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custom body kit

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=80863
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 11:53 AM


Topic: custom body kit

Posted By: jt73
Subject: custom body kit
Date Posted: July 27, 2006 at 8:43 PM

i would like to hear experiences if anyone has made their own body kits...what went wrong, right...etc...build pics would be fun too posted_image

im not looking for someone to tell me not to do it or asking how to do it...just curious about real world experiences..if that sounds dickish, its not supposed too

thanks guys

jason



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Replies:

Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: July 28, 2006 at 4:45 AM
thanks...

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Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: July 28, 2006 at 2:37 PM
Well, I'd say go for it.

I do not have any build pics right now. I am at work. But taking foam, is your best friend in assembling the different pieces since it can be cut,carved and sanded down to specs.

Depending on where it is going, molding some metallic part in there as tool or reference point for mounting comes in handy too. If you can find it, look for the install pictures of the 2003 Alpine Civic Si done by Steve Brown. It was on alpines website.

Currently they have a custom kit BMW on there done by the same guy, and there are install pics of it from start to finish, let me see if I can find the link.

BMW Sinister

Links are not working from this computer, but may for you, nonetheless that is link.


...Happy glassing

CHEERS

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: July 28, 2006 at 5:32 PM

yes thats what i planned on using was the foam...i have a 90 plymouth laser that is being turned into a demo car...it is gutted already and getting new dash, panels, custom paint cutom graphics, wanted the body kit to be custom to go with everything else

i will take pics along the way, and unveil it when its all done

thanks for the help/advice



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Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: July 29, 2006 at 7:40 AM
its not a bad car, only got 40k miles but has a timing belt problem that needs to get fixed

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Posted By: crazyoldcougar
Date Posted: July 30, 2006 at 11:53 AM
i have in the past molded directly off the car...or the bumpers, what ever you want to change...do it the exact same way you would basically do it for s sub enclosure then...tape everything off spray on the super77 then tinfoil...and then start you lay up...after you break the moulf off your car/ bumper you may want to make a wooden jig to hold the mounting points straight..it will undoubtably twist on you...

now you can cut and paste what ever you want into or off the old bumper/ skirt...make some foglight rings, a wide mouth opening, built in canards...what ever you want..you can use foam or wood for the add ons. (foam will be better as you can leave it in without much weight gain.) get her nice and smooth and then you can either take a copy off the front of it or you can go straight into your prep steps for paint...if you used a lot of wood for built up areas i would suggest taking a copy of it...just be carefull how thick you build things up as you may run into fitment and clearance issues...

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Fiberglass Guru.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: July 30, 2006 at 1:22 PM
thanks cougar

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Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 04, 2006 at 4:11 PM
Man, definately keep us posted with it. I am excited.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 05, 2006 at 6:16 AM
i will keep you guys updated, don't worry...last week all the moldings got pulled, this week windows all came out...its gonna get prepped on the interior(degreased, scuffed, sanded) for primer since its getting a whole new paint job and no half ass lookin doodie when its done

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Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: August 05, 2006 at 9:38 PM

JT73!!!!!!  Its been a while someone has questioned about building body kits themselves, but then again, its been a while since Ive been on this site as well, being production has been intense lately!!!!!!!!!!  Theres SO, SO, SO, much information, different methods / ideas and so on that I / we could give you.  I would go to the front of this web-forum or site and perform a search on my name (Torquehead), CrazyoldCougar (obvious veteran in my book), or even simply "bodykits".  Check out what has already been posted, read up, get ready to be inspired, and come back and blast us with deeper questions. 

We will be waiting.....

By the way......  I wanna see cool paint!





Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 06, 2006 at 6:56 AM

for cool paint go to https://www.madmandesigns.com

thanks for the advice torquehead...ya know i thought i did a search, but possibly not.... i hate it when people ask silly questions too   posted_image



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Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: August 06, 2006 at 5:53 PM

Thanx much for the cool paint link!! 

Hey easy now, its by far NOT a silly question.  I did a search for "bodykits"....here you go --  https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/search.asp?SI=PT&KW=bodykits&SM=1

When you click on "Search", the screen refreshes, then youll see a search box for "Google"(dont use), and the next one is for this site, which is the one to use for the searches I refered you to.  So, check it out!!!! 

Also, for you that think that the afore mentioned site of the BMW....is the only way to build body kits, its not.  Dont let it scare you!!!!  Theres several other ways, but again, at least perform a search on a subject you desire to get a more direct question.  Its easier for some of the more experienced to answer questions when you are up to speed on knowledge.  Maybe you could use a previous link in reference for a certain understanding.

So, when you gonna start?





Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 07, 2006 at 3:55 PM
Since you are doing a total stripping of the car. Have not tried myself but will in the next few months eDead v3. Liquid based sound dampening material. Just a thought.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 07, 2006 at 8:53 PM
torquehead wrote:

Thanx much for the cool paint link!! 

Hey easy now, its by far NOT a silly question.  I did a search for "bodykits"....here you go --  https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/search.asp?SI=PT&KW=bodykits&SM=1

When you click on "Search", the screen refreshes, then youll see a search box for "Google"(dont use), and the next one is for this site, which is the one to use for the searches I refered you to.  So, check it out!!!! 

Also, for you that think that the afore mentioned site of the BMW....is the only way to build body kits, its not.  Dont let it scare you!!!!  Theres several other ways, but again, at least perform a search on a subject you desire to get a more direct question.  Its easier for some of the more experienced to answer questions when you are up to speed on knowledge.  Maybe you could use a previous link in reference for a certain understanding.

So, when you gonna start?


thanks torquehead...actually i have found some very nice informative sites that have been a great help in addition the suggestions here

actually the "deeper" question(lol) that i'm having trouble graspingis how to keep the sides of the body symetrical or identical...i can make a positive or negative mold to duplicate the piece, but not to make it for the opposite side...like the side skirts for example...in my case i want a wide body kit

as far as when im going to start-soon is all i can tell ya...its gettin gullwing door conversion next week so probably after that is done



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Posted By: silverfocuszx3
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 9:43 AM
jt73][ wrote:

UOTE=torquehead]

Thanx much for the cool paint link!! 

Hey easy now, its by far NOT a silly question.  I did a search for "bodykits"....here you go --  https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/search.asp?SI=PT&KW=bodykits&SM=1

When you click on "Search", the screen refreshes, then youll see a search box for "Google"(dont use), and the next one is for this site, which is the one to use for the searches I refered you to.  So, check it out!!!! 

Also, for you that think that the afore mentioned site of the BMW....is the only way to build body kits, its not.  Dont let it scare you!!!!  Theres several other ways, but again, at least perform a search on a subject you desire to get a more direct question.  Its easier for some of the more experienced to answer questions when you are up to speed on knowledge.  Maybe you could use a previous link in reference for a certain understanding.

So, when you gonna start?


thanks torquehead...actually i have found some very nice informative sites that have been a great help in addition the suggestions here

actually the "deeper" question(lol) that i'm having trouble graspingis how to keep the sides of the body symetrical or identical...i can make a positive or negative mold to duplicate the piece, but not to make it for the opposite side...like the side skirts for example...in my case i want a wide body kit

as far as when im going to start-soon is all i can tell ya...its gettin gullwing door conversion next week so probably after that is done

[/QUOTE]

I hope you dont mind me asking but could you possibly post up some links to the sites you found informative for stuff like this? I have been wanting to try something like this for myself also but can't seem to find any good info online.





Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 2:58 PM
jt73]t wrote:

anks torquehead...actually i have found some very nice informative sites that have been a great help in addition the suggestions here

actually the "deeper" question(lol) that i'm having trouble graspingis how to keep the sides of the body symetrical or identical...i can make a positive or negative mold to duplicate the piece, but not to make it for the opposite side...like the side skirts for example...in my case i want a wide body kit

as far as when im going to start-soon is all i can tell ya...its gettin gullwing door conversion next week so probably after that is done


Well the mirroring in pretty easy to do if you use patience and math.



TOP VIEW
posted_image


"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?" ....You might say

I said the same thing when I drew it [MS Paint]. I would not build what is in the drawing if I were you, lol. They are just a example. I drew that little illustration (TOP VIEW) to demonstrate the technique. What I am suggesting is, that you setup a template. Say your template looks like the piece on the left in the photo. In this example we will use wooden dowels. You place the dowels wherever you would like them to be but mark each exact location you put them with a pen/ruler and exact "coordinates" as to where it is on your template.

Once you have everything setup, lay your fabric over the top points of your dowels(apply using glue gun/sticks). You will now have the shape of your piece.

The easy part now? Remove the fabric pending your like how it looks. Look at your piece you just constructed, a skeleton basically. Transfer all those "coordinates" over to a symmetrical shaped template and place dowels on the exact locations.

What this will allow is symmetry (and harmonyposted_image since you will not be stressed) and you can stretch your fabric over both pieces and they will look exactly the same pending your lay your body filler evenly on both when that stage/step comes along.

You may say... "gosh darnit little joe, I sure don't feel like using those silly little wooden dowels"

The alternative...? Use whatyou wish to so long as the pieces are the same exact size, you have a good quantity of them, and you are able to measure them so the locations match up on each template.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 7:51 PM
hmmmmmposted_image

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Posted By: crazyoldcougar
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 9:40 PM
or if your doing str8 forward skirts...you could just build a wooden jig to use as a sanding block...

if it is curvy then you use the above method or you could just mold off the side of the car...then with MDF you could build a skeletal framework much like the (facial reconstruction) method above...but instead of dowels sticking out you could just have what would look like ribs sticking out...glue on the fabric and glass away...or instead of glueing down a fabric you could spray in foam inbetween the ribs and shape and sand it until you get to the ribs...then body fill it and once it is all smooth, you can either break it free from the car to apply the glass or you could just glass it right on the car...

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Fiberglass Guru.




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 09, 2006 at 5:10 AM
i appreciate all the replys and encouragement....this will be my most challenging project to date i believe...the whole point is showcase my work and have everything as custom as possible over the top so hopefully it will all turn out like my vision...

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Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 09, 2006 at 11:31 AM
crazyoldcougar wrote:

you could just mold off the side of the car...then with MDF you could build a skeletal framework much like the (facial reconstruction) method


Never thought of like that, lol. You make me sound like a forensic detective fabricator hahahah.posted_image

JT, here are a few things to assist you when you run into difficulty ...

If It Ain’t Broken... Fix It ‘Til It Is

If you are feeling good, don't worry. You'll get over it.

Impotence: Nature's Way Of Saying "No Hard Feelings"

Pain is inevitable misery is optional.
posted_image posted_image posted_image posted_image posted_image posted_image

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 10, 2006 at 10:14 AM
Nice. I am going to use it on a 88 BMW when the time for the project comes along.

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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.




Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: August 11, 2006 at 12:15 AM

There you have it JT73, I knew the veterans would come out of the woodwork, and I DITTO everything they have said...all very good concepts.  "eDead" ROCKS, but I dont like applying it, so I make one my employees kids do it...LOL 

Crazyoldcougar's type of concept also provides the abilty to construct a removable component.  For example, if you used his method: Using the side of a car to make a FG skin to build from, you can incorporate fastening provisions to make that one single body panel/part removable for repair.  Of coarse it depends on the size of the component. 

Be yourself aware that every concept also has its concequences....wait, I really need to say "Pros/Cons".  If it is big and weighs alot, sure, make it permanent.  If the components are small, such as the size of simple ground effects, and are light in weight they can be easier made removable and in sections per body part.  Its also much more reasonable all the way around.  Every single fabricator are going to have thier own concept, and I can seem to already tell you are grasping your own concept.  

Good luck with the door plans by the way.

....after your first breath of Fiberglass Resin, you realize your hooked, thats when you know its in your blood to be a fabricator.   --->(Torquehead does not condone the use of any "Resin" chemical compounds for any recreational purposes other than fabrication.  If your building a body kit, speaker box, or other cool stuff up your nose, go ahead!)





Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: August 11, 2006 at 1:44 AM




Posted By: jt73
Date Posted: August 11, 2006 at 5:05 AM
nice links torquehead

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Posted By: silverfocuszx3
Date Posted: August 11, 2006 at 10:00 AM
Thanks for the links! Reading through them now really trying to find something that shows someone making their own bumper with their own design. I have seen the site where someone makes the lip kit which is cool Now just gotta see an entire bumper get made.




Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: August 11, 2006 at 6:33 PM
I dont exactly recall a link in particular that shows someone building just a bumper.  Sorry if I missed that part of your request though.  Either way, the concept is the same.  Its just a matter of if you want to integrate a section into the one you have, or, buying a pre-fab to cut up and add your own fabrication to it. 




Posted By: philliphamby
Date Posted: August 12, 2006 at 11:56 PM

in your case it would more than likely be best to get a prefab and just add your own custom work to it. i got one frome a friend of mine that was made for a difrent car and busted all to crap for near nothing. brought it home and went to work. but if you rwaly want to get to the nittygritty and make your own from scratch. i would start by removing the bumper from the car i wanted to make the bumper for. then use wood to build a skeletion on the car its self. allowing room for your fabric and fiberglass on the sides. once you have the skeletion the way you want it then strech your fabric over it useing staples or hot glue. then look at it close cutting any holes that you will have for style or foglights and so on. and if it is the way you want it then resin the fabric let it dry. add 1 or 2 layers of fiberglass let it dry. then remove your bumper. once removed you can remove any wood that you dont want on your bumper. but remember to add your lips to bolt the bumper to the car. once you have your lips made begin to add your fiberglass in layers most bumpers have 8-10 remember to test fit along the way and not to add to much at once becouse it may warp up on you. once done bodyfill snad prep seal prime paint.



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give a man a fish he will eat for a day. teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.




Posted By: djslack
Date Posted: August 18, 2006 at 6:17 PM
This series of photos may give you some inspiration:

https://www.6park.com/enter7/messages/gvk21098.html





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