Did My First Composites Project

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Alright so its barely anything, but I had my first experience with it last night. I have a hairline crack in the plastic neck of my radiator (thanks bmw) and I dont have the 500-600 dollars to fix it. So I went to shucks and get a radiator repair kit. I read through it, and realized that the crack was to be covered in fiberglass. It was weird fiberglass, Ive never seen it woven like that. Anyways there was a packet of epoxy or resin or something. Some black stuff and some clear stuff that you mixed. Then I applied that over the crack, layed the fiberglass cut piece over, and put more of the epoxy or resin on it. Let it dry for 8-10 mins, and completely cured after 30 mins it said. I drove on it about an hour later, wasted about a bit over a quarter tank of gas, and I think it held up. Going to go look at it later.

Still waiting for my sample pack from carb.com, I think I may have accidently given them my wrong address or something. Then I can mess around with whatever little pieces they give me :slight_smile:

#2

That’s cool man. It might not look cool but it’s still a fibreglass project. Anything like that will help you get more familiar with the whole process and how things work. Is it still holding up btw?

Evan

#3

Yeah so far so good, but about 2 solid days. Still waiting for my sample pack from Rob :frowning: Altough it does put a smile on my face to call and say: Hi Im looking for Rob, this is Allan of GTM. :slight_smile:

#4

When did you order the sample pack? I’ve never ordered from them so I don’t know much about shipping time. I believe they’re from Hawaii with their shipping warehouse located in NY somewhere.

#5

Well it originally went out on the 16th, but the secretary never shipped it, so it went out around the 20th-24th somewhere in there. Still havent seen them. Hopefully will get them this week. Im wondering how much is in there, like enough to do something small?

#6

I wouldn’t count on it. I think the sample pack is just small patches so you can see the quality/color of the fabrics.

#7

Bah, what will 1 roll cost me/make for me?

#8

You probably won’t want to buy 1 roll because it’s a roll of 100 yard. That’s a good couple of grands you’re looking at. Carb also has 2 different prices, 1 is price/yard for full roll and the other is price/yard for anything less than a full roll PLUS a cutting fee. Also, you’ll see that they have 2 different types of 2x2 twill weave. You have to get the more expensive one as the cheaper one is not suitable for cosmetic application.

You’ll see in your sample pack hopefully.

Evan

#9

Eh, it wont bother me if it looks pretty or not, so long as its strong! :slight_smile: It would be painted over anyways.

#10

Then you should be fine with the less expensive of the two. Try working with glass first though. Once you get it down to a science, then you can throw money into the CF. You can always sell your glass parts afterward.

#11

yeah Im probably gonna do that. I could probably use some practice since my radiator patch was so… proffesional :slight_smile: