Carbon fiber options?
 

I was looking at some small carbon fiber parts (like fender garnish) and realized they are pretty expensive. Then I figured, hey, I'm a carbon fiber fabrication/repair tech on aircraft. I'll just make my own! Then I started looking up some of the aerospace materials I'm used to using at work. Turns out that shit is super expensive haha.

Just wondering if anyone knows what I could use for automotive projects that may be more budget friendly. I'm looking for dry carbon (probably something 1-3k) and resin. I'm used to using 2 part epoxy resins, but I can probably make due with any resin system.

Use a single layer of carbon on the visible surface, and back it with fiberglass. CF isn't cheap....the other option would be using a wet layup, rather than prepreg.

Fiberglass is a good idea. I was planning on a wet layup, thus the reason I was asking for resin suggestions.

Off topic, DRZs are fun! Had three, one with a 440kit :)

You said "aerospace", so I thought pre-preg, lol

Vinyl wrap or hydro dip the "parts" in fake carbon fiber you want. Way cheaper and same "performance" you want. We all know you just want the that "ricer" look. Just be honest

Yea, for manufacturing the larger pieces we use a lot of pre-preg. However, the department I'm in we do a lot of repair work and custom parts for experimental mods, the so called "special projects." I've only had the luxury of using pre-preg once haha.

If I wanted to do that I'd just slam the suspension and put a fat spoiler on the back that creates more drag than downforce! :barf: Oh and don't forget the fart can muffler!

I really just want use composites because I know how to work with them, and if done right I like the look of CF accents. I've just never purchased them personally so I wanted to get opinions of people that have dealt with them in the automotive world.

Easiest way is to get the epoxy from work that is expired. I work in aerospace too and I always let the guys know that if they have expired epoxy and other materials to send them my way for "disposal".

Other than that, the go to standard is West System 105 which is available at West Marine. Carbon fiber will run you ~$50 per yard. If you really don't care, you can get it through Alibaba and various other Chinese places.

Lol I knew what you meant I was just being a ****. Lol sarcasm doesn't translate too well on the internet.

I work a bit with carbon fiber but I rather have them painted just enough to where have to look real close to the the inlay pattern.

I've used Smooth-On EpoxAmite. They worked really well for me.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Carb...3-a1593df31db7

I buy my carbon from china for next to nothing. I think i got 20 square yards of it on my last order.

I wish we had expired stuff! We use a lot of Hysol 9396, but we use so much it never expires. The only thing we use that expires is 5 minute epoxy :cry:.

Thanks, that is cheap! Found some 282 3k plain weave for $6 for a 1'x3' piece. I'll give it a shot and see how it works.