You know the one, where you're **sure** something is awesome, but it's a dumb idea? Well, I thought I'd share it anyways.
FRP (fiber resin plastic) is lighter than steel, and can be bought in jugs at the hardware store. So, given that, and something to make a mold, couldn't you technically rebuild whole body panels out of FRP? No rust, easy to paint, light weight, and about the same cost as getting steel replacements, and I'm told the stuff isn't as tough, but still pretty strong.
So why is my gut telling me this is a stupid idea to find a way to build a front end out of FRP? Does it smell awful? Does it catch fire when exposed to gym socks? Where's the disadvantage?
Note: I'm not stupid, just inexperienced. Don't think I have jugs of the stuff and nothing to make a mold of or I'm already planning this without consulting a few sources. I'm just throwin' this out there.
2010 Honda Fit LX
there's already fiberglass and carbon fiber body panels that you can just put on and paint... why hassle with making your own?
although it would be a good project, even being able to make a duplicate, would not be worth your time unless you REALLY f***** up your bumper, assuming you have a body kit, wouldn't be worth it.... but then again you COULD have something out there NO ONE has... start figuring out some ideas and go from there see if it's really worth your time and money
I was thinking an FRP hood. I need a new one anyways, and I was going to get hydraulic prop rods (got the idea from a '97 Lumina), so I could add my own mounting points for them.
Also, the only place that sells a lightweight hood for my car (Beretta) is US Body (that I know of, anyways), and their ridiculously expensive shipping makes me not want to buy from them, especially seeing as I'm probably looking at more for shipping to Canada. If I built the mold right, I could get literally any style I want, and add the mounts for the hydraulic props.
2010 Honda Fit LX
if you do go through with this.... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post detailed pics!!! the first thing that comes to my mind would be the lack of structural support (compared to a steel hood), opening and closing may cause it to flex/chip/crack.... but then again i have no idea how strong the stuff is.
but please make a how to, cuz if this does work and its super time consuming and that expensive,....
i could be wrong, but i assume someone, somehwere has had this idea at some point. id assume if it was worth it someone would have produced parts with it and we wouldnt be debating it.
like i said, i could be wrong, but with all the fabricators out there, i would just guess someones thought of it.
but give it a shot and let us know!!
If you have CF engine bay pieces, SELL THEM TO ME!
Built Not Bought
Godspeed wrote:if you do go through with this.... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post detailed pics!!! the first thing that comes to my mind would be the lack of structural support (compared to a steel hood), opening and closing may cause it to flex/chip/crack.... but then again i have no idea how strong the stuff is.
but please make a how to, cuz if this does work and its super time consuming and that expensive,....
I saw a whole jug of this stuff at Home Hardware for $50 or so. Assuming 2 or 3 would do a whole hood into an injection mold, that saves me quite a bit of money for the hood. The problem is finding something to build a mold out of. Even if it is more expensive than getting one shipped, it would be worth the added supports for the hood props, and the knowledge.
I still have to work out the details, but if I decide it isn't worth the time and money, I'll post that here. All things considered, it would be very doubtful I could get a professional finish like from a fabricator, but if I do it, and it turns out, I'll be very happy.
2010 Honda Fit LX
I've decided to go with this idea, but I'm having a h3ll of a time figuring out what to make the mold out of. When I figure it out, you'll know...
2010 Honda Fit LX
so if your using 3 gallons thats roughly 150$ or more for materials. and you going to spend a ton of time, how much is your time worth? me i could probaby to some overtime or sidejobs and just buy a hood for allot less time and hassle of making it.
personally i'd say if you want to try it, dong start out with a hood. start out with some small interior piece that you can do easily. this will be allot less expensive and will be the same as if u made a big project but youlle be able to see if its worth the time and hassle without wasting $150 and allot of your time
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sndsgood wrote:so if your using 3 gallons thats roughly 150$ or more for materials. and you going to spend a ton of time, how much is your time worth? me i could probaby to some overtime or sidejobs and just buy a hood for allot less time and hassle of making it.
personally i'd say if you want to try it, dong start out with a hood. start out with some small interior piece that you can do easily. this will be allot less expensive and will be the same as if u made a big project but youlle be able to see if its worth the time and hassle without wasting $150 and allot of your time
I agree, and I will be building a smaller piece first. What it'll be, I've no idea yet, but if it works, then I'll take on bigger things. A small mold is easy enough, but making a big one will be a challenge.Using my own hood will also mean fixing the things wrong with it, and of course adding to it . I never once said it was easy, but if I was afraid of a challenge, why would I have mentioned it?
2010 Honda Fit LX
I used to build door panels out of expandable foam. (See fishman audio....he's notorious for building the Rockford Fosgate vehicles out of the stuff.) It's a little pricey, but shaving it is a cinch.
