Carbon Fiber Body Parts

[natealb892]

What's up everyone,

I just recently purchased my e30 this past winter and I am beginning to tackle the rust and body (NE Ohio winters destroy cars). I plan on laying up some carbon fiber for the trunk and hood especially since I want to use my car for track days.

I've been reading around on the forums and most peoples' complaints with the aftermarket selection is either price or quality.

As far as price goes, I plan on using a foam core construction to help keep weight down and add strength. This will also allow me to use less carbon and I can even reinforce with a fiberglass mat to add some bulk in certain areas.

For quality, I have a decent amount of experience laying up carbon (FSAE), and I plan to use a high end UV protection epoxy as the surface coat so it won't yellow or crack.

Since I'm going to be making my own parts, I figured I would gauge interest in making more in the future for other members.

I know on some older posts there were a few people who said they might want a better solution than what was available on the aftermarket, so if anyone is still interested in getting some carbon body parts made let me know and I'll follow up to let you all know how mine turn out and what they might cost.

Thanks guys,

-Nate

[stonea]

Theres going to be some people interested, but its going to be hard to please people. It needs to be OEM quality at Chinese prices.

[natealb892]

Just ordered carbon and fiber glass, I plan on starting with my fender. As far as I can tell there's no commercially available carbon fiber fenders for the e30 so if it turns out decent I'll probably make a couple extra to sell. I know oem fenders are pretty light but for a few extra bucks I'd rather have carbon just for the look of it, so hopefully others will also.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Best of luck, can't wait to see what you come up with!

[natealb892]

Just pulled the drivers side fender from the mold, putting the uv protection/clear coat on tomorrow. I'll be posting pictures of the finished product soon

[Reub_e30]

Nice!

[IRON-E]

Just pulled the drivers side fender from the mold, putting the uv protection/clear coat on tomorrow. I'll be posting pictures of the finished product soon

How much would a pair of fenders cost, assuming you got a good production run going?

[Sladek]

im in columbus if you need a second guinea pig :D

[natealb892]

How much would a pair of fenders cost, assuming you got a good production run going?

It's hard to tell exactly how much it'll cost, it really depends on how many people are interested and how many I make at a time. I'm really trying to get the price under $500 shipped, each.

Is that a price you guys would be interested at?

[natealb892]

So I finally was able to get some free time to put the clear coat on the fender. Once it cures all the way I plan on sanding it down to get a level finish and get any streaks out. I also need to trim it obviously. I still have to finish the top part that'll actually sit under the hood where all of the top fasteners go.

Let me know what you guys think-

http://s1005.photobucket.com/user/natealb892/library/e30%20fender?sort=3&page=1

[ak-]

Fenders are already way light. I'm sure people would be interested in hoods, trunks, bumpers, sunroof skins, and maybe even door skins if it isn't a roadcar.

[natealb892]

Fenders are already way light. I'm sure people would be interested in hoods, trunks, bumpers, sunroof skins, and maybe even door skins if it isn't a roadcar.

Yeah my plan is to eventually start making other parts. My fender was starting to rust anyways so instead of buying a new one and having it painted I figured for the same price I would make a carbon one. I'll probably make a hood next, I just want to buy a vacuum bagging system first to make sure it turns out perfect.