Phlebmaster Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 I have been working on making 240Z front bumper fiberglass molds. I need to know a few things. I am a total newb at this so please bear with me. This may turn out to be a very good thing for those who want a fiberglass bumper. 1. What foam should I use to fill the mold with that is not too difficult to work with? 2. What do I line the mold with to keep the foam from sticking and getting wrinkles while setting up? 3. Do I need to do anything to protect the foam from the fiberglass resin? Here is that I have so far..... This is my first attempt, but I only had twine to wrap the molding material with so I got bumps. Here is my second attempt...much better. No bumpies on the bumper. Here are the two molds and my template... Please help me with what to do next, I want to do this right. Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlebmaster Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 I have done some more reading and I think I will practice using the silicone sealant as a backing inside the mold so the foam won't stick to it. I may also use this on the foam, this should keep the end fiberglass product looking as smooth as possible and should release much better than anything else. I will try coating the mold that has the ridges first (my first attempt) to see if I can get that to work. Then go for the good one if that all works out. More updates to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8_DatZun Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Hmmm... When i made my foam structure for my hoodscoop i glued the foam together with silicon... IDK how the fiberglass would react with it, but just gluing my foam together with it worked great, and i had no reactions that i noticed. The foam stuck to the hood good with silicon also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlebmaster Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 Hmmm... When i made my foam structure for my hoodscoop i glued the foam together with silicon... IDK how the fiberglass would react with it, but just gluing my foam together with it worked great, and i had no reactions that i noticed. The foam stuck to the hood good with silicon also That is some good input, I appreciate your time. Thank you! I plan on using the foam as a positive mold for the fiberglass. I am new at this so I will keep updating this thread as I move forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlebmaster Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 Progress...... I had some copper sheeting, so I lined the fiberglass mold I made with it so I can put carnuba wax and releasing agent inside of the mold. This will help keep the resin from sticking. I plan on making one positive mold as well out of foam to see which way comes out better. Here are the steps I took...... This copper should make the fiberglass super smooth.. Here is the fiberglass mold I made before I lined it with silicone sealant and copper. I coated the entire inner surface with silicone before placing the copper inside. I used the fiberglass bumper Paul gave me as a template and pressed the mold with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big-phil Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 man thats super cool! nice work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-ya Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Aaron, Why not just use stock bumpers to make a mold from. Mold release wax will prevent them from sticking to the resin. Here is a thread I started when I was making some molds from BSR parts: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=132218&highlight=makin%27+molds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlebmaster Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 Aaron, Why not just use stock bumpers to make a mold from. Mold release wax will prevent them from sticking to the resin. Here is a thread I started when I was making some molds from BSR parts: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=132218&highlight=makin%27+molds Nice thread! I just read through it all. Thanks for the link, that info will prove helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phlebmaster Posted July 23, 2009 Author Share Posted July 23, 2009 I am realizing that this is not a quick project at all. I also feel that I am over thinking my process. I have a copy mold of the original part done and it is made out of FG. At this point I just really need to slow down and think about my process a bit and do some more reading before I ruin the mold I made or my original part. I am going to make one, but not unless I do more research first and maybe even find someone who is willing to mentor me with a hands on tutorial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefjaren Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 looking good keep it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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