and might get me a ticket (not sure on that one). So my proposition to you people is this: if you are interested in some basic parts, say engine side covers to start, in fiberglass or carbon, and your car isn't a DD or you just have spare parts laying around send them to me. I will make a mold from them and send you the finished product either at no cost aside from shipping or at a discounted rate. I say discounted because CF and other materials are not cheap.

I want to start small because of the cost of materials. Eventually once I become confident enough I'll branch out into things like engine lid, trunk, maybe a trunk with a plumley wing, fenders, center console, or something I'm really interested in trying is a one-piece sideskirt.

This is only a feeler. I mainly just need the final push to drop the obnoxious amount of startup money for all the materials. Yes I know there are a couple companies already developing a few parts. They're also charging outrageous amounts for some of the parts, the fitment is sometimes off, and it's unclear of the quality and content of the parts. I would be able to provide 100% CF parts and I would be willing to custom make parts with colored carbon/aramid hybrid weaves if someone wanted something different. xjmonkey09-11-2012, 11:08 AMi have parts but kansas is kinda far. what about headlight covers? might be pretty difficult kevAW1109-11-2012, 11:24 AMIf I remember right, the covers go entirely around the headlight, involving steep angles and corners. That might be a bit complicated for a first piece. Small parts are easy to ship. I'm really wanting to do some c-pillar trim but finding someone willing to part with a flawless set is even more rare than finding a flawless set lol xjmonkey09-11-2012, 06:16 PMi agree the headlight covers would be a challenge... well none of my c pillar trim is cracked or broken (as far as i know) but the screw holes arent really correct anymore and the previous owners used some kinda krazy glue to keep it from rattling. i hate previous owners... goaticus09-12-2012, 07:42 AMHonestly, if you were going to go to all the trouble to reproduce c-pillars, why in the world would you replicate the janky-ass attachments. Personally, I would beef those up substantially as over half mine were broken. Super flimsy design with a lot of room for improvement. Zarek09-12-2012, 07:56 AMany chance for front mudflaps? Also, does the sideskirt on your car act as a mudflap up front? They seem to, but I don't know since my car only came with the rear triangle kevAW1109-12-2012, 08:34 AMIf someone could provide them. As far as the sideskirts I'm not sure what you mean. There's the long piece and then there's the rear triangle. The 87-89 had full sideskirts and I think the 85-86 had a different rear piece, the long piece didn't exist. Zarek09-12-2012, 09:08 AMFull sideskirts were an option. I'm talking about at the front of the sideskirt. Is it flared a bit like a mudflap? Kind of as if the designers incorporated mudflaps into the design. kevAW1109-12-2012, 09:14 AMIf I'm understanding you correctly, no they are not flared muffinman09-12-2012, 11:43 AMIs it flared a bit like a mudflap? Kind of as if the designers incorporated mudflaps into the design.

Yes

Here's one without side skirt but front mudflap
http://carsinpedia.com/editorimg/image/1986mr2/094.jpg

here's the skirt with front triangle
http://www.basirk.com/mr2/se/images/owner_sk_car.jpg kevAW1109-12-2012, 04:57 PMAaahhh ok, I didn't think of it like that, thank you kind sir. dragraceman2109-12-2012, 05:39 PMKev, how seriously are you considering this? I know of a few MK1's here in st louis(mine not included) that are not DD's and might be interested in providing some of the things you put in your OP. Question is of course, how much? If you know? kevAW1109-12-2012, 05:48 PMVery. I work third shift and since my social life is shattered, I need a hobby. I'm very OCD and am fairly certain I could produce quality parts. I have a storage unit that recently was purged of a Camaro, so I have room. And my dad finally repaid what he owed me, so I have start-up costs covered. As for price, I'm not entirely sure. This is a very cheap community as we all know, so I'll try to keep the price as low as possible. Just for an idea, I could probably make c-pillar trim for $100-200 (roughly) depending on the material. Especially if there's a group buy. Nine-Breaker09-12-2012, 05:50 PMI can send a flawless set of C-pillar trim. I would be VERY interested in eyebrows too. I have 2 sets of eyebrows.

I'll think of some more stuff later on. kevAW1109-12-2012, 05:58 PMI've never seen eyebrows. Aren't they rubber? If you are serious, I will go ahead and order some materials. dragraceman2109-12-2012, 06:00 PMOk ill check with some folks and will see where we go from here, any idea when you might be ready to start production? Im assuming that you have some prior experince working wiith these kind of materials before? just a suggestion, Im not sure if you can use the same moulds to produce FG and CF, but I know there is a difference in material cost, Why not make the first few in FG, to keep cost down and see what kind of finished product you end up with. Please dont missunderstand me, Im not doubting that you can pull this off, In fact im very interested and would like to help you you out, let me know. kevAW1109-12-2012, 06:13 PMI have absolutely no experience, but everyone starts from the same place. They can be formed from the same mold but I know what you're thinking of. Epoxy resin cannot be used on certain weaves of fiberglass. Aside from that they are interchangeable. I've been watching videos, reading articles, and talking with experienced people for the past few months so I'm not going in blind. Once the materials get here, turnaround shouldn't be too lengthy. Each part has to cure for about 24 hours once fully laid up. If the stars align and I get the mold right the first time I'll be ecstatic. If I have a definitive green light, I'll order the stuffs in the next day or two, then it's just dependant on shipping. Nine-Breaker09-12-2012, 06:17 PMOK. Your first practice piece. Eyebrows. Yes they are rubber but if you could make them CF, that would be cool.

I'll even pay to ship it to you. In return, I want a free set! Or at least a discounted set. :) kevAW1109-12-2012, 06:27 PMHow do they seal against the headlight cover? It would be doable if they scew on somehow, but I'm not sure how to do it if they seal with some sort of adhesive. dragraceman2109-12-2012, 07:19 PMSounds like you have done your homework brother, and I wish nothing but the best of luck to you. So what are you thinking, sounds like nine breaker has got the c-pilar trim covered, right? how many different things do you want to try? I think you mentioned the engine side covers too? if so I can get you a set of those, let me know, or if there is anything else i can do. Now I think it goes without saying you have to keep us posted, pics would be a bonus! I think were all behind you and rooting for ya! dragraceman2109-12-2012, 07:23 PMHeadlight Eye brows are plastic and the do bolt into the front bumper,i I think the only problem with them is there pretty flexible, it may be difficult to get them perfectly straight to make your mould. kevAW1109-12-2012, 07:38 PMTrim is in the air still. It's high on my priorities but also a risky liability if they don't release from the mold properly and have to be sacrificed. I don't want to get overrun with parts just yet but I'll make a numbered list when I get off tomorrow.

Plastic eyebrows sound easier to work with. Something as porous as rubber might complicate the process. The flex I can counter with a fistful of clay if need be, although I don't see it becoming an issue. muffinman09-12-2012, 08:35 PMThe eyebrows are rubber. muffinman09-12-2012, 08:57 PMI hope this works. Trying load them from my phone.

IMAG0229 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0229.jpg.html)
IMAG0230 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0230.jpg.html)
IMAG0231 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0231.jpg.html)


Edit: nvm, it didn't work. :( Iroke09-12-2012, 10:02 PMi would be vary interested in a set of side covers with some sort of vents in them.. Rusty Pancelode09-13-2012, 02:57 AMI hope this works. Trying load them from my phone.

IMAG0229 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0229.jpg.html)
IMAG0230 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0230.jpg.html)
IMAG0231 (http://carpron.com/multisite/v/Upload/muffinman/IMAG0231.jpg.html)


Edit: nvm, it didn't work. :(

What didn't work?
The links take us to the eye-brow pictures just fine. kevAW1109-13-2012, 07:57 AMi would be vary interested in a set of side covers with some sort of vents in them..
I've actually thought about doing that with an engine lid with matching vents, similar to an Aston Martin hood. And/or a revised Tom's scoop that goes the length of the c-pillar if I can find the ancient wind tunnel picture that shows the direction of airflow. muffinman09-13-2012, 08:59 AMWhat didn't work?
The links take us to the eye-brow pictures just fine.

This

http://carpron.com/multisite/d/386069-2/IMAG0229.jpg
http://carpron.com/multisite/d/386072-2/IMAG0230.jpg
http://carpron.com/multisite/d/386075-2/IMAG0231.jpg BlackWidowMR209-13-2012, 09:58 AMI've got some headlight shrouds, hood, trunklid, side vent, some other crap. Let me know dragraceman2109-13-2012, 10:12 AMI would really love to see what a side vent would look like, but I think Kev is going to start slow and make sure everything is going to work out before trying a bunch of different parts. mike604309-13-2012, 10:34 AMIs a Front fender to big of a project for you? kevAW1109-13-2012, 10:36 AMI've got some headlight shrouds, hood, trunklid, side vent, some other crap. Let me know

Thank you for reminding me I have a spare wingless trunk lid. A vendor on here (CFH) already produces the side vent in carbon and in a hybrid weave and they seem reasonably priced last I saw.


I would really love to see what a side vent would look like, but I think Kev is going to start slow and make sure everything is going to work out before trying a bunch of different parts.

Correct. Once I have more confidence and material I will happily try more parts and most likely design a few. kevAW1109-13-2012, 10:42 AMIs a Front fender to big of a project for you?
Big in size means big in cost. They're simple and most likely easier than other small parts I'm considering, but I have no idea how much resin I would use. Not buying enough would be hell, buying too much would be safer, but very expensive. They're on my list, as well as a fender with a 240 flare all in one piece. mike604309-13-2012, 10:56 AMany guess on cost for the fender? plus i'm sure we are all very interested in c pillar trim and I need eyebrows too. kevAW1109-13-2012, 11:15 AMI'm not going to put a number on it being further down the road and risk pissing people off if the final price ends up being more. But everyone would be better served if large exterior pieces were vacuum bagged or infused. It is a very expensive and complicated process. I could just do regular lay-up to save costs but the fenders would be weaker, thus weighing my conscience if they were being put on a street car. Rusty Pancelode09-13-2012, 01:38 PMI'm not going to put a number on it being further down the road and risk pissing people off if the final price ends up being more. But everyone would be better served if large exterior pieces were vacuum bagged or infused. It is a very expensive and complicated process. I could just do regular lay-up to save costs but the fenders would be weaker, thus weighing my conscience if they were being put on a street car.

I'll bet you didn't expect this big of a response! :lol:

If you let us, we'll have you making entire cars for us!:D mike604309-13-2012, 03:22 PMI'll bet you didn't expect this big of a response! :lol:

If you let us, we'll have you making entire cars for us!:D

think he can vacuum bag an entire car in cf? it could probably be weighed on my bathroom scale! Rusty Pancelode09-13-2012, 05:59 PMthink he can vacuum bag an entire car in cf? it could probably be weighed on my bathroom scale!

OOOOOH! That's a great Idea!
I'd put one in my media room! :lol:


:slap: Rusty Pancelode09-13-2012, 06:11 PMI'm really interested in seeing how these parts turn out.
Especially the eyebrows...

I had looked into replicating the eyebrows earlier this year, but I didn't really make any headway along those lines past realizing I'd need to make a mold.
Lazy me. :) kevAW1109-13-2012, 06:54 PMthink he can vacuum bag an entire car in cf? it could probably be weighed on my bathroom scale!
Haha a whole front end is possible, but I strongly doubt anyone would ACTUALLY pay what it would cost. That's the one thing worrying me.

Ok people. Roll call time. Tell me what you'd want and in what material, and a realistic number you would pay. If you're after the look rather than weight savings, would you be opposed to fiberglass parts covered in CF? yoshimitsuspeed09-13-2012, 07:08 PMI have absolutely no experience, but everyone starts from the same place. They can be formed from the same mold but I know what you're thinking of. Epoxy resin cannot be used on certain weaves of fiberglass. Aside from that they are interchangeable. I've been watching videos, reading articles, and talking with experienced people for the past few months so I'm not going in blind. Once the materials get here, turnaround shouldn't be too lengthy. Each part has to cure for about 24 hours once fully laid up. If the stars align and I get the mold right the first time I'll be ecstatic. If I have a definitive green light, I'll order the stuffs in the next day or two, then it's just dependant on shipping.

Lol
Dude you are going about this all wrong.
You need to start out playing with something for fun. You are not going to bust out a production level mold first try and you are not going to bust our production level parts first try.

Go play in your garage for a while, make a couple things for fun and experience and once you get some decent looking parts post them up here and see what follows.

There are already a few people making composite parts for our cars. If you are "successful" and I use that term only to mean able to make a half decent looking part and sell it you will find yourself lucky to make it a profitable venture. Even if your goal was to pay for materials and that storage locker you will be lucky. Not only that but you will be taking money and or business potential from the couple people who are currently trying to do this and likely barely making enough themselves to consider this worth it.

I hate to be the downer in the crowd but I just want to give you a little glimpse of reality from someone who has been around the block. Someone who has been in the composites business for near a decade and someone who tried to start their own composites business too early with too little startup capitol.
If you want to do this for fun or for a hobby then stop looking for customers and just get out in your garage and start making stuff. kevAW1109-13-2012, 07:20 PMA valid point sir. I get very impulsive when bored. It's very hard to drop that much coin "just for fun" but I definitely understand where you're coming from. yoshimitsuspeed09-13-2012, 09:01 PMA valid point sir. I get very impulsive when bored. It's very hard to drop that much coin "just for fun" but I definitely understand where you're coming from.

You will drop a lot more coin trying to go into production than you will playing around with a personal project. That's true if you had experience. The last thing you want is to take on a bigger part or more complex part to start with. Then mistakes and do overs are just that much more time consuming and expensive. Start with something small and simple. Start out with fiberglass and polyester resin. Heck for that matter start out with fabric and polyester resin. I hate fiberglass. No need to get all itchy before you need to.
Make a mold of a simple part using some coarse weave cotton, hemp or burlap. Make a part out of your mold. This will help you get a good feel for how well built a production mold needs to be. Every part you make takes it's toll on a mold so production molds need to be very thick and very strong. If you want therm to maintain their shape they will often be reinforced with wood or steel then more fiberglass laid over that.
Learn about gel coats and tooling gel coats. A production mold should use tooling gel coat.
Learning how to apply gel coat properly will take you some time in it's self. Then you need to learn composites repair. Even if you don't want to do that as a business sooner or later you will miss a spot on the mold while waxing or somthing else will happen to rip a nice chunk out of your mold. Then you better be able to fill it, blend it, sand it and polish it out till you could never tell it was there. Fiberglass and gel coat patch and repair is a craft that takes a long time to master. So is mold and plug building.
Go play with it. The deeper you get the deeper you will realize the rabbit hole goes and the less you will feel like you know. kevAW1109-14-2012, 12:14 PMI'm aware of the tooling gelcoats. I've seen a vigorous argument about the "proper" way to apply it. Some are adamant that spraying is the only way, others are adamant that the how doesn't matter as long as it's the proper thickness. So far with basic tools, 1gal of epoxy/hardener, gelcoat, and a few yards each of glass and 3k carbon, it's right around $600. Seeing as how I have a flawless and wingless spare trunk lid just sitting in my closet, I might start with that. It's simple enough on top that if it goes well I'll try making the underside and bonding them together with polyurethane adhesive. I know it's a big part but the whole reason I want to do one is in order to design a CF lid with a plumley mod wing. I'm a dreamer. muffinman10-03-2012, 03:00 PMSo what happened to this? kevAW1110-03-2012, 07:30 PMStill reeling from yoshi's knowledge drop and in negotiations with my dad to use the storage unit. Zack10-04-2012, 04:09 PMIf you want to learn I'll send you a bunch of parts to make molds/practice with but once you get a GOOD set of engine bay side covers. If you're interested PM me or email if you'd like and I'll send you pics. I too many extra parts and if you're really wanting to try I'll give you enough of the easy parts to get you started. Just don't give up before you start. This could be you're thing and you might make money at it or not. Plus there is no rush for my parts to be done (December) so you can practice then when they are good quality just ship me some and I'll pay to ship 89aw1101-09-2013, 08:28 PMif i woulda read this awhile ago sadly I'm leaving kansas Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.