What CF sheet to use for 1/8 buggy chassis????

[zeropointbug]

Hmmm, depends how much confidence you have in yourself really... if you are good enough, you could make anything out of CF almost, and make it look good as well. But the more complex the shape, the less appealing it will appear just because of limitations on getting the surface epoxy just right.

I think there is a reason why not very many people have attempted a CF chassis, mainly because of getting the piece bent, namely the kick-up angle. I would think it would weaken the epoxy, and thus the 'composite' strength by the heating and bending.

I wonder if a Teflon mold would work for getting the angle of kickup right if laying your own CF fabric?

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by zeropointbug

Hmmm, depends how much confidence you have in yourself really... if you are good enough, you could make anything out of CF almost, and make it look good as well. But the more complex the shape, the less appealing it will appear just because of limitations on getting the surface epoxy just right.

I think there is a reason why not very many people have attempted a CF chassis, mainly because of getting the piece bent, namely the kick-up angle. I would think it would weaken the epoxy, and thus the 'composite' strength by the heating and bending.

I wonder if a Teflon mold would work for getting the angle of kickup right if laying your own CF fabric?

only one way to find out... thank goodness that ebay CF is "cheap"

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by zeropointbug

Hmmm, depends how much confidence you have in yourself really... if you are good enough, you could make anything out of CF almost, and make it look good as well. But the more complex the shape, the less appealing it will appear just because of limitations on getting the surface epoxy just right.

I think there is a reason why not very many people have attempted a CF chassis, mainly because of getting the piece bent, namely the kick-up angle. I would think it would weaken the epoxy, and thus the 'composite' strength by the heating and bending.

I wonder if a Teflon mold would work for getting the angle of kickup right if laying your own CF fabric?

why could'nt you use the originale chassis as a mold if your going to lay your own CF ?. Just put masking tape on the chassis as a mold release .

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by rchippie

why could'nt you use the originale chassis as a mold if your going to lay your own CF ?. Just put masking tape on the chassis as a mold release .

I could... but then I have to make my own CF

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by whitrzac

I could... but then I have to make my own CF

Maybe you can call a couple of the CF dealers & see if they can mold you a CF chassis of your aluminum chassis .

[pb4ugo]

Originally Posted by rchippie

why could'nt you use the originale chassis as a mold if your going to lay your own CF ?. Just put masking tape on the chassis as a mold release .

You could, but the bend radius would be just a bit off (either larger or smaller depending on whether you used the top or bottom). Plus you want to make your blank bigger than the final piece and cut to final dimensions--that would be difficult to do that way. It's fairly easy to make one out of wood. Assuming you're using MDF, with some lacquering and a mold-release coat the finish would be good enough in the CF (though not as good as these glossy ones--you'd need highly polished aluminum or glass for that), and it would be strong enough to hold up to the vacuum if you decide to try that out.

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by rchippie

Maybe you can call a couple of the CF dealers & see if they can mold you a CF chassis of your aluminum chassis .

now there's an idea....

Originally Posted by pb4ugo

You could, but the bend radius would be just a bit off (either larger or smaller depending on whether you used the top or bottom). Plus you want to make your blank bigger than the final piece and cut to final dimensions--that would be difficult to do that way. It's fairly easy to make one out of wood. Assuming you're using MDF, with some lacquering and a mold-release coat the finish would be good enough in the CF (though not as good as these glossy ones--you'd need highly polished aluminum or glass for that), and it would be strong enough to hold up to the vacuum if you decide to try that out.

whats wrong with useing a heat gun?? its only the front kickup....

[zeropointbug]

yeah, but that front kick-up plays a big roll in the handling of the vehicle, you get it wrong, and it handles like bettie crocker on roller blades.

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by zeropointbug

yeah, but that front kick-up plays a big roll in the handling of the vehicle, you get it wrong, and it handles like bettie crocker on roller blades.

so I'll bend a pice of sheet metal to the exact angle....