Mr. Wankel

I've decided my project car is going to be a lightened first gen with a Renesis. To lighten it I want to make as many of the front panels out of fiberglass as possible...is that doable? Can I just make a fiberglass fender and bolt it in place where the original one was? I think I could save about 50 pounds or more with this method...anyone got some good input?

black99

Yes of course you can make the front end bolt on parts like hood, fenders and even bumper skin copys out of fiberglass. I have no idea what it would cost you though. And how much weight you'd save.

My father once mad his own fiberglass one peice front end for his chevelle but I know little about fiberglass myself. I've only seen him work with it a couple times.

My advice would be to see what/ if anything you can buy already made out of fiberglass to save trouble. Because it will be alot of work making your own. getting it sturdy, and making it fit right. If you decide to make your own parts you'll have to make your own mold. I've seen my dad use "flashing"(thin aluminum) from the hardware store for little things, like a hood scoop, but not sure what you would use to make a mold of bigger things. Also you'll probably have to use a couple layers of mat for each part to get a good thickness. Since you will be making a bunch of peices I would try to see if you can get a roll of fiberglass mat or buy it in bulk. Hopefully some people who have done it them selves will chim in.

Redwood

I wouldn't be able to advice doing that. Fiberglass fenders really are not too tough to make, but if the goal is weight reduction, there are other means that would be better. The weight loss would only be 20 pounds (this is ABSOLUTE max, read of to see why I say this) as the fenders aren't incredibly bulky. It's also important to remember that you'd need thick fiberglass to withstand high wind speeds, and fiberglass is light, but not so much that it doesn't weigh anything. Metal is stronger than fiberglass, so it can be nice and thin. (Ever see a cheap rice kit flapping in the wind as you passed them? same thing.)

On the other hand, if your goal is not so much weight reduction as a new style, I'd say do it. As in some flares maybe and integrate the stock marker lights, maybe even z3 slots like all the ricers. Also, if the fiberglass fender could be reinforced to the frame substantially (like the fender is, except a bit more) mainly at the lower front points, then it may be a good idea.

Definitely do the hood, as this doesn't need to be all that thick so there's a decent amount of weight to save and you can install some hood pins so when you're putting in the Renesis (which would be incredibly badass by the way) you can just take off the hood.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

Redwood

Oh yeah, and if you make a badass fender mold, you can pop those suckers out for about $30-50 worth of materials, then turn around and sell them for three times that. There's profit to be had

Mr. Wankel

Cool, thanks Redwood and Black. I was thinking of doin one of those pivioting fiberglass pieces that companies have been offering for Hondas and stuff. Basicly it's a huge piece that makes up the whole front section: bumper, side fenders, hood, etc. It's hinged in the front and held down with some type of latch or hood pins in the rear and, from what I hear, saves a lot of weight because it replaces a lot of stuff that was once metal, and it's all one big solid piece.

riffraff

do it up... and i would also look into what redwood said about selling them.. i am sure you could sell some in the first gen forum.. once you make the mold (which is the hardest part) it is fairly cheep to make a bunch of them

user 84205

It can be done, but fiberglass really isnt that strong for the whole body. I would say go with carbon fiber, little more expensive, but looks hot and strong as ballz.....
I work with both and kevlar all the time, I would say Kevlar is the best, but WHAT A PAIN IN THE *** TO WORK WITH.....

J