Carbon Fiber Dash?

rdc767 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 04:11 PM

Anybody cover their fiberglass dash with a layer of carbon fiber fabric? I saw a few utube video's showing how to do it. Doesn't look terrible hard. I was think of using 5.5 oz weight cloth with epoxy resin. Build up a few layers of resin and polish the finale coat. Anybody have some pictures of a carbon fiber dash in a cobra?
Ron

eddytheb · #2 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:25 AM

My only concern would be the adhesion over time, the dash from A&C is coated and made with a polyester gel coat and in the past I have seen problems with epoxy's adhering to polyester. I think if I really wanted that look I would use the stock dash to make a quick mold and lay up a all carbon fiber dash.

Stop by and see the new shop @ www.eddytheb.com

rdc767 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 11:20 PM

I understand what you are saying. I am going to try it on the pedal box cover first. I will knock down the gel coat finish and stop at 80 grit to get a rough finish so the epoxy has something to adhere too.
Thanks
Ron

COBRANIP · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 12:14 AM

What about using polyester resin instead of epoxy? I would think strength is not an issue in a dash. Also, you might want to look at West Systems web site for their expertise.
http://209.20.76.247/ss/
http://www.epoxyworks.com/22/fiberglass.html

Good luck.

rdc767 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 12:50 PM

I am going to give it try. I found some 5.5oz carbon fabric on ebay and clear epoxy resin.
So far so good. I am sanding th dash down to get most off the gel coat as possible.

I prep the footbox cover. Covered it in epoxy and let it set up for 4 hours and while it was still tacky I layed fabric out on it. I did add a black pigment to the epoxy to the base coat.

Let dry 24 hrs and I just covered with a top coat. I used a heat gun to get the bubbles out and set for 24 hrs. Just put a seconded coat on after wet sanding.

I'll post finished picture tommorrow. On to the dash.
Ron

Blittleton · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 12:58 PM

We have them for our cars as well.

Bill

gt500bill · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 09:00 PM

My Factory Five

rdc767 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2010, 04:57 PM

Well after cutting the fabric the first time. I think its done. Turned out better than I thought I could do. Now to re hook up the dash.

PNJSNAK · #9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010, 03:03 PM

Ron:
It looks very good!
Just not sure of the instrument layout, why so far to the right?
Just curious!
My suggestion is now that you can do the carbon fiber look, rethink the layout and get another dash panel from Sonny.
I know that an instrument dash layout is personnal but you RPM gage is so far to the right. Just my .02 cents, sorry, if I strayed to far.
Jim

1985 CCX · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010, 04:23 PM

Why not just use an aluminum dash?

rdc767 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-16-2010, 05:12 PM

Insturments are centered over the lower panel. Very easy to see when driving. The steering wheel doesn't block it. I would like to add a clock and will probably add it to the left side just to bring the look a bit more to the left.

Why the carbon not aluminium. Something different.
After doing this I am thinking of making a carbon lemans hardtop. Alot more challenging but I think it will be worth time.
Cheers
Ron

1985 CCX · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-2010, 05:14 PM

That hardtop sounds like a winner, can't wait to see it.

jbcobra67 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-17-2010, 09:08 AM

I think a big part of it making it your own. Something different is cool.
Keep it going, looks good.

Joey

Xavier · #14 (**permalink**) 02-17-2010, 11:42 AM

There are a lot of pressure senstive films on the market now that look precisely like carbon fibre offer great durability and can be placed on just about everything. Even compete cars are getting wrapped in this. Great for a carbon fibre look when you do not need it to be carbon fibre, there are several on the market and you cannot tell the difference. 3M and Oracal both have the films.

Just keep it in mind...

rdc767 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 06:34 AM

All back together. Took longer then I thought. But was worth it. Huge improvement.

..

working on scaled down model of a hardtop. I am doing this to learn how to vacuum bag. I going to try to use carbon fiber.

Automan · #16 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 11:26 AM

Thats very cool. i am also thinking on doing the same thing but out of metal. Now what kind of attachments are you going to use to clamp onto the windshield. Can you post a picture?

Thanks
Automan

rdc767 · #17 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 02:19 PM

Automan
I found some good threads over at the factory five forum site. I plan on using a 1/8 aluminum flat stock along the windshield track let that overhang about 1". Using high strength body filler attach a 1/2" square aluminum tube to the glass top. Pre mount bolts through that through the windshield plate secure with acorn nuts. If I can find some pics I'll post them.
I bought a smaller radiator that fits better once I'm done with that I plan on mocking up the top with foam to make the plug. Pictures to follow.
Ron

rdc767 · #18 (**permalink**) 04-16-2010, 07:09 PM

COBRANIP · #19 (**permalink**) 04-16-2010, 09:24 PM

Very nice!
Let us know how the vacuum bagging turns out.