I am not talking about carbon fiber overlays or anything that looks like carbon fiber. I am talking about the real deal.

This has always been something that I have wondered about. I know the import market has a lot of carbon fiber parts available depending on what platform that you have. I have a carbon fiber hood and driveshaft on my Dodge Stealth.

It is my understanding that a lot of fiberglass professionals can also do carbon fiber. With all the fiberglassers in our community, why isn't there any real carbon fiber parts? I would like to see a carbon fiber hood or decklid with a unique design or even a stock looking one. My CF hood is 13# compared to the 53# steel hood that I have on my garage wall. The Fiero hood is 40 something pounds so we are still looking at a 30# drop for the performance enthusiasts. I have seen carbon fiber dashes, fenders, air dams, spoilers, etc.

Are there any Carbon Fiber professionals in the Fiero community?

Lots of the "import scene" carbon fiber is not real carbon fiber but black fiberglass mat. I have seen a lot of hondas with what they claim is fiberglass but when you pick it up you know that it's not by the weight, It's thicker than heck and still flexible, etc...

quote Originally posted by timgray: Lots of the "import scene" carbon fiber is not real carbon fiber but black fiberglass mat. I have seen a lot of hondas with what they claim is fiberglass but when you pick it up you know that it's not by the weight, It's thicker than heck and still flexible, etc...

Yes, there is a lot of fake carbon fiber in the import arena too. Kids driving their mom's Hondas can't afford to buy a real carbon fiber hood.

That is not what this thread is about. I'm looking for the real deal.

I have never seen black fiberglass. BUT, a lot of people in our industry use carbon fiber cloth and the same resin that is used in traditional glass. The weight comes from the amount of resin that is "soaked" into the mat. That amount is determined by how many layers it is and how tight the weave is. It usually is carbon fiber, just not heat-release like we all think about in extreme light weight carbon fiber race components. (defeating the original purpose but still looking good )

edit to add: A lot of that stuff is vinyl and seems like there was a thread recently about a faux finish that can be done to the paint.

and: My experience is based in Surfboard manufacturing and I realize that the automotive industry may have different products available

[This message has been edited by psychosurfer (edited 09-04-2008).]

As far as I know, nobody makes anything in carbon fiber. But if you really want the look of carbon fiber, you might try painting it on.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...90zY&feature=related
I helped a friend, do this to his tool box. 4' X 6' It was real easy to do.

[This message has been edited by RumbleB (edited 09-04-2008).]

Sage may want to chime in on this since he is the resident fiberglass expert

HI all

The website below is the only place i'm aware of that sells carbon fiber parts for the fiero... The headliner is suppose to be top notch, jus run the mouse over the "Products" highlight, as there are a couple of different parts made.......

http://www.kingdomcustoms.com/index.shtml

I also would like to see more CF, but since I can't really afford to tinker, let alone buy some rite now, i've no say really.........

edit: There is a CF decklid, but i've never seen pics of one installed here.... The headliner was bought by a couple people in here, including the Car Design student from FL. (?).... He has the orange fiero he calls the GTR, not to be confused with Fie_ro who calls his car "Concept GTR".....
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Me, I sell engines, the cars are for free, I need something to crate the engines in....
Enzo Ferrari....

Today they are called garage's, yesterday, they were stable's! Eric Jacobsen....

[This message has been edited by pavo_roddy (edited 09-04-2008).]

When I bought my first roll of carbon fiber cloth I was in for two surprises. One: We buy fiberglass rolls of 150 yards at a time for a couple bucks a yard for K cloth. Carbon rolls are MUCH smaller (shorter) and cost much more. Two: You can't cut the carbon weave with "normal" scissors like fiberglass. At the time I first started working with the carbon I could only find a few offerings for cutting the carbon cloth. If I recall the carbon-cutting scissors were over a hundred bucks USD. Had to use them too as opposed to a wheel because of the process for trimming the mat for each board.

Just thought this info may help anyone who is experienced with glass and has been wanting to dabble in carbon

A lot of the carbon fiber you see IS "real." The use of resin gives it that laminated "fake" look. Carbon cloth absorbs a good bit less resin than traditional fiberglass cloth, but still enough to look "off."

I seem to recall a process shown on t.v. a few years ago with carbon fiber that has a hardening agent in the material that is set-off with heat and pressure. This process is VERY expensive and produces the thin, "un-laminated" look of the carbon components used on race cars.

[This message has been edited by psychosurfer (edited 09-04-2008).]

I just started working with carbon fiber; pretty cool stuff, but very delicate to handle. I'm looking into producing CF door mirror housings, either stock replacement and/or re-styled. I don't have a website yet, but I've been posting my work & ideas on this thread here:

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/F.../HTML/057460-17.html

Stay tuned.

Rob
FieroVation
FieroInteriors@Juno.com
Seattle, WA. USA

Here is some CF101 that I found on some site and posted it on CFF. What resin is your hood using?

http://tinyurl.com/6qwdzv

[This message has been edited by FierociousGT (edited 09-05-2008).]

No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers.
The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots!

For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

That sums it up right there

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 09-05-2008).]

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

x3

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My Build Thread

quote Originally posted by RumbleB: As far as I know, nobody makes anything in carbon fiber. But if you really want the look of carbon fiber, you might try painting it on. http://www.youtube.com/watc...90zY&feature=related I helped a friend, do this to his tool box. 4' X 6' It was real easy to do.

I can't imagine this looking accurate. Real CF is slightly reflective in the light. How would you get that affect, reflective paint? How would this look any different than crappy checkerboard wannabe CF?

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

I agree completely. Cars are expensive hobbies, do it right , do it your self, or don't moan. I'm on pokeys list for a set if he gets them done, i don't care if the cost 600 a pair. I want the right parts.

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

Nothing but the truth.... I could have not said it better myself.

[This message has been edited by FierociousGT (edited 09-05-2008).]

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

You do make a valid point. People in this community are used to getting upgrades out of a junk yard. No custom made part is ever going to approach prices that you can get out of a junkyard.

I think there are cheapskates in every nonexotic car community. I hope it does not discourage people from making things for the community. Usually the cheapskates are very loud about their opinions. Buyers usually don't get as much notice. If someone posts a item for sale and 5 cheapskates post it is overpriced, then will anyone notice when one guy buys it at the bottom of the thread?

Added that place to favorites. His c.f. headliner doesn't seem to be much more then a stock style replacement one.

quote Originally posted by AusFiero: No offence intended here but I am sure I will ruffle some feathers. The reason there is no carbon fibre parts is because Fiero owners are too cheap in general. How many times do you see things posted here that people make, that are a great price, then a group of people bitches and moans that it is too expensive? Lots! For instance. Pokey is doing rear GT quarter windows, the right way. And already people are saying ridiculous things like he should sell them for $199. To put that one in perspective I know where I can get some OEM originals at present but they will cost $1000.00 AU or about $$850 US. Not cheap, but if you want the right parts, pay for them. The same applies to aftermarket parts.

A +++++ for you! This is the truth! Quality costs!!!! I think (hope) that as the Fiero gains interest in teh automotive community over the next sevral years, products will be introduced to quench the thirst of those who are able/willing to sink some bucks in these cars. Please dotn get me wrong. I am not eager to have these cars priced out of the price range of many, just excited about the potential to have a more diverse after market selection

I have the kingdomcustoms.com decklid the top layer is CF, but the bottom is fiberglass. It saves a little weight, but I would just buy a regular decklid if I had to do it again. I only got it because my original was damaged.


Sean

quote Originally posted by cunninghamsean: I have the kingdomcustoms.com decklid the top layer is CF, but the bottom is fiberglass. It saves a little weight, but I would just buy a regular decklid if I had to do it again. I only got it because my original was damaged. Sean

It is normal for carbon fiber to have a fiberglass reinforcement in the form of the frame on the bottom of the hood. Does your decklid have it just as the frame or is there fiberglass sandwiched in behind the CF?

[This message has been edited by Doug85GT (edited 09-06-2008).]

Fiberglass is relatively easy and inexpensive to do, and can be done in the garage if you want. There are some good articles at www.fibreglast.com , but it will not get you multi-million dollar race team results. To do CF right, you need expensive tooling and an autoclave.

Bob

quote Originally posted by Dan Ro: I can't imagine this looking accurate. Real CF is slightly reflective in the light. How would you get that affect, reflective paint? How would this look any different than crappy checkerboard wannabe CF?

Did you watch the video? It looks like CF to me and so does my friends tool box. Pearl clear coat and the three colors were metalic.

quote Originally posted by RumbleB: Did you watch the video? It looks like CF to me and so does my friends tool box. Pearl clear coat and the three colors were metalic.

Yeah I watched the video, it just looked like the fake CF checkerboard vinyl. Maybe I would have to see this in person.

There was a member here a few years ago that tried to build a carbon fiber decklid. I'm not sure whatever happened to it, but the thread about it is here....

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...040223-1-020219.html