I've been thinking about using my center console as a template for a custom block off plate...





By using fleece and or fiberglass then overlaying with some raw carbon fiber I found and have had laying around to create a replica center console without the radio, din, ash tray, and power point...

I've also been thinking about doing this by either vacuum forming or vacuum bagging. By I can't seem to find a detailed video on YouTube using stuff from around the house... I don't see why those "Space Saver Bags" you see on TV wouldn't work... but how do you keep the plastic bag from sticking to the part your vacuum bagging???

I guess my real question is: Have any of you reading this thread done something like this and could you give me tips or tricks on doing using products you can buy from Lowe's, auto part supply stores and or auto paint supply stores???

 

I have a DIY on k20 detailing how I shaved all the AC vents and climate controls and installed a S2000 push start and electric gauges.

Went from this:


To this:


But you need to answer a couple questions before I can offer any helpful advice...

Have you ever brushed resin onto fleece? Have you ever worked with fiberglass before? Have you ever worked with cf before? Have you ever made a mold and formed parts using vacuum / prepreg sheets?

Each of those questions represents an exponential increase in complexity...

 

I want him to say no to all so I can see how to do them... Do a write up... Something new needs to happen in the section

 

The fact that he asked for a YouTube video on vacuum bagging answered all my questions...but I was trying to be nice.

I have a ton of DIY on k20. I figured most people browsed there as well. I will be starting an in depth lip / splitter build from scratch so maybe I will post it here as well.

 

It's cool man, your just keeping it real... At least you didn't do it like most guys on here!!! LOL But to answer the questions you already figured out the answers to... no I haven't but I learn by doing and Im a pretty quick learner.

 

Here is my how to:
http://www.k20a.org/forum/showthread.php?t=98737

Going with vacuum bag would only make sense if you had made a mold of the center console and were planning to make multiples of your finished project. Keep it simple for your first project and you will get great results.

I order my stuff from fibreglast.com. Get some felt (not fleece) from the fabric store and Lowes sells the fiberglass fabric. You will also need a bunch of plastic clips, get these at Harbor Freight (refer to my DIY). Do not use chop strand mat for this project. Post your progress in here and I can help you along the way. Also show me what supplies you get before you start.

 

You will also need a bunch of plastic mixing cups (Dixie cups will work but make sure to put them out on the driveway or back steps after you work cause the resin will eat through the cup). You will also need a bunch of the cheap wooden 1.5" bristle brushes for applying the resin...foam brushes will melt.

You will also need sand paper - 80 and 220 grit. Make sure to scuff the entire face plate before you start...this will help the fiberglass bond to the plastic.

 

OK cool. I dont know if you can tell or not in my pictures but where the screw holes are in the console but they sit lower then what would be seen (make sense or are you familiar with the part???)

But Im not trying to do what you did in a sense. I wanna make a mold of it (thats why I was thinking of the fleece... then build off of that... and hopefully try not to mess up my OEM peice...

NICE FAWKING BUILD BTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! giving me lots of ideas!!!!!!!!!!! And WTF do you do for work?????? Seems like some SERIOUS CASH was thrown at that car PDQ...

 

Thanks for the compliment!

It sounds like you don't necessarily need to make a mold of the whole console piece, instead you can make a skin of fiberglass that will clip into place.

The best way to do this will be to spray the front edge of your console panel with 8-12 coats of PVA mold release film. You will need to spray it through an air compressor and a HVLP gun. You can get the gun and compressor from Harbor Freight. The PVA can be purchased from fibreglast.com.

The PVA will make a thin barrier that you can overlay fiberglass onto. You have to be somewhat gentle as you apply the fiberglass, but once it dries the fiberglass will pop off without damaging the console face.


If you want to delete the crevices and pockets from your console panel, cut out pieces of thin plastic (like a school folder) that will over lap the crevices and pockets in your console that you want to "delete." This is what I used to covered over the AC vents for my console.

Here are some pics from my custom lip build...I sprayed my bumper with 12 coats of PVA and the layed 3 layers of fiberglass mat over it.


And then popped off the fiberglass making a perfect mold of the bumper...I will build off of this to make my splitter:


There are other ways but they will NOT come out as well and will damage the piece your trying to protect. I've tried all the short cuts and made a lot of expensive mistakes.

 

Double post fail