Posted: 11/10/2010 12:47:23 AM EDT
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Winter project ahead. Build custom Dashboard. I am new to fiberglassing. I understand it is an epic undertaking, but it is the way I'm going. I have a fiberglass dash mold that is essentially a blank template in the general shape that I want it pre-surgury. Is there a good place to get a step by step on different tricks, techniques, approaches? My search foo is weak, but I've spent a few weeks pouring over google linked articles and forums. Most have to do with people making something to make a mold of something custom made, not fabricating one off stuff. I'm looking for something that talks about the most efficient ways to brace it (wood/foam/etc) how to best create different shapes, how to best attach mounting brackets, HVAC, etc.
Thanks for any direction pointing gentlemen. -CWG |
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Well, it's easier to do than it is to talk about and it can be messy to work with untill you've had experiance with it. I for one like using West System epoxys, easy to measure correctly. Do a few small practice lay-ups first to get a feel for it and read, read, read and by all means don't rush it. There are many different techniques for different applications such as vacuum bagging and foam molding and it can get quite involved and costly especially if you only want to make one (1) of something. Good luck.
10mm, when you care enough to send the very best. |
| You can use foam blocks to form your shape, but you cannot use fiberglass resin on it. It will melt the foam. use Epoxy resin. I've even seen guys make speaker panels using wood forms then stretching nylon over it and laying down a coat of resin for it to cure, then layering up the glass cloth for strength after the base has hardened. |
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Don't forget that boats are built from the outside in, starting with a gelcoat on a mold. (ergo, the layers are applied starting with the outside gelcoat layer first) This is how they are so purty... You will not be able to do this, so your project will most likely look like hell for a while before you get the peaks, valleys, pits and voids out and apply a few coats of paint.
Unless you are a masochist, you are crazy to try it if ANY dash is commercially available. |