rdsk8ter Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 when making body pannels out of fiberglass what is typically used for support? is it just glass thats bent over or what is it? also any advise on what to use as far as sheets? how many layers are typically used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boodlefoof Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Do you mean, what do you use to support the fiberglass part once it is laid-up? If you're worried about your 'glass distorting, you could always make some "ribs" on the backside. I think this is what you are describing. Cut some strips of foam, lay them on the backside and then lay fiberglass cloth over them to create a rib. How many layers and what weight of cloth did you use to make the body panel itself and how are you mounting it? If attaching all the way around its perimeter and using enough cloth you may not need to reinforce it with ribs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Need more information about the part you're making. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsk8ter Posted March 19, 2007 Author Share Posted March 19, 2007 http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?p=750000#post750000 im thinking running a strip of aluminum around the back to support the bottem then putting ribs down the back side for support. it will be supported on the top and sides via glassing it on then taking brackets to the bottem back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I've had a lot of success with using 4 layers of 2 oz mat, which comes out to about 1/8" thick. For added rigidity around the edges, I fold it over to make a 90º angle (and trim later). If this reinforcement is in the middle of a larger part, then you can either bond over a foam rib, or you can bond a narrrow strip (usually I use 1" wide 1/8" thick strip) bonded perpendicular to the surface. I use the later were space does not allow a wider reinforcement. One thing to remember is that this reinforcement may (and most likely will) distort the panel slightly and become slightly noticable when viewed from the external side, due to the new glass reinforcement hardening and shrinking slightly. This then will need only a little sanding of the panel to get the shape back to the original form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsk8ter Posted March 20, 2007 Author Share Posted March 20, 2007 sweet thanks alot gotta love visuals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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