hydrographics

does anyone have knowledge on hydro-dipping of parts in a carbon fiber pattern? or has anyone done this before? THX Van

 

I did it several years ago. It looks pretty good. The pattern does stretch out over curves so it's not perfectly lined up when done. Why do you ask?

 

thinking of having the air intakes boxes done on my F430..?

 

I've never had it done but I was at one of my customers and they were performing the operation. Pretty cool stuff. What kind of pattern are you going to put on your air boxes?

 

Forgive me for saying this but please, please think twice about doing that.

Fake carbon fiber never looks good IMO. On such an exquisite car as your F430 it would be a crime. It might have it's place on lesser cars but it looks really out of place on an exotic.

I hope you don't take offense at my two cents. I mean nothing personal, it's just a pet peeve of mine. Congratulations on such a beautiful car.

 

I appreciate your comment..I have always keep my ferrari's original.i was surfing the web at lunch and came accross this process. pictures look nice but I am one that does alot of research before I do anything.This is why I like this site..opinions and observations.

 

I would really advise against it. It's not that good unless you like fake christmas trees over real ones.

The pattern will stretch BADLY over the sides. It's totally fake looking if you look upclose.

You can try it but you'll have to strip it and repaint them to get the back.

 

I better solution will be to WRAP it. I saw some CF-looking plastic wraps at SEMA that look exactly like carbon fibre when applied (well, unclear coated CF anyway). It stretches but not as much.

The only issue I would have it putting a wrap in the hot engine bay. Looks like a potential fire hazard to me. But, you might check it out. At least you can remove it if you don't like it without damage.

 

Here is a thread from a boating site where it is discussed. Photo of an outboard lower unit, with compound curves, came out pretty good. Link and phone for a guy who does the work is in the thread.

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104264&highlight=carbon+fiber+lower

 

If you like the carbon fibre look, then why not get real carbon fibre boxes...they are available for the F430


Beev

 

I think the REAL carbon airboxes are worth the money. I would never cheap out on a 430.
Not only are they an aesthetic improvement, but carbon radiates less heat than the metal airboxes, so most likely your intake air temperatures will drop as well.

 

Van,
PM'd you info on a company i used for another car. The website has lots of pics and info.They offer hydrographics in several colors and do a fantastic lasting job,however they are s l o w. Good luck.
Bill