vacuum molding

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=44447
Printed Date: May 15, 2025 at 4:23 PM

Topic: vacuum molding

Posted By: shawn62
Subject: vacuum molding
Date Posted: December 04, 2004 at 7:23 PM

has anyone ever tried vacuum molding things for there cars? Ive been doing some molding with this for radio controlled cars im just wondering if anyone has ever tryed this for actuall cars and if so how did it turn out?

Replies:

Posted By: jeffchilcott
Date Posted: December 05, 2004 at 3:43 PM

i had a few pieces in high school to hold my eq in place worked pretty well, but the plastic was pretty flimsy and if I wasnt careful when installing I would bust it..once I installed a little more in the rear I destroyed it do to vibration anyways

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2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place

Posted By: randman1
Date Posted: December 06, 2004 at 6:52 PM

Can you go into more detail and explain the vacuum molding process for me? Recently, I've been experimenting with embossed vinyl.

posted_image

The above vinyl panel is one on many test pieces I've done. I'm not totally happy with it yet and would like to hear some other ideas. This was formed by ironing the vinyl and placing it over the Pontiac emblem which came from my grille. The emblem was secured to a piece of plexiglass with several small holes drilled in it (it kinda looked like an air hockey table). Once the heated vinyl was in place, I put a large beer mug over the emblem and fired up the shop vac. I was surprised at the results but it still wasn't perfect.

I bought a couple of those "space bags" thinking that I could make a cheap vacuum press but I couldn't find the ones that have the 1 1/4' valve to connect directly to a vacuum. The ones I bought were useless.

I realize that you are molding parts and not forming shapes in vinyl but perhaps knowing how you do what you do can help me out.

Thanks.

Posted By: shawn62
Date Posted: December 08, 2004 at 9:36 PM

Tutorial

this site helped me out all ive made so far is some headlight buckets for my radio controled car but I needed a stronger vacuum so i can actuall get better details

Posted By: randman1
Date Posted: December 09, 2004 at 6:07 PM

Awesome link. Thanks.

Any idea what kind of heater? BTU's?