Any Fiberglass Experts out there?

[fastbacker]

I had an idea for my track car but have no idea about the feasibility of doing it.

What do you all think about taking fiberglass fenders, hood and bumper (73 rsr) and glassing them together to make a one piece fiberglass front end? I've seen one piece 1974 on front ends advertised for sale but not any early ones.

I've never done any fiberglass work and was wondering if this would too ambitious of a project.


Thanks-
Craig Backer

[TRE Cup]

Very feasible but you are asking for several problems
If i assume you are trying to make an easy way to remove the whole front end for access; You will have to make an easy on -off set up that receives the fenders and bumpers. There are a lot of different ideas, but usually they revolve around 4 well placed tubes on the chassis with corresponding pins on the fender/bumper assy that slips into place. then you will need quick release fasteners to secure this assembly to the car. Here is where the problems lie: The line up of all three parts (in spite of being bonded together) is very critical so this means you will always need two people to do this at a minimum. If you wish to emulate purpose built race cars (ala dp prototypes for a recent example) then you will need to make closing support panels for the overlaps, latch panels, etc etc.
Now add to this the typical damage you receive on the street or track and compound this by 3 or more panels What? more than 3 panels? Yes! if the lever action placed on the complete assembly is not disappated by the cracking of the bondo and fiberglass, where does it go? into the chassis bending as it goes till the energy is spent.
ok- one more caveat- with a one piece front end you will most likely enjoy a lot more dings and scratches on the edges touching the ground when the piece is off the car.

Here may be a better suggestion that allows one person to install/remove the parts. Do a trial bolt up of all your pieces and get the fit where you like it. Set up the three parts to be removed quickly using pilot pins/ tubing, and dzus fasteners. There are other quick release fasteners too, but the dzus seem to be most universal and easiest to install. Plan your installation of these parts so it is a logical progression of labor. ie.e: bumper first, then each fender. It is very time consuming no matter what you do, but keeping the parts separate will be the most practical
good luck
dave

[fastbacker]

Originally posted by TRE Cup
Set up the three parts to be removed quickly using pilot pins/ tubing, and dzus fasteners.

First off, thanks for the great info.

What are you referring to when you talk about pilot pins/tubing? I can't seem to visualize this.


Thank you-
Craig Backer

[TRE Cup]

hi
if i had only taken pics of the last few race cars we had built! anyway- a tube is attached to the chassis of the car. A pin is made up from steel or aluminum with the end ground down to a semi point. The tubing has slightly larger inner diameter so the pin slips into it easily. The pin is attached to the body panel so the part "falls" into place when engaged. So experienced fabricators will position the pin so the part keeps the desired gaps. Fenders usually take two set ups per side using this method- one at the back near the door opening and one below the headlamp bucket < this one serving as a support for the front bumper as well. Again, the dzus fasteners are a good way to go for quick release

Pilot pins for fenders are a little different- on the flange where you install the original bolts, you can put short pins mounted on the chassis that would "pilot" the fender into place. then the dzus fasteners are used as the actual fastening system. So the pilots are just there for positioning

[cashflyer]

Making large molds can be a huge PITA. You have weight and strength considerations, as well as dimensional stability issues. And a mold that size will weigh several hundred pounds... if not even beyond 1k lbs.

And if your first item isn't what you want, then you scrap the mold and start all over.

If you're lucky, after you've built and trashed a couple of molds and produced several bastard front ends, you may end up with a suitable product. Now, where do you store that thousand pound / thousand dollar mold that you have?

I'm not saying it cannot be done. I just don't know if it is economical.

I guess you could make them en masse and have Wayne sell them for you.....

[fastbacker]

Originally posted by cashflyer
Making large molds can be a huge PITA. You have weight and strength considerations, as well as dimensional stability issues. And a mold that size will weigh several hundred pounds... if not even beyond 1k lbs.

And if your first item isn't what you want, then you scrap the mold and start all over.

If you're lucky, after you've built and trashed a couple of molds and produced several bastard front ends, you may end up with a suitable product. Now, where do you store that thousand pound / thousand dollar mold that you have?

I'm not saying it cannot be done. I just don't know if it is economical.

I guess you could make them en masse and have Wayne sell them for you.....

What I wa actually thinking, was to bond the fiberglass fenders, bumper and hood that I already have together.



Dave-

Thanks for helpful tips. I like the fender pilot pin idea.


Thanks-
Craig Backer

[diverdan]

Well said TRE CUP!

[cashflyer]

Originally posted by fastbacker
What I wa actually thinking, was to bond the fiberglass fenders, bumper and hood that I already have together.

Oh... I thought you wanted to create a whole one-piece front end in fiberglass.

nevermind.

[rsr1975]

Check out http://www.gunnarracing.com/ website. Go to "Projects/Completed Projects/ Ratt RSR/November 26, 2003" and look through that RSR build series. Kevin Jeanette, who is terrific with fiberglass work, has created a one-piece glass front end.

[fastbacker]

Originally posted by rsr1975
Check out http://www.gunnarracing.com/ website. Go to "Projects/Completed Projects/ Ratt RSR/November 26, 2003" and look through that RSR build series. Kevin Jeanette, who is terrific with fiberglass work, has created a one-piece glass front end.

I've already seen that sight. Very Cool. Thank you.

Craig Backer