FD3S/FC3S: Any demand for Vacuum Infused Dry Carbon Doors?
For a racecar I'm less interested in strength as I'd have reinforcement behind the door with my cage. I wouldn't go with carbon but instead a softer FRP that has a modulus of elasticity that will allow for the odd bump or ding to not require repair or worse yet replacement of said door.
Also, since the doors would be two parts bonded together some hardcore people maybe just interested in the outer skin and with mounting points at the front and a semi jam at the rear.
I myself wouldn't need mounting points for any window hardware, locks, etc. Most racecars simply retain the unlocking assembly but run a thin piece of aircraft cable to another point at the front of the door so you can just give a downward tug and the door pops open. My vote is (softer) FRP and a just the outer shell with surrounding jams.
Also, since the doors would be two parts bonded together some hardcore people maybe just interested in the outer skin and with mounting points at the front and a semi jam at the rear.
I myself wouldn't need mounting points for any window hardware, locks, etc. Most racecars simply retain the unlocking assembly but run a thin piece of aircraft cable to another point at the front of the door so you can just give a downward tug and the door pops open. My vote is (softer) FRP and a just the outer shell with surrounding jams.
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Very good points Jason. I think you answered most of my questions. The skeleton won't add much weight. Maybe 1-2 lbs on each side 
. It helps with providing accurate mounting points.
Vacuumed FRP seems to be ideal , since it will reduce the cost of the item and do the job. You'll be amazed how strong it is. We can also experiment with a flexible formula as well to give it an extra soft touch. However, I've seen both vacuumed FRP and Carbon , although very stiff, be able to withstand the impact of a baseball bat because there is slight flexibility upon impact. It's the strength of the bond between the fabrics and resin that keep is together. If it was handlaid FRP or Carbon, the impact from a baseball bat would shatter it in an instant.
Shall we make a list of who might be interested? I would like to do some experiments. The reason why I ask is because molds/tooling are very expensive to produce and it would be a shame if there wasn't really a market. Prices of the products can always be adjusted , so demand is most important.
I feel we can provide very good value. If everything goes well and the demand is strong, I believe we can provide a pair of FRP doors w/skeleton for $700-850. I don't think there are standard FRP doors on the market for that price. The product quality will be significantly better, which adds value as well.
Ken
. It helps with providing accurate mounting points. Vacuumed FRP seems to be ideal , since it will reduce the cost of the item and do the job. You'll be amazed how strong it is. We can also experiment with a flexible formula as well to give it an extra soft touch. However, I've seen both vacuumed FRP and Carbon , although very stiff, be able to withstand the impact of a baseball bat because there is slight flexibility upon impact. It's the strength of the bond between the fabrics and resin that keep is together. If it was handlaid FRP or Carbon, the impact from a baseball bat would shatter it in an instant.
Shall we make a list of who might be interested? I would like to do some experiments
. The reason why I ask is because molds/tooling are very expensive to produce and it would be a shame if there wasn't really a market. Prices of the products can always be adjusted , so demand is most important. I feel we can provide very good value. If everything goes well and the demand is strong, I believe we can provide a pair of FRP doors w/skeleton for $700-850. I don't think there are standard FRP doors on the market for that price. The product quality will be significantly better, which adds value as well.
Ken
Last edited by shineautoproject; Sep 11, 2008 at 02:43 PM.
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From: Rancho Cucamonga , California
. You just need to get a couple of buddies to help you out. Have you spoken with Neal?We would do the hatch if there is demand for a better quality one. There are aftermarket carbon ones already available. However, they are handlaid and might not be stiff enough to keep a GT wing stable. We can make a super strong one, which would be lighter as well. Price will be competitive as long as there is strong demand.
Ken
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Haven't spoken to Neal yet, but when I will collect my stuff I will speak to him about it. Any idea when the bumper,diffuser and sides will arrive? Want to make my fc as light as possible and I prefer your parts to the other compagnies.
so are the doors going to be as strong/ crash resistant like the stock doors? i mean i wouldnt want to put these on a car that is dd or driven on the street at all if the risk of getting t boned could mean my life
So how much weight would we actually save with these doors, whether they are vacuum infused dry carbon or fiberglass? I think the majority of people who would want these are gonna put them on their street car.
You think there will be an 80lb difference between the stock doors and the carbon fiber ones? That's a lot more than I thought lol. If these are made for the verts as well then I will def buy a set.
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From: Houston
not to presume to tell you how to do your job (im personally a huge fan of yall)
but could you pick a # that you need? so we could start getting a list together and be done with this one way or another... also may want to through up a post in the race section.
