Carbon Fiber parts - what to make ?

[SoyRacer]

I have an opportunity to manufacture Carbon Fiber parts but I want it to be a worthwhile investment. Access to the autoclave is limited but these are aviation grade parts so - give me some ideas. What will sell if I make 20 - 50 - 100 ?

Highest quality so expect to pay for it.

Air cooled 911 Carrera style shroud is already under works.

What else. Chime in please.

[manbridge 74]

Parts in the rear.

Engine tin.
Bumper.
Deck lid.
Cross bar.

There was a guy making CF tail light housings.

Masterpiece stuff would include fan and housing. Oil tank.

Muffler might be nice. Motorcycles have used them.

[Bergo]

possible ideas? smugglers box cover, blower motor cover, heater block off plates, heater backdate plates, shift joint cover, rear fuse panel cover, front fuse panel cover, engine tins, lower dash, switch bezel, door panels/map pockets

personally: I want backdate front signal housings with 9" flare fitment (use late fenders(oem 930) but achieve backdate look)

[spyerx]

Naca duct style front turn signal replacement to vent to oil cooler.

[tips]

80% of parts mentioned have been produced in CF for a short while and then disappeared.

im assuming sales were disappointing. the aircooled crowd doesn't like cf or doesn't like paying for cf don't know which.

[SoyRacer]

Originally Posted by tips

80% of parts mentioned have been produced in CF for a short while and then disappeared.

im assuming sales were disappointing. the aircooled crowd doesn't like cf or doesn't like paying for cf don't know which.

I had noticed that and was wondering if it was just me being too critical. If that's really the case then maybe I'll just do a short run of parts for my own cars and be done with it.

[914efi]

Intake manifold.

[Fly911]

The main driver for CF parts must be to save weight! So speaking for myself, here is what I will do at some point:
-Engine deck lid (duck tail)
-F/R bumpers (possibly Ruf style)
-Front trunk lid
-Front fenders
-Doors (the originals weigh a ton!!!)
-Possibly rear fenders (standard Carrera/SC flares)
-Roof section
-Seats

All other parts that are possible to manufacture in CF are just cosmetics, and to me not interesting.

One interesting part would be a roll bar or full roll cage in CF. There are already some on the market (not for 911) that are FIA approved. My mild steel roll cage weigh a ton...

With all external body parts in CF, poly carbonate windows, and other light weight parts, you can get the car well below 2,000lbs, and still keep it with the original look! That would be pretty cool!!!

[McLaren-TAG]

I have a couple of thoughts on the lack of volume sales;

-disproportionate high price
-a bit blinggie, not the sort of thing you'd want in a vintage air cooled 911 so inherently not the right demographic
-they're always going to be a niche market

[tdw28210]

doors....doors and.....doors

[4495]

I'd like a CF fuse cover and a CF center console for my '84 would be hella cool.

[Racerbvd]

We have a member here who made some very cool parts, including a replica of a factory hardtop for a Cab, and one of the cooler pieces he made was a replacement rear reflector (SC).
911/930 Reflector Replacement Panel Blowout!
I think fog light pods (rally lights) and Cibie style hood mount fog light housings would be cool.

[PWICK911]

Some CF detailing parts are available in the uk.
Purely for looks in my view- how many race there cars?
Problem is high prices and questionable quality???

I would be interested!

[RSTarga]

I'd think the biggest problem for these parts now has been the push towards everyone wanting original cars.

[onevoice]

A reasonably priced targa top will sell

[impactbumper]

Replicate NLA parts. Making parts already in production in carbonfiber is not a good investment. Noone will pay thousands of dollars on body panels.

[75 911s]

I want a CF hood for 500 bucks. And a duck for 500.

[bpu699]

CF is mostly used for cosmetics for most folks... There is a limited amount folks will pay for this...

If you make expensive parts, buyers will be limited...

If you figure out a way to do it reasonably (read CHEAP), you will make money...

Suggestions:

1) Gear lever top (the ball, with the shifting pattern)... Never understood why these are $100+... Make one for $30 and you will sell hundreds/thousands...

2) CF motor FAN... That would look cool

3) CF wheel caps/inserts...

Good luck!

[Mick_D]

Dash Panels. Glovebox Door. instrument cluster panel. Do a whole dash! Center console. Door panels.
Now that you do them in CF you can do them in standard FRP and sell them for far less.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by SoyRacer

I had noticed that and was wondering if it was just me being too critical. If that's really the case then maybe I'll just do a short run of parts for my own cars and be done with it.

I think most of the parts that I have seen made have been wet-layup, not prepreg. Even then, there has been a limited demand.

There's also a big difference between a cosmetic part and something done for aerospace or racing. Most people probably wouldn't want a super light part for a street car.

I would suggest making the parts you want for yourself and offering copies at the time you make them. If you're going to make a mold, using it a few times more won't hurt. You might defray your costs a bit but you won't get rich.

JR