Fiberglass info input...

[F3W]

I would like to point out some good info that I have read on a few pages while surfing the web...what I discovered was that fiberglass alone doesn't have enough strength by itself unless countless hours and many layers are built up...the ideal thickness they say is 1/4" for use as body panels...this will give your panel enough tinsel strength so it will not vibrate and rattle as bad as a panel that is 1/8" in thickness.

My research on several sites believe this or not, recommended that the use of 1/4" plywood as a starting platform would cut your build time by one third and your construction costs by half!...that to me is a very attractive formula...I will also point out that now you will have a much stronger panel in short order that will withstand a plow from a hammer and this will be only after 3 layers of glass!

The recommended 1/4" plywood is of the grade A or marine grade...this base would also simplify the plug process and increase your motivation to see your product taking shape...even if your building over a home made frame, you could still make and cut panels to fit...the plywood can also be bent into curves with steam , then when the part cools it will hold its shape.

I did not want to mention anything about foam filling or using styrofoam as this post is only for information regarding the use of plywood and fiberglass in conjunction to form a stronger more rigid body panel...I purposely did not post any links on this post because they had nothing to do with RT's...I just gathered this info and combined it all into my own words without going into great FG (fiberglass) tech.

Dave

[glassman]

Dave, I would be happy to have a discussion about fiberglass techniques and construction. I have strong background in composite construction and manufacturing in Race applications. Hence the screen name Glasssman

I plan to use a sandwich construction, but I do not plan on using plywood. It is a good substraight for a beginner, but I feel it to be a little old school (i.e. Tri-magnum, etc) There are so many options that anyone can use, that make wood unneccessary. I will PM you my number if you want to chat.

Glassman
Scott

[Deleted]

I too have a good composite background if you guys want to bash out some ideas :-)

[mtntech]

If I were to use wood as a starting point I would use 1/8" .

[joeld0803]

Has anyone used coroplast as a initial panal and fiberglassed over it?
Or possibly Styrene panels?

Either I would think could heated with a heat gun to obtain some nice curves prior to the fiberglass for added strength.
A 4X8 sheet of coroplast runs approx $12.00 where as the styrene is more expensive and more dense. 1/8 thick styrene panels cost about $45.00 a 4X8 sheet.

I am considering it over plywood due to weight concern.

[DaveJ98092]

I have seen Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic) used in many ways to include Glassing over it. You must match the type of resin to the board as I think styrene is melted by polyester resin, could be wrong. The coroplast surface is smooth and I think you'd have to roughen it up some for the resin to bite into or it may delam on you.

After the election there will be 1000's of Coroplast signs out there for free. There are about 5 4X8 signs about 1 mile from me. Three for the Democrat and 2 Republican for our Governor race.

[Deleted]

I am new to this, but have built an Indycycle using the wood strips and formers. Its fun but using aircraft 1/4" foam would be faster and lighter. Have used both methods on my Indycycle.

[kolibri]

Welcome to the forum bede1026: any pics or homepage of the Indycycle?

[Deleted]

I have pictures of the complete build. A fun project took me three years to complete. Since completion I have entered four car shows and taken home a trophy From each. I can send some pictures to an email address, but that's all I can do. My email is [e-mail]

[kolibri]

Why don't you show us some pics here. So we all can see them???

[Mick]

Attachment DeletedMy project uses a ply and foam core but because it is a monocoque structure and not just bodywork I have used carbon fibre and epoxy resin inside and out, it is unbelievably rigid! I decided against using glass and polyester resin as it had been known to not bond very well to plywood, lots of boats have delaminated over time. I have been informed by my composite supplier that a good bond to ply can be achieved with polyester resin by first coating the plywood with G4 polyseter primer then laminate over the top of this.

[mtntech]

That is correct. It opens up the pores of the wood.

[srx660]

I found a you tube video about different types and uses of foam. I saved the link and didn't think about it again until i'm deciding how i want to build the body for my trike. So, a year later here it is.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1ouWFt_yRA

I also found a video on types of fiberglass and what they are for.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1dVLcJB4a8

srx660