Rear clip moulds
Discussion
I have always hankered after doing some changes to my rear clip, and fancied some CF additions. The only problem with this is availability of expertise and of course, cost.
I have tried a number of avenues with my enquiries over the years, but did not find a practical solution, so it went on the back burner for a while.
Now, I want to explore this again, but this time I would like to research the possibility of doing it myself... Brave I know!
The first issue is one of making a mould, and in particular the very first bit, the best and most stable plug material.
The most important part is to find the best material for this that will not distort given there are multiple curves to take account of.
As a relative newby (but I made my own moulds for the dash so know a little bit), I need some tips and hints from those that know....
I have tried a number of avenues with my enquiries over the years, but did not find a practical solution, so it went on the back burner for a while.
Now, I want to explore this again, but this time I would like to research the possibility of doing it myself... Brave I know!
The first issue is one of making a mould, and in particular the very first bit, the best and most stable plug material.
The most important part is to find the best material for this that will not distort given there are multiple curves to take account of.
As a relative newby (but I made my own moulds for the dash so know a little bit), I need some tips and hints from those that know....
Keith,
You are indeed brave, but it is an excellent idea and a way of making, why not, something special with extra air intakes included for example.
Have you thought of going to see how big GF parts are made (yachts and ship-builders, swimming pool manufacturers or large tubs)? Any around your way perhaps?
By the way, is there an Association of GF manufacturers you could check out?
Daniel
You are indeed brave, but it is an excellent idea and a way of making, why not, something special with extra air intakes included for example.
Have you thought of going to see how big GF parts are made (yachts and ship-builders, swimming pool manufacturers or large tubs)? Any around your way perhaps?
By the way, is there an Association of GF manufacturers you could check out?
Daniel
Here is one of the best examples I have seen by an amateur. Fred shows how to do it correctly. http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?fid...
There are cheaper ways but this a very proper process.
One of the questions you will have to ask yourself is do you require a class a mirror finish on your female mold? You may want this if your going to useCF if your going to paint it then the final finish of the female mold doesn't need to be as high.
your other option for a plug is to us foam, shape it and then seal. After sealing spray Duratec and sand to desired finished. from this you can build a mold.
There are cheaper ways but this a very proper process.
One of the questions you will have to ask yourself is do you require a class a mirror finish on your female mold? You may want this if your going to useCF if your going to paint it then the final finish of the female mold doesn't need to be as high.
your other option for a plug is to us foam, shape it and then seal. After sealing spray Duratec and sand to desired finished. from this you can build a mold.
Edited by crossram on Thursday 26th June 06:24
I made moulds of my entire noble and I designed the rear clip before hand so it's a differnt shape with vents etc... I then made all the panels in vac formed carbon fibre so they are stronger and yet half the weight.
I had no experience of making moulds before I did this so it is practical and possible.
I had no experience of making moulds before I did this so it is practical and possible.
andygtt said:
I made moulds of my entire noble and I designed the rear clip before hand so it's a differnt shape with vents etc... I then made all the panels in vac formed carbon fibre so they are stronger and yet half the weight.
I had no experience of making moulds before I did this so it is practical and possible.
Your noble looks absolutely stunning, seen photos of it previously - very impressive!I had no experience of making moulds before I did this so it is practical and possible.
macgtech said:
Surely you would make a mould by using the old clam as a plug - in terms of the mould, we have used the Easy Composites Unimould system to good effect but it is quite expensive, especially for large parts.
Surely you wouldn't want to build the same old tired design? Whats the point? crossram said:
Surely you wouldn't want to build the same old tired design? Whats the point?
I suppose the point is that you can make 'male' modifications to the existing clam then take the mold, and/or make the mold then take 'female' modifications but altering the mold itself. As stated you then get the key dimensions sorted which takes out a huge amount of the work.macgtech said:
I suppose the point is that you can make 'male' modifications to the existing clam then take the mold, and/or make the mold then take 'female' modifications but altering the mold itself. As stated you then get the key dimensions sorted which takes out a huge amount of the work.
Zis eez exactly what I want to do!I just want to be sure that after the plug sets, and is off the car, it won't warp, which is critical. Thus the quest for the right and most stable forming material.
andygtt said:
I did reply to your email, I had similar concerns and worked around it... I too use the easycomposits tooling system, not cheap but makes perfect moulds that are extremely strong and retain the exact shape of original.
Likewise Andy... I replied to you-hoo!Ven yoe are loooking for me in zee chateau grounds, remember ze passwords "Ze cat eez een ze washingmachine"!
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