I am researching some things to start a business making carbon fiber parts. I would like some help on chossing what parts you would want to see built for your car that aren't already out there and how much you would reasonably pay. I am hoping to offer something better than what is out there now. I know being racers looks are not always most important. It's possible to use a less expensive uni-directional weave that is less expensive but can be designed stronger and lighter than the bi-directional cosmetic weaves you see. I am thinking build something stronger, lighter and not quite as showey. You would probably just want to paint over the carbon or it would even be cool to leave it. It would look like very dark grey primer when the part gets to you. Most hoods for instance are just a carbon outer shell with a fiberglass inner structure. This is more heavy than a part needs to be. Most of the stuff out there looks nice on the outside and may even be strong but when it comes to the strength to weight ratio they aren't near what can be done especially at the prices I have seen out there. I wonder if any of these guys even use an autoclave? I doubt it, most just use vaccum and a little heat or just do a wet layup. (garage type stuff) Just want you guys to know better is possible for sure. Anyway let me know some ideas if you have them.
Thanks

 

I would like a CF front bumper for my "92" Civic HB, I have a hood already, and have seen fenders (for $800.) but havent seen a front bumper cover (I also haven't looked to hard since I am doing some other work first) if you can make one let me know, I might be interested, but not too serious til I get my AEM EMS, and some suspension work done first. at the end of the season I might be ready tho...

 

I'm definately in the market for CF 'Race Parts'...I have been turned off by most of the CF Parts out there, because of the fact that it is cosmetic CF. You are right in thinking that most places definately do not use an autoclave. Vacuum Bagging is the norm.

Suprdave

 

I would want a CF hatch for my 94 integra...

 

A CF hatch for a 88-91 CRX would definately be popular


[Modified by SiRex91, 2:20 PM 2/18/2003]

 

carbon fiber rear view mirros.

 

Carbon fiber parts for the 92-98 Honda delSol (stock weights are shown in parenthesis):

- Hood - raised a bit in the center (3/4") to accomodate deck plate B-Series motors with perhaps a reverse scoop closer to the windshield (34 lbs.)

- Doors with integral frameless side window support, kinda like a 90+ 300ZX. (68 lbs. each)

- Dashboard (21 lbs.)

- Trunk lid (34 lbs.)

- Roof (24 lbs.)

- Side Mirrors - there are NO (stock fitment) aftermarket mirrors available (5.5 lbs. each)

- Drag rear bumper - with undertray for less drag (perhaps also integrally replacing metal license plate filler piece) (12 lbs.)

- "2-piece (fenders+front bumper)" or "1-piece (fenders+front bumper+hood)" front end (front bumper = 11 lbs.)

- M3 style fenders (4 lbs. each)

That's all I can think of right now.

Oh, and if you know ANYONE who could make a replacement projector lamp assembly tell them they could sell several hundred through teamsol.com and related sites - there are NO aftermarket headlamp assemblies available either, barring the JDM and European OEM pieces.

Just my $0.02...

 

Wow. Thanks for the input. Do you have a picture of the proj. lamp assy by chance?

 

i would put money into a trunk that is EXACTLY like a stock trunk (retains locations to mount tail lights and lights for the liscence plate) but carbon fiber.

carbon fiber front bumper with a different shape to it so its shaped more like a 99-00 bumper for 96-98 but without the side vents and have the front sit a little lower with more of a carbon kevlar weave at the bottom


[Modified by bretx0r, 1:09 AM 2/19/2003]

 

sun roof plug

 

Carbon windshield! Seriously, i would like some Carbon doors... And hatches

 

also, the tail gate for 92 thru 96 civic hb would kick *** too, that thing is dam heavy. I would love to replace the rear glass with a CF lid too, that would save a lot of weight. I would be serious about all these parts, as soon as I finish the before mentioned work I would like make weight a priority (credit counseling just freed up a lot of my$$$ so I can do a lot more on my car, just without credit cards )

 

Isn't "vaccum and a little heat" what an autoclave does?

 

rear diffusers

 

Sun roof plug is a definite!! I have researched and there aren't any glass or CF sunroof plugs for 96-00 Civics

 

Oh hey. I emailed you a while back about your project car. I am from San Diego and I was joking with you about having lunch with Colin Chapman. Anyway don't know if you remember me. An autoclave does pull vaccum and apply some heat you are right but one thing you are missing. You should have quite a bit of vaccum AND pressure in the 100 psi region compacting the part from the outsideas well. Pressure is a huge deal! One other huge deal is to be able to have an automated Autoclave which can run a set Temp/Pressure/Time program and keep it consistent for every cure. This is not easy to do sometimes but this is really where the magic happens. There are just so many variables to think of...

 

doors yo!

 

 

carbon fiber spoiler and side skirts.

 

and rear diffuser.

 

A sun roof plug and a rear spoiler(like Spoon) for a 90 Si hatch

Gary

 

hahhaah I repair autoclaves at work... they are not used for cf parts tho

We use them to sterilize equipment. We have a couple of small ones and 2 big ones.

Just a question, when you autoclave a cf part, during the heat/pressure part of the cycle, do you use steam in the chamber?

 

No steam or moisture touches the inside of the clave. Heaters and coils control heating and cooling. Any steam would be carried through the coils inside the clave.

 

I guess I wont be making any cf parts at work. Our clave pulls vacuum to about 1psia, then injects steam into the chamber taking it to about 131°C (~268°F)and 65psi(not psia). After the heat cycle it will pull vacuum again and it sucks every last bit of moisture out of the chamber.

 

Yes I remember. The worst part is, I work at a place that has a HUGE autoclave, made just for composite structures, and I will never ever get to use it