Another Carbon Fiber Thread
09-08-02, 11:17 PM
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Another Carbon Fiber Thread
Hello all. This is just one of those "intrest" threads.
I know there has been a lot of posts recently about CF-this and CF-that. Until about 5 minutes ago, I was unaware that Adam (Mazdaspeed7) had started molds and production of the CF sunroof. As I've been wanting to have a CF sunroof and hood for a while now, I began talking to a good friend of mine, who has been using fiberglass for marine purposes for over 7 years now. He said that the process is pretty easy for him to do, as he's been doing it for so long; and that whatever I wanted to make, that was within his skill, he'd be up for doing.
Now I know what you're all thinking... "VENTED CF HOODS FOR EVERYONE!!!" but that's not what I'm saying. Between myself (I've done so much custom car-audio work it's not funny) and him, we could so some minor custom work. Like a cup-holder where the window-switch is (Something I've wanted for a while) and other things...
So, the question is. What would you like to see made out of CF? Unlike Adam, I have a lot of free time, and so does my friend, so we would produce a bit faster than he does. I don't want to under-cut any of his work, but we might be able to make SOME things cheaper ($200 sunroof) but I'd mostly like to do some things that he doesn't have the time or the skill to do.
Any ideas? THX.
I know there has been a lot of posts recently about CF-this and CF-that. Until about 5 minutes ago, I was unaware that Adam (Mazdaspeed7) had started molds and production of the CF sunroof. As I've been wanting to have a CF sunroof and hood for a while now, I began talking to a good friend of mine, who has been using fiberglass for marine purposes for over 7 years now. He said that the process is pretty easy for him to do, as he's been doing it for so long; and that whatever I wanted to make, that was within his skill, he'd be up for doing.
Now I know what you're all thinking... "VENTED CF HOODS FOR EVERYONE!!!" but that's not what I'm saying. Between myself (I've done so much custom car-audio work it's not funny) and him, we could so some minor custom work. Like a cup-holder where the window-switch is (Something I've wanted for a while) and other things...
So, the question is. What would you like to see made out of CF? Unlike Adam, I have a lot of free time, and so does my friend, so we would produce a bit faster than he does. I don't want to under-cut any of his work, but we might be able to make SOME things cheaper ($200 sunroof) but I'd mostly like to do some things that he doesn't have the time or the skill to do.
Any ideas? THX.
09-08-02, 11:36 PM
#2
I would be interested in a cupholder that went behind the armrest.
Heres some ideas
- cf gauge cluster surround
- cf idiot light surround
- cf door panels (flat piece with a hole for the handle and manual window crank
- cf hood
- cf spoiler (front or back)
- cf fenders
- cf doors
- cf mirrors
Thats just a list of things that "could" be made if there was enough demand for them.
I know a guy who has a body kit business and works with FG and CF all day. He can make us hoods but I would need enough preorders to cover the costs.
Heres some ideas
- cf gauge cluster surround
- cf idiot light surround
- cf door panels (flat piece with a hole for the handle and manual window crank
- cf hood
- cf spoiler (front or back)
- cf fenders
- cf doors
- cf mirrors
Thats just a list of things that "could" be made if there was enough demand for them.
I know a guy who has a body kit business and works with FG and CF all day. He can make us hoods but I would need enough preorders to cover the costs.
09-08-02, 11:43 PM
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Covers for all those things could be made VERY easily. complete CF replacements.... not so easy. There's a lot of space in the cavity.
Someone is already trying to produce CF fenders, so there's no need for those. I'd prefer making some stuff that needs to be replaced, due to being poorly made, weighing a lot, or something conveinant, like a cup holder, or something.
Someone is already trying to produce CF fenders, so there's no need for those. I'd prefer making some stuff that needs to be replaced, due to being poorly made, weighing a lot, or something conveinant, like a cup holder, or something.
09-09-02, 12:22 AM
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I believe that a carbon fiber front spoiler would sell pretty good. I've seen one on a third gen in the import tuner. Everyone ***** theirs up so get a kick *** replacement. Makes sense to me. Try the Mazda speed one if you choose to try this. Corksport has a replica of it for only $200.
09-09-02, 12:26 AM
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If we made a copy of a custom part like that, we'd need someone with one to ship it to us to make the mold, just like everyone else has them do. I actually have thought of making my own body-kit... but there's a LOT of things you have to think about when doing stuff like that.
09-09-02, 12:37 AM
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I would deffinetly like door panels and a decient cup holder. Im not an big CF guy I kinda like FG, cost vs weight. Do you know who is all making hoods? I want a plain FG hood, so I can make a custom sized vent. vent=big *** hole.
sky
sky
09-09-02, 12:42 AM
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Now, if people start talking FIBERGLASS, you're gunna be in a whole new world. This guy can do almost anything with fiberglass. I was talking to him about a hood, and he pretty much said it's easy as HELL, but the $$ issue is in the mold.
He was in the middle of a fight with his girlfriend when I talked to him, so I'll get more info tomorrow.
Carbon Fiber, he can do. But FIBERGLASS he can do damned near ANYTHING (What I "specialize" in too)
He was in the middle of a fight with his girlfriend when I talked to him, so I'll get more info tomorrow.
Carbon Fiber, he can do. But FIBERGLASS he can do damned near ANYTHING (What I "specialize" in too)
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09-09-02, 12:55 AM
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Really??? how much would it cost to get a NA FG hood made. Shipping will kill me so hopefully not too much.
I just thought about taillights. I had a picture of a Japanese car with a wide body kit and wierd CF tails, i think. Im sure someone can post a pic. They were like the S5s but the lenses were only the size of the lit S5. I hope you kind understand. My 90TII has S4s and it makes me sad looking at them. I guess Ill get s5s sooner or later. Id rather have the ones I was talkin about though. Anyways FG is great. I dont know what the hype is about CF. really is 5 lbs worth the diffrence?
Not for me. BUDGET RACING!
Sky
I just thought about taillights. I had a picture of a Japanese car with a wide body kit and wierd CF tails, i think. Im sure someone can post a pic. They were like the S5s but the lenses were only the size of the lit S5. I hope you kind understand. My 90TII has S4s and it makes me sad looking at them. I guess Ill get s5s sooner or later. Id rather have the ones I was talkin about though. Anyways FG is great. I dont know what the hype is about CF. really is 5 lbs worth the diffrence?
Not for me. BUDGET RACING!
Sky
09-09-02, 01:03 AM
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fiberglass eh, i could really go for a fiberglass front lip that adds on to my 86 bumber, something similar to the mazdaspeed one, but without the winglets, but even with the winglets, i like it, lol, but the problem would be price...granted, 200 bucks isnt such a bad price, but the cheaper the better, mikeL (i think) is selling those front spoilers for, what is it, 175, something like that, which is a better price, so if your friend can make me a fiberglass splitter for less, you got yourself a customer, as for the CF, i would love a idiot light surrond, radio surrond, the cup holder mirror thing is a great idea, maybe the dash instrument cluster, or even gauge bezel (throw in some white face gauges too, lol)...thats all i can think of right now...
09-09-02, 02:37 PM
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^ I'd already thought about that one Josepi. I think, if we decide to do this, that will be one of the 1st things.
Neither I, or my friend have any experience with polyurethane at all, so that's pretty much out of the question. Sorry.
As for the "CF Tails, and Widebody Kit" we've plaied with the widebody thing, but decided if we did, we'd just do wider front fenders. Maybe a Mariah Knock-off or something. And I'll take a look at the FC you're speaking of.
QUESTION: I hear that Japan doesn't have a patent system. So, if I were to make knock-off's of the FC2000 nose, what were to happen?
I figure, I'd slightly modify the kit ( Like a hole in the nose, circa: GT-C ) as to not be TOO Ricey, just to let actual enthusists know that it's not the actual FC2000 Kit.
Right now, I'm playing with the idea of doing mostly cosmetic stuff. Like something simular to the East Bear FC Headlight kit. I figure that would go over well. Make a killer CAI by taking out one the passanger Hi-Beam.
Anyway, remember; this is an INTREST topic. I need to discuss things further with my production guy, come up with some start-up funds ( No Pre-Piad Per-Orders Needed ), and still gague intrest. So... keep coming with your ideas.
The more tooling, the less simple the design, the more it costs YOU.
Neither I, or my friend have any experience with polyurethane at all, so that's pretty much out of the question. Sorry.
As for the "CF Tails, and Widebody Kit" we've plaied with the widebody thing, but decided if we did, we'd just do wider front fenders. Maybe a Mariah Knock-off or something. And I'll take a look at the FC you're speaking of.
QUESTION: I hear that Japan doesn't have a patent system. So, if I were to make knock-off's of the FC2000 nose, what were to happen?
I figure, I'd slightly modify the kit ( Like a hole in the nose, circa: GT-C ) as to not be TOO Ricey, just to let actual enthusists know that it's not the actual FC2000 Kit.
Right now, I'm playing with the idea of doing mostly cosmetic stuff. Like something simular to the East Bear FC Headlight kit. I figure that would go over well. Make a killer CAI by taking out one the passanger Hi-Beam.
Anyway, remember; this is an INTREST topic. I need to discuss things further with my production guy, come up with some start-up funds ( No Pre-Piad Per-Orders Needed ), and still gague intrest. So... keep coming with your ideas.
The more tooling, the less simple the design, the more it costs YOU.
09-09-02, 03:12 PM
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Once again, something I've thought about. I actually like the RE Pedistal wing better than the FC2000 wing ( The wing on the Race-Spec more than the Street Car ) Either way, over 10 people would have to get it in order to pay for the wing and the mold.
It's a matter of breaking even. If I can pay off the mold, have a CF Copy, and an Origional for myself; and get my production guy paid, then I'd be happy.
It's a matter of breaking even. If I can pay off the mold, have a CF Copy, and an Origional for myself; and get my production guy paid, then I'd be happy.
09-09-02, 03:38 PM
#19
I would love a body kit, the ones on all the other websites are very expensive. plus the hood is a great idea, and a light conversion too, i would definately buy that for a good price.
09-09-02, 03:53 PM
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CF or FG hood with an inverted scoop (i'm serious, I want one...badly) 
but I'd be happy with CF interior pieces...cup holder, gauge surround, idiot light surround.
The spoiler would sell too (to me, definetly )
good luck with your production
but I'd be happy with CF interior pieces...cup holder, gauge surround, idiot light surround.
The spoiler would sell too (to me, definetly
)good luck with your production
09-09-02, 03:58 PM
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So far, the best ideas are:
East-Bear-Like Headlight Kit
Custom Tails (Circa:Super-Street RE-Amemiya FD)
Gague Pods
Cup Holder
Some ideas we're playing with:
Wide Front Fenders
Knock-off Noses
Headlight Covers
Hoods*
*Hood styles would be a reverse scoop, and a stock TII hood. That's it. No questions about it. If you have a TII with a stock IC, then you'd need a stock TII hood, or a FMIC. If you have an N/A or a FMIC'd TII, then get the vented one. If you have an N/A and don't like the vented hood, then get the TII hood. Those are the options. I figured I'd address this now, instead of having to hear others bicker about which kind of hood they want, if this goes thru.
East-Bear-Like Headlight Kit
Custom Tails (Circa:Super-Street RE-Amemiya FD)
Gague Pods
Cup Holder
Some ideas we're playing with:
Wide Front Fenders
Knock-off Noses
Headlight Covers
Hoods*
*Hood styles would be a reverse scoop, and a stock TII hood. That's it. No questions about it. If you have a TII with a stock IC, then you'd need a stock TII hood, or a FMIC. If you have an N/A or a FMIC'd TII, then get the vented one. If you have an N/A and don't like the vented hood, then get the TII hood. Those are the options. I figured I'd address this now, instead of having to hear others bicker about which kind of hood they want, if this goes thru.
09-09-02, 04:07 PM
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JUST TO REMIND EVERYONE, THIS IS AN INTREST THREAD!
I am not garenteeing production will take place. Or, if production does occur, that all the products talked about will be produced. I just thought I'd remind everyone before there's a "Yeah right, this is another pipe-dream" post. Don't quote me as saying that I WILL make these things, we're just aguing intrest. If you're another maker, feel free to use these ideas for yourself. HOWEVER, if you decide to use one of the ideas listed here, don't get angry if I come along and under-cut you. After all, my thread, my option
I'm trying to be good about not copying any ideas (My origional idea was to do CF Sunroofs, until I heard Adam had already started on them) so if you can help it, manufacturers, try not to copy mine. Or just follow-up on this post, and see if I'm following thru. Anyway, one more time...
THIS IS JUST A THREAD TO GAGUE INTREST AND GET IDEAS. NO PRODUCTION PROMISES!
I am not garenteeing production will take place. Or, if production does occur, that all the products talked about will be produced. I just thought I'd remind everyone before there's a "Yeah right, this is another pipe-dream" post. Don't quote me as saying that I WILL make these things, we're just aguing intrest. If you're another maker, feel free to use these ideas for yourself. HOWEVER, if you decide to use one of the ideas listed here, don't get angry if I come along and under-cut you. After all, my thread, my option
I'm trying to be good about not copying any ideas (My origional idea was to do CF Sunroofs, until I heard Adam had already started on them) so if you can help it, manufacturers, try not to copy mine. Or just follow-up on this post, and see if I'm following thru. Anyway, one more time...
THIS IS JUST A THREAD TO GAGUE INTREST AND GET IDEAS. NO PRODUCTION PROMISES!
09-09-02, 04:09 PM
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You know what would be awesome? A whole new nose with the round headlights, a new hood that would fit flush and completely eliminate the pop up headlights... That's one thing I don't like about the RE Ameyama kits... It looks blotchy.
09-09-02, 04:14 PM
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Sorry for so many posts, but I just had another thought.
This mostly is in reguards to people more concerned with weight, over looks.
There MIGHT be a discount offered depending on weather or not you're going to paint the CF. Laying CF so it looks pretty takes quite a bit of time, and if you're painting it, it's a WASTE of time that could mean getting your part to you faster. So, if you don't CARE what the lay looks like, and are more conerned with a smooth surface, and want it maybe a day or 2 faster, then you might bring that up... there could be a discount in it for you (After all, time is money)
ALSO, how about some center-peices for wheels? I know that a lot of people with the stock TII and GTU wheels don't like the center-peice (like myself) so maybe a flat peice you could put in it's place, with something like an extruded Mazda "M" in it? Just a thought.
This mostly is in reguards to people more concerned with weight, over looks.
There MIGHT be a discount offered depending on weather or not you're going to paint the CF. Laying CF so it looks pretty takes quite a bit of time, and if you're painting it, it's a WASTE of time that could mean getting your part to you faster. So, if you don't CARE what the lay looks like, and are more conerned with a smooth surface, and want it maybe a day or 2 faster, then you might bring that up... there could be a discount in it for you (After all, time is money)
ALSO, how about some center-peices for wheels? I know that a lot of people with the stock TII and GTU wheels don't like the center-peice (like myself) so maybe a flat peice you could put in it's place, with something like an extruded Mazda "M" in it? Just a thought.