Overlay question

[cwood1388]

So I’ve only been doing composites for a few months now and havent really done any overlays that have had extreme contours. But I always try to press the envelope to challenge my talent so I give you my next little project.

Mirrors for a nsx.

I have them broken down and have them prepped and ready to go and playing with scrap pieces I really cant get an idea of how I can do this efficently. I feel very comfortable overlapping the fabric then cutting to make a seam. I’m just curious of what some of you would do if you were in my shoes.

Also Ive read where some people use super77 and secure the fabric, then epoxy over. I’ve always just let resin b stage then apply. I’m also curious as to what your thoughts may be on this as well.

Thanks for your time in advance!!!

[Rotorage]

I don’t have much experience with overlays… For your fabric, have you tried laying one piece over the entire mirror to see if one would work? Or if you only have scraps/one piece wont work then try to make the seam on the bottom so you would have to be laying on the ground looking up to see it. What type of fabric 5.7 twill I assume?
Then to apply it I would paint the resin on, let it b-stage, and lay the fabric on like you said. Once the fabric is on paint on two more coats, sand, a couple more coats, sand, clear, and buff. They were not the lightest but looked fine.

[2talljohn]

I’m glad you posted here before trying :).

Instead of explaining what to do, I will give you this youtube link. This will help you if you are starting out, and do not want to use a vacuum pump right now, or can’t for what ever reason.

[ame=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rTWaV1imzs&feature=related”]How to cover parts in carbon fiber (fibre) by skinning or wrapping - YouTube[/ame]

My advice is do not purchase a carbon fiber kit. They are over priced. Just purchase the materials yourself. It might cost a little more, but you’ll get lots more material as well.

Also, if you want good quality… Use real clear coat, not rattle can clear :).

Hope this helps! Keep us updated and post pictures as you go :D.

[cwood1388]

I don’t have much experience with overlays… For your fabric, have you tried laying one piece over the entire mirror to see if one would work? Or if you only have scraps/one piece wont work then try to make the seam on the bottom so you would have to be laying on the ground looking up to see it. What type of fabric 5.7 twill I assume?
Then to apply it I would paint the resin on, let it b-stage, and lay the fabric on like you said. Once the fabric is on paint on two more coats, sand, a couple more coats, sand, clear, and buff. They were not the lightest but looked fine.

Thanks for the input. and yes I’m using 5.7oz twill.

I have a rather large piece that ive just kind of played with different angles. But i like the idea of the seam line at the bottom.

[cwood1388]

I’m glad you posted here before trying :).

Instead of explaining what to do, I will give you this youtube link. This will help you if you are starting out, and do not want to use a vacuum pump right now, or can’t for what ever reason.

My advice is do not purchase a carbon fiber kit. They are over priced. Just purchase the materials yourself. It might cost a little more, but you’ll get lots more material as well.

Also, if you want good quality… Use real clear coat, not rattle can clear :).

Hope this helps! Keep us updated and post pictures as you go :D.

Yeah I orignally purchased a kit when i first started and i agree with you buying materials themselves as opposed to a kit is a tad bit more but the amount of material you get is definetly worth the difference.

I actually have bagging materials as well so that might actually help with the contours and keeping the fabric from lifting. but I’m wondering with these contours should I perhaps make a riser like this?

[2talljohn]

You could. But from my experience with wrapping parts as easy as aide mirrors to parts as complex as rear valances and center consoles, its not worth it. You are better off going to fiberglasssupplies.com or fiberglasssupply.com I forgot which one it is. But if you go to that company, purchase the, “stretchlon 200” and use that to bag. Stretchlon 200 has a 500% or so elongation. If you make a bag out of that, put the side mirror in that, and then tuck the bag into the corners, crevices, and dips, you’ll be golden. Just make sure you tape up all sharp corners. Its a very thin bag.

[1offNSX]

Those look like NSX mirrors. The type of plastic they use is difficult to stick to. Make sure you scuff them up real good. I would not use spray adhesive as that could lead to delamination.

[cwood1388]

Those look like NSX mirrors. The type of plastic they use is difficult to stick to. Make sure you scuff them up real good. I would not use spray adhesive as that could lead to delamination.

yes that they are. I cross hatched with 80 and 150.

[2talljohn]

The adhesion will be fine 8-). Just prep them well and take your time :).

[cwood1388]

So its been a while. Ive been busy with some projects and these have fallen behind. As you can tell they havent been blocked yet but Ill get around to it.

[cwood1388]

So its been a few months and other projects have put these on the back burner. Here’s some of the latest!

[CarbonTS]

looks really great!! resin which you have taken?

[fantoni]

Do yo use peel-ply for curing process?

[cwood1388]

Do yo use peel-ply for curing process?

No. But now im curious as to how you do that.

[cwood1388]

looks really great!! resin which you have taken?

Thanks! I use the 635 epoxy resin system

[CarbonTS]

which of the resins they use?

2:1
3:1
or
4:1

http://compositeenvisions.com/epoxy-and-polyester-resins-65/

[cwood1388]

I use the 2:1