Part making tech:

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#1

Good day,
I have a couple quick questions. I have a few plastic bits on my honda motorcycle I want done in a carbon/kevlar hybrid. Is it possible to make the parts 1:1 (ie) scuff the plastic, lay the cloth and resin and then clear coat?
If this cannot be done, what is the proper technique for recessed mounting holes. Please see the pic below… the two bolt holes are recessed, how do I go about laying the cloth in these areas to maintain strengh and beauty?
They sell Carbon covers for the Ram Air snouts that just cover the outer exposed surface. They attach with 3m double sided tape, i sthis method common?
Also, the plastic has a surface that is slightly ruff. Will preping with 400 grit and working up to say a 1200 wet be sufficent for making a tool or will I need to get it glossy? I plan to clear the part for uv protection and beauty…
Thanks again,
Jonathan

Great all that and I cant attach a pic…[/img]

#2

Well, you can always prep the surface with some 800grit, brush on some epoxy, lay the CF, and brush on some more. Then squeegie, or roll the excess CF out.
I think you then start brushing on clearcoat/gelcoat/UV protected stuff on top once the first layer is almost cured/still tacky.
In the end, after you have a good gelcoat top, you have to polish/buff it down.

I think that is how you cover something with CF. Make sure you trim the edges/holes when the layer is soft, but not tacky…you can use a sharp knife/sissors. If it cures, you might ave to cut it with a dremmel tool.

But, I might be wrong.
Check out some tutorials online, and on this site.

#3

You can certainly do that, but the carbon will separate from your plastic fairings over time. I don’t think you can sand down the rough plastic to get a smooth surface either. You’ll most likely have to primer the plastic to get a smooth finish.