console in the making

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=37924
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 4:56 PM

Topic: console in the making

Posted By: bp_viper
Subject: console in the making
Date Posted: August 22, 2004 at 10:57 PM

started a fiberglass console for my 94 s10 blazer today. i have pretty much everything figured out except.....if i have some parts fiberglass, then mdf for the flat parts, do i still lay fiberglass over the mdf or how do i make it so it looks the same but still be flat and straight. thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: CarAudioHelp
Date Posted: August 23, 2004 at 1:29 PM

I'm not positive I understand what you're asking. Are you asking how to make the MDF blend with the fiberglass so that when it's covered it won't appear to be two different materials?

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Posted By: bp_viper
Date Posted: August 23, 2004 at 1:42 PM

yeah, that is my concern. the sides will be framed with mdf to get a flat surface but the top will be rounded with fiberglass, there will also be a total fiberglass peice in front of the actual armrest which i will mold into the mdf structure. i want the sides to look the same as the top and front section. should i just cover the sides (mdf) with fiberglass and sand it the best i can to get it flat and straight. i think i am going to paint it, so the mdf would definately stick out if i dont do something with it. thanks

Posted By: CarAudioHelp
Date Posted: August 23, 2004 at 1:47 PM

MDF will take body filler and primer just as well as fiberglass so you can just treat it like flat fiberglass. You can fill and sand the transition to make it flow more smoothly.

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Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: August 23, 2004 at 10:20 PM

This isn't a nessisary step but if you actually lay a layer of resin on the MDF, sand, fill and primer, it will flow a little easier than trying to primer and fill strait MDF. Just my 2 cents posted_image

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"Shiny chrome when used in conjunction with bikini models is particularly effective in inducing brain deficit disorder"

02 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Monster System on its way.

Posted By: CarAudioHelp
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 10:37 AM

Good tip. That's especially true for the end grain which soaks up liquid more readily than the smooth, flat sides.

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Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 3:57 PM

Thats what I was thinking. I've tried painting strait MDF before just for kicks. You have to layer the primer pretty thick (it soaks in I imagine) and then sand it back down with like ~1000 grit or so paper then fill in the little pin holes and event then its prone to chip'n around the edges because of the fraying effect MDF has when its edges are cut. I then tried glassing over the MDF, letting the resin soak into that and adding a single layer of fiberglass cloth (not mat, cloth is IMO a little easier to obtain a smooth surface when strenght isn't as much an issue), sanding it down filling in the pins, primering and painting. This came out alot better and it was rock hard which made it especially hard for the paint to just chip off. Anyway, those are my +'s and -'s of the MDF painting posted_image

good luck with this!

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"Shiny chrome when used in conjunction with bikini models is particularly effective in inducing brain deficit disorder"

02 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Monster System on its way.

Posted By: bp_viper
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 7:15 PM

cool thanks guys. will try it and see how it works out. hope to get it finished by the end of the week.

Posted By: redlight831
Date Posted: August 27, 2004 at 5:17 PM

i am curious how it turns out post picture when your done if you can..thanks

Posted By: bp_viper
Date Posted: August 28, 2004 at 10:48 PM

takin pics as i get more done. weather has NOT cooperated with me lately.....wish i had a bigger garage for all my toys....hopefully tomorrow will get it all assembled and ready to install.