Why are so many CarbonFibre parts crap?

Migs · 07-18-2004, 11:32 AM

Or is it just me? Bought the CF turn-signal covers, intake, and something else I don't recall. No where near as solid mounting as the stock stuff, didn't look great, and expensive!! All went back except for the intake that I got stuck w/ due to delay in opening the box. Thought the Illburger hugger was the hot set up, until I heard of all the failures. The hugger from Foster RAD looks good though. Waiting to see when it comes out. Now, the expensive BMW lower-cowling looks and works well. Can still do an oil change w/o problems. What else is out there that you like? Thanks.

RoundelRider · 07-18-2004, 01:48 PM

I have the CF front headlamp surround. It's the factory accessory and matches the front fender with the blue thread. Im guessing that all the BMW cabon stuff has this blue thread in it?

Anyhow, its looks awesome and fits correct.

John

Moybin · 04:39 PM

Lot of thread chatter on CF failures and shortcomings. My basic take on CF (and this is just me talking) is that things made from it are still hand-made. It is NOT a mass manufacturing material yet. Even standardized items like BMW markets were made in small shops as limited run items.

The biggest problem with CF is the same problem that exists with all composite materials, including concrete: it is impossible to efficiently perform volumetric inspections (x-ray, dye penetrant, ultrasonics, magnetic particle) on these materials. You can't find flaws without testing the items to destruction. And then you don't have a part, you have junk.

Another way of looking at it is all the REAL experience with CF is in the spook (black projects) arena. Things like components for F117 and B2 airframes. Any engineering expertise learned in development of those machines remains secret. So there are no national or international engineering standards for CF. Everyone making CF parts is experimenting. Remember the Airbus that went down outside of NYC? It was a CF failure in the tail section, and that WAS an engineered part from an internationally recognized company.

Migs · 07-18-2004, 05:51 PM

Good point there Moybin. I find the BMW stuff to fit properly, but after-market products have been disappointing. The other thing I tried was the CF seat cowl. The (sharp) edges looked like they would cut the seat soon, and I wasn't about to put a file to it. CF dust is EXTREAMLY dangerous. I was going to try to "tape" the edges and see how it would look, but didn't get 'round to it.

wswartzwel · 07-18-2004, 05:57 PM

what is dangerous about Carbon fiber dust???

Quote:

Originally posted by Migs
Good point there Moybin. I find the BMW stuff to fit properly, but after-market products have been disappointing. The other thing I tried was the CF seat cowl. The (sharp) edges looked like they would cut the seat soon, and I wasn't about to put a file to it. CF dust is EXTREAMLY dangerous. I was going to try to "tape" the edges and see how it would look, but didn't get 'round to it.

Moybin · 07-18-2004, 05:57 PM

Migs

check your local auto parts store for plastic door trim 'tube'. It's slit down one side to slip over the edge of the door to protect from parking lot dings. Might just be the thing to cover that nasty edge. To hold it in place around the corners of the cowl I would soak it in near-boiling water and hand form, then cool with cold running water.

And last of all, there is my favorite: Loctite Prism 401 surface-insensitive adhesive (industrial superglue). Bond the strip on and forget it.

Migs · 07-18-2004, 07:15 PM

Good idea. Ever hear of Loctite Green? Supposed to use the green to bond the saddle bag scuff protector kit to the bags. Damned if I can find green. CF dust is very dangerous if inhailed. I collect custom knives, and the pros have to take precautions when grinding/shaping CF for handle material. Dust recovery systems and breathing protection. Cancer causing and lung damage can result. Have a nice Bud Nealy Presentation Grade coming soon.