Hey guys, first time posting and fairly new to using fiberglass.
Just had a couple of questions regarding a project that I have started on.
I am making custom fender flares for my '98 Toyota Tacoma Ex. Cab. I have already molded the right front fender, and am ready to start making the actual flare. The only question I have is how to create a shape for that flare. I know for a box you would use fleece, but I don't know what I could use to create a frame for the flare. My friend thought of using some metal sheeting, but the fiberglass wont stick and it will just be a pain in the butt. Any ideas on how to create the shape of the the flare itself?
If you don't know what I'm talking about here are a few pictures of the type of flares I am looking for:
(I am looking to make a cross between Extend-a-Fender Flares and the Cut-Out Flares)
Extend a Fender:
https://www.bushwacker.com/images/trucks/EX98ToyotaTacoma_31911b.jpg
Cut-Out Flares
https://www.bushwacker.com/images/trucks/CT04ToyotaTacoma_31919.jpg
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks
Get yourself some foam. Carve the foam to the shape you want and use it as a mold. Be carefull not to apply the resin directly to the foam though, as it will eat it. Put down some foil over the foam first.
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Nik
Jeeputer Progress
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Check it out.yeah foam would be the best. I think (I never tried) but I think you might be able to do the same thing with cardboard...just cut the shape and size of the pieces, tape them together, wrap it in aluminum foil and start fiberglassing. Worth a shot if nothing else.
Foam works best for this. You can buy the green florists foam from Walmart pretty cheap. Mask off the area for your flares, attach the foam blocks with a latex caulking and let the caulk set up overnight, then you can carve away until you have the shape you want then you can use some drywall compound thinned down so you can brush it on thin. Then when that is dry,lightly sand it smooth and blow it clean. Now you can lay up your fiberglass. Resin first then fg cloth or copped mat. Be sure and tape a few inches past your flare so it wont stick. Once you have 3-4 layers on you can pop them off, sand, touch-up and finish for paint. As far as mounting goes, 3M double sided tape and some self tapping screws should work. Hope this helps or at least gives you some ideas!
Here's a site to check out:
https://www.rqriley.com/frp-foam.htm
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In a world full of copycats, it's great to be an original!
Thanks a lot guys, I will definitely try the foam and carve it out. Ill let you know how it goes.
