I've been turning over a mod in my mind--Lotus-style rocker scoops something like this



It seems to me the easiest way to make them is to cut some aluminum tube to a tapered shape (and cheapest, since I have reams of the stuff already), cut a matching hole in the rocker, bond and finsh...

Only fly in the ointment is how to bond them in place so it doesnt crack off in a short time. If I was making them from glass I'd just use SMC, but have no idea what to use for aluminum to plastic.

If there is no good way to bond the aluminum on, I can use a piece of tube as a mold, but being a fiero owner I'm naturally cheap.

(pssst....no stealing my idea until I have a set built )

I would not built it out of aluminum. Aside from the bonding issues, you run into different thermal expansions, so it's going to fall apart no matter what.

It seems the easiest thing would be to cut a tube like shown, and then apply fiberglass on the inside, and slide it out when it's cured.

It doesn't really look like a tube though - maybe more like a flattened tube. You might consider using PVC. You can stick a tube in the oven to soften it up, and sit on it. I don't think resin sticks to PVC either, so it would make an easy mold.

The aluminum would be perfect for a fiberglass mold. But I wouldn't try to incorporate it into a plastic body panel. That's just asking for trouble.

Thanks...I knda figgured. It would be no problem if I could get some kind of mechanical connection (rivets ect) but that just wont work for the rockers.

Just heat up the pipe and press it in, when it cools off pull it out.
Hmm I wonder if that would work and how hot the pipe would have to be.

Use pvc for the mold, then make pieces that are totally fiberglass.

Ill bet PCV and SMC materials are very similar. You might use those to make your parts and SMC type filler to smooth it. I do agree though, best to make molds and make the pieces themselves out of fiberglass.

Bah all these nay sayers. Just make a concoction of gorilla glue, super glue, crazy glue, hot glue, and duct tape and that should make such an adhesive as to bond anything with anything. Now seriously... when you cut the aluminum could you cut out tabs on the aluminum and lay fiberglass strips over the tabs on the inside of the rocker enough to hold it in? That would not require you to have to do any with sanding but should bond to the rocker enough to hold it on. I could draw a picture of my idea if it would help.

They sell abs plastic tubes, just like the pvc pipes and fittings. They are usually black instead of white.

Go to a carpet store and see what they have for tubes the carpet get rolled around in cardboard. Easy to work with and not flimsy at all. The glass till you drop.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: Thanks...I knda figgured. It would be no problem if I could get some kind of mechanical connection (rivets ect) but that just wont work for the rockers.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/063901.html These are on ebay recently
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PONT...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It looks good on the lotus i hope you go all out and make em from scratch however you might want to buy something and modify it these guys might have your desired look
http://www.talonbodystyling...accord/accord139.htm
Those guys been using that style across everything here in Australia for years i would have done similar to my car but i was looking for a slightly less recognised kit.

I have just mounted aftermarket side skirts with a lot of work involved.
http://www.muckup.com/side002.jpg
http://www.muckup.com/side003.jpg
http://www.muckup.com/side004.jpg
http://www.muckup.com/side006.jpg
Looking a lot better will update pics soon.
It would be easier adding the pipe hole to mine now and get the desired look been thinking about it but also loving it as is but figured it was easier picking something which requires less work easier to cut bits n pieces than to form everything from fresh glass. EG like some Vette kit cut paste make ur holes.

[This message has been edited by Australian (edited 10-04-2007).]

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PROJECT 1986 GT Stormbringer