Okay, here is the long, and short of things. I have always wanted to try my hand at some carbon fiber fabrication. I have now found a source for all the materials needed. Here is the dilemma, I have about $500 to spend. Right now the car doesn't have current plates or insurance, due to us just buying a new house, and a set of twins on the way, and buying a mini van to haul all 5 kids in. So, whatever I do to the Camaro will be for pure eye candy to me, and whomever comes over to the new Johnston Garage!! I can either finish the exhaust, do a couple little engine mods, try my hand at carbon fiber, or buy a 3rd Nitro 1/8 scale RC Truck. Right now I am leaning toward the carbon fiber, or engine mods. I could stretch both out over a rather long period of time, so I won't get to anxious to drive the car. My question is: What does everyone think of a carbon fiber gauge panel, and a carbon fiber console top? Please let me know now. If you think it will look rice, by all means say so, to much European influance on american muscle, say the words. I want any opinion you have.

Thanks,

 

I'm probably going to get flamed but oh well. I'd say do it. Granted, it might be "rice" looking but if you take your time it can come out looking really good.

Take your time and post some pics when/if you finish this project. Good luck.

 

Thank you. Knowing it is true carbon fiber, and not just a coating, I think that will strike people differently. But just looking at it, I don't think to many people would know its real.

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

here's my 2 cents...You'll ge the pesonal satisfaction out of it...but most people will think you just went out and bought the carbon fiber inlay. Is it for the look? ...or the feeling of a job well done?

I don't care for the look myself. I'd go for the engine mods. The only thing that looks like rice to me is the stuff under my chicken and broccoli.

 

Thanks Abubaca. Below I have a pic of what I have now for a gauge panel. The more I think about, I'm not certain a CF piece would be mistaken, or it may raise the question with people at least, whether it is a covering, or an actual piece. I also don't want to take the project to far. Maybe instead of the whole console top, maybe just where the radio, and heater controls are. I could take the 3 gauges above, and move them down to above the radio. Sound like a better idea to anyone?

Thanks,

 

I'm just wondering about the carbon fibre you are able to buy. Is it in it's cured state? What would you be using to bond the pieces together? And what would you do for rounded edges/corners?

Regards

Robert

 

I made the lips on my passenger side wheel well out of carboc fiber.
I'll post some pics tommorow.
You can get all the supplies from U.S composites and they do have a website.
I don't know it so you'll have to look it up on google.
As for that dask I doubt it is carbon fiber atleast from the looks of it.
It's painted from what it looks like.
Carbon fiber is easy and as long as you follow the same guidelines as fibierglass you'll be OK but you need mold release to make it work correctly.

 

A couple weeks ago at the nationals I saw a bird with carbon-fiber inlays over most of the gauges and front dash. I'm not a fan of carbon-fiber really but I must say I thought it looked GREAT!

Looking at the pic you posted, I can see where some well-placed c-f would look nice. Go for it Just be sure to post pics

PS- Will using real c-f make the surface more or less shiney than the usual inlays that people buy? Its just opinion, but I tend to like it when c-f (even an inlay) barely catches your eye and you have to look close to tell its there.

 

here's my wheel well I was talkin about.
The picture exlpains most of it.
I'm not done whith the body filler but you'll get the picture.

 

johnsjj2, i really like how your dash panel is set-up. It looks very clean and well thought out. Carbon-fiber would be like the "icing on the cake" for that dash! keep us posted on what you decide, brad

 

Thanks eveyone.
TheLG4Whore-You are right, the panel now is steel, painted black. I posted that to show what I would be making out of carbon fiber.
Brad-Thanks for the compliments.
www.uscomposites.com is where I would be getting the materials from. Like LG4 said, it seems pretty easy to work with. You do have to buy the resin, carbon fiber material, and for further strength, some fiberglass matting material. There is one article in Car Craft. If you go to there website at www.carcraft.com and search for composite, you should find the article. I am getting anxious now. I want to make new chassis for my RC trucks also. THe aluminum has been bent to often. It won't hold a shape now.

Thanks again,

 

carbon Fiber is easy to work with if you have done glass work befor. Im in the middle of doing a carbon/kevlar Superram upper box. in the 5.5oz Carbon/Kevlar in blue.

Should have side by side photos soon.

johnsjj2

e-mail me at tpi383@svol.net if ya need pointers and a tech article on how to do stuff.

 

wow that will be great!
It'll keep the air nice and cold too.
Ontop of that it looks great anyway.
I made mine out of carbon fiber cause it's nice and strong.
But interior and exterior carbon fiber parts work well too.

 

A carbon fiber dash pad (top) might be the answer to an age old problem. If you do it, tell me what your willing to sell one for.

 

Let me know too.

 

I will admit, a CF top would be nice. The difficulty would come into play when a mold would be needed. Unless I had a dash out of a car, and had a way to make a mold, I don't know how it could be done. THe top of the dash is rough. I would need a glass like so the CF would not stick. I will keep thinking about that. If I come up with an idea, or if anyone else does, post it.