I am getting to the stage where I have to seriously consider the bodywork for my car! On my original idea, the upper side rails were covered full length with a fibreglass moulding. I had thought of using 'Curon' pre-preg fibreglass for this as it gave a good finish without the need for a buck/mould/panel three stage process.

It seems Curon is no longer available. I must confess, I find the idea of fibreglassing quite daunting - it would also be very messy = anti-social in the domestic garage! A compromise I came up with a while ago was to use simple flat/single curvature panels at the rear and the modified Beetle Bonnet (!) and the front - suitably fillered of course!

So, my question to the collective is this: Original Fibreglass plan - Expensive, time consuming, messy but best looking (if I get it right....) or simple panels - compromise on looks but much easier to do!

Here are some pictures to help!:

Original Plan:


[img]
Description [/img]

Simple panels:

[img]
Description [/img]


Description


[img]
Description [/img]
[img]
Description [/img]

If you decide to go for fibreglass consider glass over foam - much less skill and time and effort and money compared with building a buck and then pulling a panel.

Something like this http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_112926/article.html

Since 90% of the effort is sanding down foam blocks it's a lot less antisocial compared with the resin bit.
Panels can potentially be lighter as well which is a win

I like the idea of glass over foam - there were some negative comments on here about the toxicity of epoxy resin that were putting me off - any thoughts appreciated (likewise anyone in the Lincoln-Newark-Grantham area who can help me )

If you use the right foam (polyurethane I think) then you can use polyester resin which is much safer if not as highly performing. I'd talk to one of the material suppliers about compatibility and safety e.g.

http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/
or
http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/


It's the method they use to make surfboards so worth a poke around the web to see how they do it.
Also at ECS they have a surfboard course which could be applicable if you're into courses.

pre-preg carbonfiber?

or

vacuumformed pieces (PC)

It was pre preg fibre glass that came on a roll, already with a smooth finish. You peeled one side of plastic wrap off, formed it, and then when you peeled the blue wrap off the other side, it cured with uv light. I has some samples and it was pretty good!

http://www.fibreglast.com/product/Prepreg_7781_E_Glass_3100

Is this what you are after?

That's similar, the Curon cured at room temperature on exposure to UV light though, rather than in an oven!