Carbon Fiber body parts

[gabbett1]

I'm here to do a little research to find out how many people would be interested in carbon fiber body parts for their corvette. Would you be interested in just a hood or possibly more. I noticed that there isn't anyone doing this yet for corvettes and I'm looking to see if there is a market for it.

So, I'd like to know:

-what components you would want (hood, door skins, body, etc)
-what year corvette
-any other information about the parts you feel necessary

Thanks

 

[Kid Vette]

Seems like the C3 T-tops would be a good place to start. They're up high so it would also lower the CG. And I'm always taking them on and off so it would make that operation easier. Plus they would be easy to make.

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[gabbett1]

Seems like the C3 T-tops would be a good place to start. They're up high so it would also lower the CG. And I'm always taking them on and off so it would make that operation easier. Plus they would be easy to make.

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Yes this was suggested to me on another site and I agree that it would be a good place to start. Are there any differences in the T tops from 68-82? I'd think they would be relatively the same.

 

[Kid Vette]

I think some of the mounting hardware changed in 78 but the tops themselves remained unchanged throughout the C3 run.

 

[denpo]

I think some of the mounting hardware changed in 78 but the tops themselves remained unchanged throughout the C3 run.

But everybody will want a different shape/length of hood.
IMHO What would be cool is to have a CF hood frame, strong enough a lightweight (1 or 2 layer) fiberglass hood skin would suffice.

 

[redvetracr]

everyone will want, no one will want to pay

 

[MYBAD79]

everyone will want, no one will want to pay

Yup..... That stuff is not cheap.....

And unfortunately there's not a huge market for C3 CF parts..... Now if you sell CF parts for a Honda Civic that's a huge market, there are plenty of kids out there that want the cool stuff and get daddy to pay for their stuff.... :smash::smash:

I think they even sell CF hoods for Miatas, unless the one I saw was a CF "look" hood..... That car is so light to begin with and if I remember correctly the hood is aluminum... So it's more looks than weight reduction.....

I have to weigh my fiberglass L88 hood.... I know it is a lot lighter than the stock hood but I never put it on the scale..... I wonder how much lighter CF would be .... I mean, you can't make it paper thin..... Let's say about the same thickness , is it really that much lighter ?

 

[gabbett1]

everyone will want, no one will want to pay

Yup..... That stuff is not cheap.....

And unfortunately there's not a huge market for C3 CF parts..... Now if you sell CF parts for a Honda Civic that's a huge market, there are plenty of kids out there that want the cool stuff and get daddy to pay for their stuff.... :smash::smash:

I think they even sell CF hoods for Miatas, unless the one I saw was a CF "look" hood..... That car is so light to begin with and if I remember correctly the hood is aluminum... So it's more looks than weight reduction.....

I have to weigh my fiberglass L88 hood.... I know it is a lot lighter than the stock hood but I never put it on the scale..... I wonder how much lighter CF would be .... I mean, you can't make it paper thin..... Let's say about the same thickness , is it really that much lighter ?

Just to put some perspective on it, the hood for my Camaro in fiberglass weighed 25 lbs but my carbon fiber hood weighs 12 lbs AND it's stronger.

They won't be the same thickness. You don't need nearly as much material in CF to get the same or better result.

 

[The Rat]

Splitter or diffuser?

 

[gabbett1]

**

 

[rtj]

A cf rear bumper for the c7 with decent tail lights might be a good seller.

 

[gabbett1]

Found another fact about CF.

"Carbon fiber is half the weight of aluminum and 3x as strong"

 

[gabbett1]

Ok, so I purchase the equipment to make some carbon fiber parts. If there are any ideas that you guys want to see done for our cars, let me know. Be specific, factory application, custom, etc.

 

[MYBAD79]

I suggest to give up on bumpers..... There could be a bit of weight savings but the fiberglass bumpers don't fit and all of those need some serious work to make them fit correctly.....
Now I think that carbon fiber is not as easy to work with and apply filler to than fiberglass is.....
Might as well take the challenge and make a CF hood for a C3.... That's a bolt on part that should be a little easier to fit ... Or maybe T-tops .....

 

[gabbett1]

I suggest to give up on bumpers..... There could be a bit of weight savings but the fiberglass bumpers don't fit and all of those need some serious work to make them fit correctly.....
Now I think that carbon fiber is not as easy to work with and apply filler to than fiberglass is.....
Might as well take the challenge and make a CF hood for a C3.... That's a bolt on part that should be a little easier to fit ... Or maybe T-tops .....

If you take a bumper that is already on a car (that has the proper fit) and make a mold of that, then your part should fit almost perfectly. For that car that is, I'm sure it's not going to be exact for every car.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Dashboard set up for modern gauges or a racepak lcd

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[gabbett1]

Dashboard set up for modern gauges or a racepak lcd

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Ok, I'll look into that. Also, as far as modern gauges go, have you guys seen the VHX series gauges from Dakota Digital? They make a set that fits in the stock location and have integrated indicators: turn signals, check engine light, cruise control engaged, brights and parking brake.

It includes a small screen where you can put other indications on it through expansion modules.

Some of which include:

Boost
Trans/oil temps
Compass
Air Ride Bag Pressure
Inside/Outside Temps
GPS speedo w/gps clock correction
Retained ACC power w/headlight and Dome controle
Gear shift
OBD-II / CAN
Wideband Air/Fuel
EGT, Head Temp

and probably more.

Sorry, I just found it not too long ago and thought I'd share!

 

[gabbett1]

Here is a quick sketch I did for an interior idea I had. Let me know what you think.

 

[phantomjock]

Is just one ACC plug going to be enough? Maybe "option" a Flip Lid - like the old - Ash-Tray Lid to house 2 - 3 - 4 ACC plugs?

Cheers - Jim

 

[gabbett1]

Is just one ACC plug going to be enough? Maybe "option" a Flip Lid - like the old - Ash-Tray Lid to house 2 - 3 - 4 ACC plugs?

Cheers - Jim

Seriously, lol? Why would someone need that many ACC plugs in a 2 seat car?

 

[phantomjock]

Seriously, lol? Why would someone need that many ACC plugs in a 2 seat car?

:surrender:Well then, maybe have too build in; the GPS, Data Acquisition currently using 2 versions, Tablet/phone charger, and the hotspot charger. Although some of that detail work could be handled in the double DIN "object."

If ODB2-4U ever comes along, (an Arduino based replica LINK: http://www.gps-laptimer-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1714 ) much of the gauge data could be fed/displayed to a HUD - like single screen. That would change the layout of the Instrument Cluster significantly, but not the ACC panel.

Cheers - Jim

 

[gabbett1]

Seriously, lol? Why would someone need that many ACC plugs in a 2 seat car?

:surrender:Well then, maybe have too build in; the GPS, Data Acquisition currently using 2 versions, Tablet/phone charger, and the hotspot charger. Although some of that detail work could be handled in the double DIN "object."

If ODB2-4U ever comes along, (an Arduino based replica LINK: http://www.gps-laptimer-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1714 ) much of the gauge data could be fed/displayed to a HUD - like single screen. That would change the layout of the Instrument Cluster significantly, but not the ACC panel.

Cheers - Jim

Yeah, the double din radio I want has GPS and you can get them with WIFI and other goodies. I'm not a tablet person so the only thing I'd need a charger for is my phone. I thought about adding in two ACC plugs, but haven't come up with a good way to incorporate two and make it look nice. I'll come up with something.

 

[JPhil]

Here is a quick sketch I did for an interior idea I had. Let me know what you think.

My opinion: Put the guages up at the top for quick veiwing. Put radio & A/C & such down on the console.

 

[gabbett1]

Here is a quick sketch I did for an interior idea I had. Let me know what you think.

My opinion: Put the guages up at the top for quick veiwing. Put radio & A/C & such down on the console.

The Camaro gauges have to sit on a flat surface so going up higher there really isn't a good place to put them. Besides, that is exactly how they sit in the Camaro, right behind the shifter.

 

[gabbett1]

STILL have not received my equipment yet to make parts... this is getting a tad ridiculous.

 

[kcarlasc]

Here is a quick sketch I did for an interior idea I had. Let me know what you think.

I would be highly interested in something like this... I have this on my list next for a custom center console exactly like this...

 

[gabbett1]

Equipment and parts are finally coming in and I am about to begin the process of making molds. I'll keep you posted.

 

[phantomjock]

Pictures - if you please. It would be nice to see your operation.
Resin Infusion, vacuum set up etc, if you have time.

 

[gabbett1]

Pictures - if you please. It would be nice to see your operation.
Resin Infusion, vacuum set up etc, if you have time.

Yes, I will be taking pictures and video so hopefully people can get a look at what we are doing.

 

[gabbett1]

Here are the hoods we have to work with so far. Obviously the most desired one we have at this point is the '67 big block hood. I will be looking to pick up the big block/LT1 hood as well as the L-88 hood.

We also have T-Tops with which to work with. My plan is to make a one piece top that utilizes the original hinging mechanisms.