How to mold fiberglass?

[DrDubbleB]

Hey guys, I'm new to zilvia, but have been an active member of 240sx.org for sometime now. Anyways, I was just wondering how you mold fiberglass? Do you just use resin, hardener, and then the fiber? Also, are there any special techniques to keep in mind while molding? I plan on doing some custom gauge pods and a holder for a boost controller and turbo timer (I don't have the SR swap done yet, but soon...). Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Oh jesus...it posted three times!!!!  SORRY :-/

(Edited by DrDubbleB at 8:58 pm on Feb. 25, 2002)

[duderiffic]

So you're trying to make something that molds into where?  Say your a-pillar.  It would be easiest to start with almost like a wooden mockup, which would probably consist of something a little bit larger than the face of your gauge... you can use two rings to flush the gauge too.  Then you will try and work the best you can into working the otherside.... tell me what you're trying to mold it onto, if you want to be able to screw it onto something or what... and I'll try and help you out..

Jeff

[DrDubbleB]

Well...in this instance it would be molding to the dash...and I would actually mold it, not screw it, unless I have to...in which case putty would cover that up.  It would probably be either two or three...that I haven't decided yet...thanks for any help though! : )

[kustom]

OK, here goes:
-Mask off the ENTIRE interior, resin is a bitch.
-Slap down dbl sided tape to area to be molded.
-Carefully lay down THICK saran wrap onto the tape,
do not puncture the plastic wrap or stretch it too tight.
-Mix up 'yer resin and hardener, don't mix it too hot (not
too much hardener) or it will melt the adhesive on the
tape.
-Spread resin with brush and lay down your first layer of
chopped mat until the resin is absorbed fully and there
is no puddling.
-Allow to cure and reinforce with more chopped mat.
-Cut baffle to fit component from whatever.
-Position baffle on new base mold and fasten with metal
stirps.
-Stretch T-Shirt mat'l or stretchy fleece over the thing
and soak in resin.
-Allow to cure and remove fasteners (if possible) from
inside of pod.
-Apply Bondo and sand smooth
-Apply Contact cement to surface and vinyl to be used
-Allow to cure
-Stretch vinyl over surface and trim
-Stick your stuff in and your done.

*Just like building speaker pods.

[DrDubbleB]

Sweet...thanks...I've gotten a lot more help on this little project than I thought that I would.  I guess now is the time to go ahead and start on it!