Bubble Tech Gauge Hood
01-09-18, 07:30 AM
#54
Sorry for the lack of updates and being MIA. We've been busy with getting the shop situated, and have kept getting side tracked with a lot of things.
We did some more testing and not 100% pleased with the results which was kind of a motivational killer so we walked away from the project. We're currently trying to bring the map lids back and then we will revisit this project.
In the interest for discussion, we're looking to explore other methods of producing these gauge hoods. Just out of curiosity, are there any who care what material the gauge hood is made out of? Is anyone against possibly a Fiberglass replacement -- if so, is your only concern with fitment?
Tom- as far as 94 textured finish, although not perfect, our best results came from SEM chip guard sprayed from a distance so it almost cures before hitting the plastic, leaving almost a "textured" flake in a few coats. (if you lay it down too thick it will appear more like a thick coating vs layers of tiny specks) then a top coat with SEM landau black. That is how we achieved out "94 texture" on our v1 map lids
We did some more testing and not 100% pleased with the results which was kind of a motivational killer so we walked away from the project. We're currently trying to bring the map lids back and then we will revisit this project.
In the interest for discussion, we're looking to explore other methods of producing these gauge hoods. Just out of curiosity, are there any who care what material the gauge hood is made out of? Is anyone against possibly a Fiberglass replacement -- if so, is your only concern with fitment?
Tom- as far as 94 textured finish, although not perfect, our best results came from SEM chip guard sprayed from a distance so it almost cures before hitting the plastic, leaving almost a "textured" flake in a few coats. (if you lay it down too thick it will appear more like a thick coating vs layers of tiny specks) then a top coat with SEM landau black. That is how we achieved out "94 texture" on our v1 map lids
01-09-18, 09:53 PM
#55
Sorry for the lack of updates and being MIA. We've been busy with getting the shop situated, and have kept getting side tracked with a lot of things.
We did some more testing and not 100% pleased with the results which was kind of a motivational killer so we walked away from the project. We're currently trying to bring the map lids back and then we will revisit this project.
In the interest for discussion, we're looking to explore other methods of producing these gauge hoods. Just out of curiosity, are there any who care what material the gauge hood is made out of? Is anyone against possibly a Fiberglass replacement -- if so, is your only concern with fitment?
Tom- as far as 94 textured finish, although not perfect, our best results came from SEM chip guard sprayed from a distance so it almost cures before hitting the plastic, leaving almost a "textured" flake in a few coats. (if you lay it down too thick it will appear more like a thick coating vs layers of tiny specks) then a top coat with SEM landau black. That is how we achieved out "94 texture" on our v1 map lids
We did some more testing and not 100% pleased with the results which was kind of a motivational killer so we walked away from the project. We're currently trying to bring the map lids back and then we will revisit this project.
In the interest for discussion, we're looking to explore other methods of producing these gauge hoods. Just out of curiosity, are there any who care what material the gauge hood is made out of? Is anyone against possibly a Fiberglass replacement -- if so, is your only concern with fitment?
Tom- as far as 94 textured finish, although not perfect, our best results came from SEM chip guard sprayed from a distance so it almost cures before hitting the plastic, leaving almost a "textured" flake in a few coats. (if you lay it down too thick it will appear more like a thick coating vs layers of tiny specks) then a top coat with SEM landau black. That is how we achieved out "94 texture" on our v1 map lids
01-09-18, 11:31 PM
#56
Personally, I'm interested in a replacement hood and care about fitment and cost. I haven't been able to justify the outrageous price-tag thus far, so a product that fit well, looked decent enough and was priced reasonably would have my attention (and $$).
01-10-18, 08:42 AM
#57
No problem. I've been thinking of doing a write up and some comparisons to help others... been around the forum for a long time, I think it's time to start giving back! =)
Thanks for your input- I've been weary since I know there are a few other companies that make carbon/fg parts so I didn't want to over saturate that market but as I'm sitting here thinking of other ways to make these, I think I could come up with a better and faster way to make these. The resin casting method was great for the map lids, but due to the scale and size and having pressure cast these, feels like I've over complicated things.
The two alternative methods I will be looking into trying will be a vacuum formed option (not entirely sure that will work for all the fine detail to get the mounting points flawless. And last resort, I will do a fiberglass piece through resin infusion (next best process after pre-peg/autoclave) which will keep the shape tight, and I will build Jigs to located the mounting points correctly (since it seems like every other company has failed to do so and just "eye ball" random posts everywhere...
Also would you guys rather see a "bolt in ready" piece for a higher price or one that will require light sanding and paint for a lower price?
The two alternative methods I will be looking into trying will be a vacuum formed option (not entirely sure that will work for all the fine detail to get the mounting points flawless. And last resort, I will do a fiberglass piece through resin infusion (next best process after pre-peg/autoclave) which will keep the shape tight, and I will build Jigs to located the mounting points correctly (since it seems like every other company has failed to do so and just "eye ball" random posts everywhere...
Also would you guys rather see a "bolt in ready" piece for a higher price or one that will require light sanding and paint for a lower price?
05-22-18, 06:22 PM
#70
1. Copeland - 93 non-textured hood - Either bolt-in or light paint work is fine
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
05-25-18, 04:35 AM
#71
1. Copeland - 93 non-textured hood - Either bolt-in or light paint work is fine
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready
93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready
93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
05-26-18, 12:27 PM
#72
1. Copeland - 93 non-textured hood - Either bolt-in or light paint work is fine
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
05-26-18, 07:39 PM
#73
1. Copeland - 93 non-textured hood - Either bolt-in or light paint work is fine
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
6. Coldfeet - 93 non-textured hood. Bolt in ready.
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
6. Coldfeet - 93 non-textured hood. Bolt in ready.
06-06-18, 01:40 PM
#75
Going to edit mine, as I just bought a brand new one from Mazda. Apparently there are only 2 left in the US at this time.
Originally Posted by List
1. Copeland - 93 non-textured hood - Either bolt-in or light paint work is fine (depending on price)
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
6. Coldfeet - 93 non-textured hood. Bolt in ready.
7. Buttafingers7 - '94 textured - bolt-in ready
2. Montego - 94 textured. But if none are availabile I'll take a 93 don't care if if it's bolt in or light paint work.
3. Spalato - 93 non-textured hood - light paint work
4. Kensin - 94 textured . Bolt in ready 93 non-textured. Bolt in ready
5. cvzg77r- 94 textured bolt in ready
6. Coldfeet - 93 non-textured hood. Bolt in ready.
7. Buttafingers7 - '94 textured - bolt-in ready
