Heavy Metal! Part Deux - The Carbon Copy

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by skinnerd

If you ever want to try and make something like this, I'd be in...in a heart beat.

That is in the works... but not planning the SWB version at the moment.

As a matter of market research, how much is the appeal of that part related to its bare carbon finish? What are your thoughts on the stripe down the middle? I personally find it a bit busy.

I've been experimenting with doing a seam down the middle of parts to make them appear more symmetrical. The carbon always looks like it runs at 45 degrees across the part but the cloth can cut down the middle and flipped over.

I'd rather just continue to make stuff that's light and strong and ready for paint, but there seems to be great demand for the look of that cloth...

[Glenfield]

Light, strong and ready for paint over here Jonny. As Roosevelt once said, speak softly and carry a light stick

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

Light, strong and ready for paint over here Jonny. As Roosevelt once said, speak softly and carry a light stick

LOL. Perfect!

[skinnerd]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

That is in the works... but not planning the SWB version at the moment.

As a matter of market research, how much is the appeal of that part related to its bare carbon finish? What are your thoughts on the stripe down the middle? I personally find it a bit busy.

I've been experimenting with doing a seam down the middle of parts to make them appear more symmetrical. The carbon always looks like it runs at 45 degrees across the part but the cloth can cut down the middle and flipped over.

I'd rather just continue to make stuff that's light and strong and ready for paint, but there seems to be great demand for the look of that cloth...

This is just me but I would only want it in bare carbon fiber....the cf look is half the appeal.
And I do like the stripe down the middle for the symmetry it lends.
Perhaps there is no market for what I want as I'd prefer the SWB version but would buy the LWB if that was all that was available.

[Showdown]

Now if you made some of these pieces in amber fibrglass… that would be appealing.

[mnez]

I prefer the look of the bare carbon. I suppose UV protection becomes something to consider in the surface coat.

Prefer no seam in the middle.

Originally Posted by Jonny042

That is in the works... but not planning the SWB version at the moment.

As a matter of market research, how much is the appeal of that part related to its bare carbon finish? What are your thoughts on the stripe down the middle? I personally find it a bit busy.

I've been experimenting with doing a seam down the middle of parts to make them appear more symmetrical. The carbon always looks like it runs at 45 degrees across the part but the cloth can cut down the middle and flipped over.

I'd rather just continue to make stuff that's light and strong and ready for paint, but there seems to be great demand for the look of that cloth...

[KRLocke]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

As long as the Turbo doesn't actually have a turbo, I guess. As far as I know the Mini-duck is a little too Mini for an intercooler to duck under it.

You are right though. To my eyes, certain 911's look like they are lacking a bit of visual weight in the rear that this little embellishment adds in just the right amount, without overpowering the overall shape.

That looks great! Unfortunately my Turbo has a Turbo. Darn it!

[Jonny042]

A quick re-post from the for sale ad for skid plates. It's been a really long couple of weeks hammering these things out!

Originally Posted by Jonny042

Happy to report the entire batch of ten sold out, plus one more for local delivery...

Dropped them all off down in MN today after clearing US customs in person which only took a few minutes, and they'll be on the UPS truck tomorrow headed for all corners of the US and a few points between! Also three stayed in Canada...



My sincerest of thanks to everyone who showed interest and purchased. I'll be posting a for sale ad for these on a made-to-order basis and will update this thread with a link once I have a chance to figure out what the full retail price will be.

Thanks again, Jon

[nico55]

Originally Posted by Showdown

Now if you made some of these pieces in amber fibrglass… that would be appealing.

An amber ducktail would be great

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by nico55

An amber ducktail would be great

This enthusiasm for amber frp is interesting...

Are you guys saying amber fiberglass as in, not painted, but amber showing on the outside surface?

Once a mold is made the sky is the limit... and a fiberglass part made with the infusion process can be impressively light even if it gives up stiffness compared to carbon. Getting the right amber hue will require experimentation as it was a result of UV damage and heat in the old days - the modern epoxy suffers much less in this regard so would have to be dyed.

As for carbon, the endless options for weave orientation and seams and v-weave, etc. will probably drive me insane!

[nico55]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

This enthusiasm for amber frp is interesting...

Are you guys saying amber fiberglass as in, not painted, but amber showing on the outside surface?

Once a mold is made the sky is the limit... and a fiberglass part made with the infusion process can be impressively light even if it gives up stiffness compared to carbon. Getting the right amber hue will require experimentation as it was a result of UV damage and heat in the old days - the modern epoxy suffers much less in this regard so would have to be dyed.

As for carbon, the endless options for weave orientation and seams and v-weave, etc. will probably drive me insane!

I would like an amber finish just like the eb motorsport amber engine shrouds - if you could make it consider the first one sold to Belgium

[Showdown]

I think for many of us, the appearance of carbon fiber on an early 911 is out of place whereas the amber fiberglass appears period correct and to a degree, inline with the ethos that was driving Porsche in the 60s.

[jac1976]

Originally Posted by Showdown

I think for many of us, the appearance of carbon fiber on an early 911 is out of place whereas the amber fiberglass appears period correct and to a degree, inline with the ethos that was driving Porsche in the 60s.

I’m in this camp. I, and I assume Julian and the rest of the community, am no less impressed by your work with carbon fiber.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Showdown

I think for many of us, the appearance of carbon fiber on an early 911 is out of place whereas the amber fiberglass appears period correct and to a degree, inline with the ethos that was driving Porsche in the 60s.

Originally Posted by jac1976

I’m in this camp. I, and I assume Julian and the rest of the community, am no less impressed by your work with carbon fiber.

I'm with you guys 100% - I don't envision, or foresee, the Carbon Copy as having any visible carbon cloth anywhere. But I also did not expect the demand for visible parts to be a great as it is.

My stated goal for the parts I'm selling (to offset the project cost, don't forget!) is morphing slightly from "make parts that are light and strong and suitable for painting" to "make parts that are light and strong and suitable for painting, but are still attractive enough to run bare if desired".

That does also perfectly dovetail with my belief that a project or part should look good while you're making it - and even unfinished projects should be attractive. I'll gladly prime and paint every single carbon part but there's no fun in making ugly stuff .

And while not period correct, had the 60's factory teams had CFRP available to them I'm sure they would have used it to good effect! So it fits with the ethos in a way.

[colingreene]

The coolest carbon parts are when you can see the weave through the paint in the right light.
Exposed carbon to me is very bleh. its a utility part.

[AG81]

I'll chime in here with regards to period correct. I completely understand those who might decide to modify their cars with items that may have been available in the time period that their cars were built. Then there are hot rod Porsche guys who don't care as long as the part serves a purpose (or maybe it's just cool). Either way I wouldn't want carbon exposed on my 72 or amber fiberglass for that matter (maybe in the engine bay??? nope I'm good. Maybe in conjunction with a $28,000 flat fan setup ok ok you got me I give lets do it.) . So I'll be painting the mini duck Jon so graciously made me. It looks too pretty to paint but paint it will get. Thanks again Jon.

[oliver07r]

Chiquita 911ST 2.3, Tour Auto 2024 , full amber FG hood/fenders/decklid/bumpers

[scootermcrad]

Originally Posted by Jonny042

This enthusiasm for amber frp is interesting...

SEE?! It's not just me!! LOL!

In all seriousness, for a hot rod that is not thinking "period correct", there is no better way to save weight and gain stiffness. There is a reason CF exists. I'm in the painted camp for something like that, I suppose, except where it jives with whatever vibe the builder/owner is going after.

I like the FRP thing for my car, which is going to be more period looking, but even then, it would be exposed parts in the engine bay, interior, or under the frunk? I've talked with the builder of the ST shown above, a couple times. Very nice work! But I'm guessing for a street car, fully amber exposed panels will start to look a little funky after awhile. Maybe even get brittle from UV exposure. Maybe not?

Keep going! Loving the CF stuff! Parts are looking awesome and you better start looking at a career change. You're gonna' get busy!

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by oliver07r

Chiquita 911ST 2.3, Tour Auto 2024 , full amber FG hood/fenders/decklid/bumpers

That is incredibly cool. I love how they added just enough balsa reinforcement in exactly the right areas to stiffen the hood and decklid. I know it's period correct to do this but it's done very minimally and strategically in this case.

I found another pic of the car (assume the same one from the raceline.ch graphics) in perhaps a later guise. A bit more subtle...

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by scootermcrad

Keep going! Loving the CF stuff! Parts are looking awesome and you better start looking at a career change. You're gonna' get busy!

I'm just getting started! I have to be careful not to get too busy though, it will ruin the fun, for one thing, but also thwart forward progress in creating new parts or finishing projects.

As always, thanks for the kind words!