Need advice on Carbon Fiber roof overlay

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

I am going to do a carbon fiber permanent overlay for my roof this is my plan of action…please tell me what you guys think
My materials from http://www.uscomposites.com

1.) 5.7oz Twill ‘1st Quality’ Carbon Fiber Fabric
Weight: 5.7osy
Weave: 2 x 2 Twill
Tow Size: 3K
Thickness: .010"

Twill carbon, attractive pattern. Gives 3-dimensional appearance. More easily drapable than plain fabric, yet more delicate.

2.)Asco 110 Epoxy Glue…IS 1 PINT ENOUGH???

3.)3 to 1 MEDIUM Epoxy Hardener
For Use With Both 150 And 635 Resins
Our most popular hardener choice, an excellent general purpose hardener for most conditions including high performance applications. Great for fiberglass and composite layup with carbon or kevlar.

Mixing Ratio by Volume: 3:1
Pot Life: 20-25 Min @ 80F
Set Time: 3-4 Hours
Drying Time: 8-10 Hours

4.)automotive paint clear coat

My steps

1)Paint roof black
2)Scuff roof
3)Apply Asco 110 Epoxy Glue to roof
4)Apply carbon fiber
5)Let carbon cure to roof
6)apply resin to carbon fiber (is 5 coats enough???)
7)Let resin cure
8)Sand resin Smooth
9)Apply clear coat

What do you guys think???Any suggestions

#2

I would definitely practice on several other parts before attempting an overlay on your roof

However, i see a few things that could be corrected so far.

Carbon fiber itself does not “cure”, so i’m not sure what you mean in step 4. Also, there will be very little resin to sand on top of the carbon fabric.
My suggestion is to brush epoxy onto the entire roof area that will be covered. Lay carbon fabric down smoothly, and work out any wrinkles or bubbles. Brush more resin onto fabric in order to fully saturate, and use a grooved roller to remove air bubbles and excess resin. There will be a lot of extra resin on top, so use a squegee to remove it and leave a thin wet layer.
Cover it all with polyethylene film (painters plastic, 4 mil) and again use a squegee to make it smooth.
When that cures, it will leave a very nice smooth finish. Then you can spray on a high build clear coat, and sand it smooth between coats. It may require 3-4 applications.

Hope that helps!

#3

Interestingly, I just finished a roof overlay on a Mistu and can post pics of the process. Unfortunately, since the car is now going to the paint shop, you cannot see it in its full glory. The clear will be applied later. I will post pics

#4

Pics please!!!

#5

You are not going to finish covering a complete roof with 20 minute pot life resin…get a longer pot life hardener for the epoxy.

Also here’s a safety tip for you: Do Not spray any Epoxy resins! Deadly serious here!

#6

recomendations for what type and brand please

#7

Since you are in the San Diego area, you should first check with your local Epoxy supplier.

If you don’t mind shipping charges with these hazdozous materials, then try (and tell them JM from GGROP reffered you) www.revchem.com, www.bjbenterprises.com, PTM&W www.PTM-W.com , Hastings Plastics (310) 829-3449 and there is also Hawaiian Resins up in Santa Barbara area that we have bought from before to.

Most, if not all, Epoxy resins have different hardeners that change the cure times.

If it is a 20 minute pot life, it will start to gel up on you at that time, which means your done working with it!

#8

i was wanting to do the same thing, but was unsure about galvanic reaction. i know that carbon is a cathode (+) and will eat through aluminum because it is an anode (-), is it not the same for steel? if so what is the best barrier to keep this from happening? :confused:

#9

Here are the pics I had promised. Since the car was going to paint next, there is not a final clear coat applied yet.

#10

#11

#12

Black colored resin?

Looks great BTW :wink:

#13

I have done a couple roofs and you are on the right track! Keep us updated on your progress. I also make roof caps for another company. Here are some pics of them.

Sorry for the crappy pics, They were taken by the company I make them for

#14

I have never sprayed epoxy resin but why would you not, just curious?

#15

I have asked many EXPERTS (even people the formulate resins too) the same question and they just say “Don’t do it as it is deadly”!

But what about Epoxy spray paint???

#16

kyanton, It looks like you put about 3 layers of CF on the roof. Is this nessary? I also am going to be wraping my car in CF.

#17

interesting. I wanted to spray some as a gel. I got some that has a pretty high viscosity and wanted to spray to tach up a mold so I can lay carbon in it

#18

I wonder the same. Epoxy primers are used extensively in the automotive industry.

#19

I remember spraying one of my custom mini trucks with Imron and that stuff has deadly fumes, but with the right equipment…

I’d check with each of your suppliers tech peolpe before spraying any first, just to be on the safe side

#20

New to the boards, hey everyone.

How is the adhesion to the painted surface?
and do you use a epoxy with a resistance to UV? or does the automotive clear protect the epoxy from turning yellow after time?