Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: HolyCount on 28 November 2008, 18:39:09

Title: Fibreglassing
Post by: HolyCount on 28 November 2008, 18:39:09
As some might (or might not) know, HN03 and I are building a buggy each, and hopefully won't kill ourselves off roading in the summer  :D

Anyway --- I have just bought the moulds for an engine cover for it .... trouble is the only stuff I have ever done with fibre glass is using it to cover small holes ..... never "made" anything out of it ....  :-/

Hopefully, as long as I don't knacker the mould I will eventually turn out something along these lines:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/maddogmulgrew/Buggy/p8260054.jpg)

BTW -- the reason I now have the mould is that no-one else likes this engine cover (except me) and it was going to be broken up  :(
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Gaffers on 28 November 2008, 20:59:09
You will have to start out with the gelcoat and work in shifts depending on the cure time of the resin.  I beleive there are some epoxies and polys out there that you can spray on with the right equipment.  Worth looking into if you want a pro job.

Good luck  :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 November 2008, 21:17:38
Dont know anything about fiberglass..

Car is lovely..and if the engine is a bit strong going to be a joy to drive..
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: HolyCount on 28 November 2008, 21:44:09
Thank you Cem -- that isn't the one I am building --- but the same model --- she should be a lot of fun. Even with a smaller engine as she only weighs in at 550KG  ;)

Gaffers -- what do you recommend as a release agent ?  I have seen carnuba wax used as well as PVA. ?

Have also seen some resinless matting -- which cures in UV -- comes already wetted --- might research that a bit more.
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: kris9128 on 28 November 2008, 22:01:51
would it be worth dropping debs a line mate. just a thought :) :)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 28 November 2008, 22:06:00
Quote
Thank you Cem -- that isn't the one I am building --- but the same model --- she should be a lot of fun. Even with a smaller engine as she only weighs in at 550KG  ;)

Gaffers -- what do you recommend as a release agent ?  I have seen carnuba wax used as well as PVA. ?

Have also seen some resinless matting -- which cures in UV -- comes already wetted --- might research that a bit more.

550 Kg  :o

with a 2 liter engine you can fly  ::)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: HolyCount on 28 November 2008, 22:10:04
Quote
would it be worth dropping debs a line mate. just a thought :) :)

Cheers Kris -- good idea  :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Martin_1962 on 28 November 2008, 22:39:05
I wonder if Debs has any more Carbon Fibre?
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Kevin Wood on 28 November 2008, 23:05:45
Quote
550 Kg  :o

with a 2 liter engine you can fly  ::)

I'd be surprised if it weighs that much, TBH. My Westfield only weighs in at 650kg, and that's in full-on lardy touring around trim with 15" wheels all round, spare wheel, weather gear, tool kit, jack, etc. and RWD gearbox, prop and diff.

.. and with the best part of 200BHP it flies OK.


Kevin
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Gaffers on 29 November 2008, 05:35:28
I have never actually used moulds before so I think Debs would be best answering that one.  One thing I can say for sure:

-get all the air bubbles out before it kicks
-use a mask, gloves and face mask
-when doing it get ready to sleep only a few hours a time as you layer it up and wait for it to cure.

My only concern with the UV curing is that it will deteriorate slowly in the sun.  There are UV proof gelcoats which you can get, normally for marine use, but that would protect the resin underneath.
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Leomas on 29 November 2008, 08:21:08
I did lots of fibreglass work on dinghys and the like and can honestly say I'm almost mediocre. It's another one of those tasks where speed and quality are mutually exclusive attributes and I don't have the patience to learn be patient.
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 11:18:53
I use this place when I need fibre stuff for my trikes http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/all_products.php
They are very quick with delivery and have a few useful guides if you are unsure.

Oh yeah, they do carbon cloth as well if you are feeling flush ;)

Good luck and keep us posted of progress, always like to see something different. Just one question, you say off road, are you not making them road legal, be much more fun?
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: HolyCount on 29 November 2008, 13:24:51
Quote
I use this place when I need fibre stuff for my trikes http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/all_products.php
They are very quick with delivery and have a few useful guides if you are unsure.

Oh yeah, they do carbon cloth as well if you are feeling flush ;)

Good luck and keep us posted of progress, always like to see something different. Just one question, you say off road, are you not making them road legal, be much more fun?

Cheers Nabsim -- will have a look there. Quite fancy carbon look, but might try the cheaper stuff first  ::)

Yes -- will be making them road legal too --- hopefully will get through SVA before the fees go up at the end of April. Even if they fail then I will have 6 months of summer build time to get them through at the old price !!!!
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Lazydocker on 29 November 2008, 14:49:07
Debs is definitely your friend here... Haven't seen her on for a few days though so she must be busy doing farm type stuff ::) ::) :y :y

I'm sure she'll be along this weekend to share her experience and knowledge :y :y :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 16:52:45
Quote
Quote
I use this place when I need fibre stuff for my trikes http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/all_products.php
They are very quick with delivery and have a few useful guides if you are unsure.

Oh yeah, they do carbon cloth as well if you are feeling flush ;)

Good luck and keep us posted of progress, always like to see something different. Just one question, you say off road, are you not making them road legal, be much more fun?

Cheers Nabsim -- will have a look there. Quite fancy carbon look, but might try the cheaper stuff first  ::)

Yes -- will be making them road legal too --- hopefully will get through SVA before the fees go up at the end of April. Even if they fail then I will have 6 months of summer build time to get them through at the old price !!!!

I am hoping I have missus's trike ready and SVA'd early next year. Not managed to get anything done on it for ages though cos of rebuilding mine. Keeps you busy though dont it? :)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: oceansoul on 29 November 2008, 16:59:29
have you got a project build thread or anything anywhere???
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 17:04:41
If you need electrical stuff for the build I have found these quite good. Only problem is it is too easy to overspend :(
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/home/homepage.php
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: HolyCount on 29 November 2008, 18:10:17
Thanks for that link Nabsim -- know exactly what you mean with the spending!!!!

Be great to see some pics of the trike sometime  :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 18:15:55
This ones mine, its still undergoing a refit. Had been thinking about trying to fit the scooter back end for ages. Its on now but may go again :)

Still got to change the rear wheels for some alloys I have painted up, had to replace the engine after the block cracked as well but its almost there.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q122/nabsim/Newside2.jpg)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 29 November 2008, 18:18:20
I have fancied a trike for as long as I can remember, wonder if I should use my GLS to build one. ::)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 18:52:34
Quote
I have fancied a trike for as long as I can remember, wonder if I should use my GLS to build one. ::)

I am seriously thinking about using the V6 out my vec for the next one ;)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Kevin Wood on 29 November 2008, 19:23:18
Quote
If you need electrical stuff for the build I have found these quite good. Only problem is it is too easy to overspend :(
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/home/homepage.php

Seconded. Very good range of stuff and it arrives quick. :y

What engine is that in your beastie, nabsim? Looks vaguely familiar but I can't place it.

Kevin
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Andy B on 29 November 2008, 21:05:24
Quote
....
What engine is that in your beastie, nabsim? Looks vaguely familiar but I can't place it.

Kevin

It looks suspiciously like a 'yellow top' Reliant 850 from a Robin etc  :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 21:40:39
Its is indeed a Reliant 850 high compression engine, top marks that man :)

Was originally a 750 until the block let go. Always inteded changing it so no big deal apart from it has taken all year with other stuff. Comes from having to work outside and not much good weather when I have been off work :(
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Andy B on 29 November 2008, 21:43:27
Quote
Its is indeed a Reliant 850 high compression engine, top marks that man :)

Was originally a 750 until the block let go. Always inteded changing it so no big deal apart from it has taken all year with other stuff. Comes from having to work outside and not much good weather when I have been off work :(

I have a couple of the ordinary 850's knocking about.  :y
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: nabsim on 29 November 2008, 21:45:58
I have another high comp one that I am rebuilding in the shed. If you look at the block the high comp ones have 'horizontal 'ribs' cast in them. Course if you lift the head it will say on the piston crown as well but looking at block is easier ;)
Title: Re: Fibreglassing
Post by: Andy B on 29 November 2008, 21:59:48
Quote
I have another high comp one that I am rebuilding in the shed. If you look at the block the high comp ones have 'horizontal 'ribs' cast in them. Course if you lift the head it will say on the piston crown as well but looking at block is easier ;)

Mmm! Well worth noting for the future. IIRC the high compression makes them kick out a heady 40-ish bhp!!
It's a 'B' axle I'd like to get hold of ... just in case I ever did anything with my Bond Bug project .... I've not for the last4 years or so.  :-[