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Large scale fiberglass project


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gogeeta13 
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Posted: January 30, 2004 at 10:58 PM / IP Logged  

what kind of difficulty would I be looking at to make a fiberglass rear hatch on a 240sx. How would i make a mold that big, and basically, what would I do to do something on such a large scale.

Also, how hard would it be to do a hood in fiberglass?

Teamrf 
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Posted: January 31, 2004 at 2:24 AM / IP Logged  
Making the mold is the hardest part of fiberglassing. Once you have the mold is cake from there until you get to the sanding part..
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beyondamfm 
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Posted: January 31, 2004 at 8:08 AM / IP Logged  
What are you planning on putting back there? If subs build your frame to spec and then fiberglass over it.Large scale fiberglass project -- posted image.
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gogeeta13 
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Posted: January 31, 2004 at 2:39 PM / IP Logged  
The mold is what I am asking about i guess, I have no idea how to make something that large. The rear hatch is for a project that will be revealed if I actually get it going. the hood is for some weight reduction off the car.
geepherder 
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Posted: January 31, 2004 at 4:48 PM / IP Logged  

Are you asking about the hatch itself, or the area inside?  Basically you need to mask off the surrounding areas (you can use masking tape and trash bags), and apply some type of mold release (car wax, aluminum foil, etc.).  Cut plenty of strips of fiberglass mat, and have at it.  If you're doing the inside of the hatch area (spare tire area, etc.), you'll want to place some sort of border in the middle (strips of wood) so you can make the mold in multiple pieces.  This is so you can remove it if necessary.

I wouldn't attempt a hood unless I felt 100% confident in my abilities first.  Trust me, my first attempt at fiberglass (and bodywork) was front fenders and a header panel for my car.  The header panel I had to make from scratch, since mine was missing.  I was doing a headlight conversion, and needed to make room for the lights, and try to blend it all together.  Almost six months later, I'm not done, but it's looking much better.  Getting the shape of a hood is not going to be the problem.  The problem will be with getting the mouting points and latching components correct, all the while making it plenty strong, yet lightweight- all at the same time.

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usafsurfer 
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Posted: February 01, 2004 at 12:12 AM / IP Logged  
there was a special on speed channel this morning (sat) i think was hot rod tv or or somthin like that but should come back on sun morning the made a fiberglass hood and showed the steps on it looked time consuming
gogeeta13 
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Posted: February 01, 2004 at 1:00 AM / IP Logged  

Yeah, I am talking the actual hatch. I was thinking about using aluminum(very thin, from aircraft supply place)  for the hood, with a fiberglass under skeloton for sturdy ness.

Would normal car wax work as the release agent? Is there a special, extra thick, wax I can buy. I am very new to using molds with fiberglass, and I  really appreciate the advice fellas.

gogeeta13 
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Posted: February 01, 2004 at 1:02 AM / IP Logged  
gogeeta13 wrote:

Yeah, I am talking the actual hatch. I was thinking about using aluminum(very thin, from aircraft supply place)  for the hood, with a fiberglass under skeloton for sturdy ness.

Would normal car wax work as the release agent? Is there a special, extra thick, wax I can buy. I am very new to using molds with fiberglass, and I  really appreciate the advice fellas.

oh, and as far as laying the matting down over the hatch, are you talking about making the mold like that? Can I use normal fiberglass matting and resin for the mold, and then cast the actual part from that?

Clean Install 
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Posted: February 01, 2004 at 1:06 AM / IP Logged  
thats sound neat...good luck ...what if you taped the entire hatch....sort of like you would if you were doing a kick panel...? just a thought...Large scale fiberglass project -- posted image.
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geepherder 
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Posted: February 02, 2004 at 9:08 AM / IP Logged  
Okay, so you are making the hatch.  I'd feel the same way about that as a hood (refer to my above post if necessary).  Yes, car wax will work as a release agent.  You can order some mold release wax, but it's not necessary.  I guess a high carnauba would be preferable?  I use Turtle Wax brand.  Just smear some wax all over the piece.  Do not buff!  It's best to remove it from the vehicle (easier to work with).  Yes, you can lay fiberglass directly over your existing hatch to form your mold.  It's important to avoid any bubbles, because they'll show.  You can fill them in if you need to later, it just takes longer.  You'll want at least 3 layers (if not 4 or 5) to make the mold strong enough to keep it's shape, and not break while you try to seperate it.  It takes some effort, but as long as you applied wax, it'll seperate with some effort.  Stick with it, and you'll get what you want.  Upon removal of the mold, you can clean it up and tend to any imperfections.  Once that's done, apply some more wax, and get to work.
My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
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