Fiberglassing

[Onzlouk]

How difficult/expensive is it to produce a mold from an existing item, in this case a sunroof, and create a usable model? I have removed the sunroof from the track car and wish to replace it with a fibreglass panel. I am able to purchase one but perhaps it would be beneficial to learn the process for the future? or shall i just buy one

[snuffle]

not too difficult, prices wise £40+
smelly, dirty, skin irritating ,sticky, toxic are the down sides.

plenty of how to guides on youtube.

[Onzlouk]

Wow, thought it would be mopre expensive! Sounds like my sort of job too Wheres the best place to start looking for equipment? Ill check out Youtube now.

[snuffle]

most of the gear can be bought on ebay or google trylon or east coast fibreglass

bucket to mix up in
cheap brushes to apply resin with throw away easier than cleaning
latex gloves
gel coat
resin
mekp activator
450g chopped strand mat

release wax or pva release if you are going to make a mould.
bubble buster roller will make life easier but not necessary.


wait till the weather is warmer and give it a go, if your garage is attached to the house
you will smell it inside for ages, its not an unpleasant smell but it is a strong smell

[Pigeon]

I would say do it while the temperature is low and do it with very good ventilation. The warmer it is the quicker the resin goes off, and it's a bugger when it starts turning to jelly on you before you've finished. It's also quite sensitive to how much hardener you use. The fumes are great for feeling ill on, so the more ventilation the better. Mould for a sunroof ought to be easily made with a tray full of plaster or similar, as long as you avoid getting air bubbles trapped underneath the original.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Project for idiots only.

However much it costs to buy one will be money well spent....