Hey all. Just a thought...

If they can make bolt-in direct fit CF hoods with good structural rigidity and lightweight, what's the restriction to making other body parts (quarter panels, door panels, bumpers etc.) out of CF. The CF hoods are more expensive than the stock components, but not insanely so, so I just wanna know if it's feasible/affordable to get any kind other parts.

Hey, if there's a high enough demand, they just might start making this stuff...but I have no clue as to the logistics involved, so if anyone has any feedback or experience with this, let me know. Even if it's with CF on other vehicles or whatever.


Just trying to get an idea of it this even exists, and if not, well, why not??

 

Good idea....personally I'd like to see a CF JDM-replica front clip (fenders, bumper, SiR hood) that preserved the USDM headlights Not like it's ever going to happen unless I suddenly acquire super CF molding skills, though.

 

Fiber Images sells a cf SiR style hood that works with the usdm headlights. A cf front lip would be pretty cool though.

 

The ferrari F60 is made entirely out of CF as well as the Mclearn F1. They are both handmade cars hand glued and cut CF. They should start making those parts they wouyld be great. Cars would be running 1500 LBS with lexan etc...

Good idea

 

they do make CF body parts for the 92-95 civic. they used to have them at jdmhondaparts.com. it was like 600 bux or some **** for each fender. they only made the front fenders and i think the fron bumper too. it would have been like 2500 for the set. the only problem with carbon fiber is that it is very brittle. it looks real cool and is super light but al small fender bender or bump into a car at the mall and your **** is cracked. and there goes your cash. plus good luck getting a good premium of insurance when they find out u have about 2500 in just the front end.

 

I thought it was supposed to be pretty rigid, when done properly. It was my understanding that the CF parts were actually more rigid than the stock pieces, and at about 1/3 the weight.

Somebody let me know if that's off base, and if so, why? What's the process used to manufacture the parts, if not fitting the above? I believe the example I used had only nomex honeycomb and CF.

Just trying to do some fact finding. If they made 'em for 5Gs, I'm sure it could be done for the 4Gs too. Even if it would have to be custom...hmmm, anybody know a carbon fiber pro wanting to start up an enterprise? Get going making those 4th gen pieces!!!

BTW Already mentioned are the hood, bumpers, front fenders, what else could go on the list of easily replaceable body parts that would benefit from being CF??

 

YA ti is rigid when done right. some company(forgot name) makes carbon fibre sun roofs. They make cabon fibre parts from a roll of weavon carbon fibres. A lot like fiberglass. The they cut it out epoxy two sheets together and heat it up then it turns soid. I have a 10 min video on it.

 

I guess I can comment on the *other vehicles* front as I've got c/f lowers , fenders ,rearsets and cans on my Skorpion and want to get a tail made when $ permits . Other than cost , there's no restriction as to what you can do at all . Really , if enough people wanted em you could get anything made . If you're serious , contact Kenny @ http://www.carbonfibermanufacturing.com and see what he can do for you .

Also , c/f isn't brittle when made into relatively thin pieces . My lowers will flex if pushed on , however I don't have any misconceptions as to how well it will hold up in a crash , especially rigid parts like rearsets and muffler hangers !

Here's a mega crappy pic of my Skorp if you've never seen one BTW :




[Modified by Hawkrider, 5:20 AM 3/28/2002]

 

I've been thinking about CF, and I really really really want hoods, fenders and a sunroof made out of CF for my CRX SiR (EF8). For people with EF7s, it would be good to upgrade to SiR body style, if you like it, and why not have CF while you're doing it.

I visited TVR and their Chimaeras have roof panels which look like carbon fibre but its actually just one layer. Below that is conventional fibreglass. Everyone who sees the roof sections believes the whole thing is CF though.

"Function Over Form" - Wouldn't it be good to have both?

 

I'm a rider.

Custom built downhill frame, 5" travel, rock shox Psylo SL.

Saves me gas and I can keep the Rex in the garage

 

Hell yeah...bike store employee for 13 yrs. Litespeed Ultimate, LandShark MTB, 2 custom road frames. Raced USPRO!

Think Bennen makes carbon body panels; ie. hood & fenders, for the EG chassis. Wish someone made carbon fender wells for my '87 rex. Rust sucks!


[Modified by RStoR, 10:19 AM 3/28/2002]

 

I'd seen that before, but someone told me it wouldn't work on an '89 4dr. Anyone know why that would be? I was under the impression that the hatches and the 4dr. used the same hood.

 

ive seen CF fenders that were not painted on a civic....

someone on this forum has a carbon fiber front end on there allmotor race CRX

 

Trek? Yeti ARC , I have a benotto road bike. Good to see some other riders on the board. My freind and I worked at a shop, and both had CRX's, I think it's a bikers car! Anyways... Yes, the carbon fiber hoods that we usually see are not made with the proper materials to make them strong, usually most companies will use a cheaper resin on top and fiberglass underneath to cut costs, and that's why we end up with cracked parts. Matrix makes Z3 fenders for like 6 or 8 hundred dollars These fenders aren't really benefical, as far as weight savings, nothing to be gained there. I think GTP (Importfan.com) uses real carbon fiber and resin through out, as I have seen the video of them jumping on it without damage. I know there was another company too that was in some sport compact magazine about how they make the hoods, and they had a car ontop of a freshly made hood.


[Modified by CRX-RX, 8:58 PM 3/28/2002]

 

What exactly do you want made? I can make most things from c/f or kevlar, or fiberglass but it depends on which parts you want fabricated as to the cost. I will do one-off parts or quantity...please email me for more details, etc -PEACE!!-

 

sounds good Gizmo...


[Modified by LunEG, 11:38 AM 3/30/2002]

 

At SEMA Aerogear have a full carbon fiber front end for the 96 and up civics. Also in this months Sport Compact Car their is a 96 hatch whith c/f hood and fenders looks odd though. But that is just my $.02.