Fabricating fiberglass parts...

[jus1087]

I have a few questions pertaining to fabricating fiberglass parts:

What is the best material to use to form the mold?

How difficult is the process?

Can anyone give me a general step-by-step breakdown from forming the part to giving it a good finish?

Any other tips or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[kdo58]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCivvXA2FVU&feature=related

[vtx1800lover]

Hello It depands on what part your trying to make.

Fisrt off you can make the part out of clay and let it harden or you can fab a prt from soft wood or if you can make it by using spray foam and then shape ti to fit. You must first make the plug. the part that resembles the original or use an original part. Each pat must be in perfect condition such as being repaired or painted, to use as a plug then you make the mould from the plug. and the new part to form the mould. If you wish more detailed instructions I will post them tommorow evening or drop me an e-mail and send me your number and I will call you with details on what is involed, I hope this gives you a general Idea.
archie52@hotmail.ca

Archie

[nitro3custom]

Go check out a sight called nastyz28.com do a search for dash boards . There was a guy who did a whole thread about making his fiberglass dash. It will give you an idea of where to start. But it really comes done to what you have on hand to work with and your patience level. And the devil is in the details.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Do you plan on making one part.. or turning out a bunch?
One-off's can be easily done with a foam buck, but for a run of several you are best to make a mold.

[chuck hahn]

Thick styrofoam can be formed with an electirc knife and them refined once the basic shape is carved.. then once the form is set, coat it with a release agent such as green seal. do the glassing and then it should release easily from the form..if it sticks and doesn release, the foam is easily crumbled and removed..

[Hoosier Daddy]

... or pour acetone on the foam and "PRESTO!" it's GONE.

[chuck hahn]

And acetone will instantly etch the fiber glass and the melted foam will then be a glued on glob of crap.