Hey! Just test fitted the new intakes to my buddies 360. Parts are 90% done; final sand, paint and final clear coats and then done! Will take new pictures when parts are completely finished and post them...... Should be really nice when completed.
Hey Thanks!! Need some final "cleaning up" before they're done, but they are close. Buddy asked me to wrap a set for him. He's given me some 358 interior parts to wrap for him as well (he likes his Ferrari's). See how those look..... That dial cluster is going to be a PITA with all the small dials and their relative proximity to each other.
Nope; the real stuff. Carbon fibre cloth embedded in resin and clear coated. Both the resin and clear coat were selected because they are chemically resistant, ultra high clarity, wide operating range and have built-in UV protection. Not a fan of the vinyl wrap myself! Here's a couple of the inprocess pictures:
I'm enjoying the challenges the Ferrari parts pose. Going to be wrapping the engine bay parts as well as some 358 interior trim pieces.... Buddy apparently has a list for me; just wanted to "try" me on the intakes first..... LOL
could anyone tell me where i could find or order Carbon fibre cloth? also how to apply it? is it like a piece of sticker that you wrap or is it like the fiber glass material that you have to some how mix it? thanks
wow nice. please post pics of the interior bits when done. if u dont mind my asking, how much does it cost to do the airboxes like that
The cloth is readily available. I use CJ Composites in Ca. for mine, but there are a ton of "distributors" and only maybe a handfull of mills that actually produce the cloth, so consistency is good amongst the distributors. Check eBay is how I initially ordered my first pieces. I use carbon fibre cloth and attach using a marine resin and after several coats of resin and alot of sanding, then apply a 3-part clear coat. Both the resins (West Systems) and the BASF Clear Coat were chosen because of their ultra-high clarity, chemical resistance, excellent operational temps and both also have embedded UV protection to stop the parts from yellowing. There is a product from 3M that some guys are using that is a vinyl wrap with a raised pattern to simulate carbon fibre. Personnally, not a fan of that product; feels it cheapens the look of the part. Reminds me of MacTac. I tried it on my car on my path to carbon fiber wrapping. The basic process is: 1. Prep part to be wrapped: sand, paint black, resand 2. Prepare cloth: size and cut each piece of cloth you intend to wrap. 3. Prepare resin mixture based on number of parts to wrap. Ratios vary by brand. 4. Coat part(s) with resin. 5. Apply cloth ensuring the weave is straight and in correct orientation. Embed cloth into resin through hand pressure intially to position and correct any weave issues; then using a special extremely smooth roller designed for applying resins. Need to make sure you fully embed the resin into the cloth as CF cloth has a tendancy to want to float on resin.... 6. Fold back and secure using painters tape all edges and excess fabric. 7. Apply second coat of resin to complete part paying particular attention to edges and corners and that all the cloth is secured in place and the edges and corners are clean. 8. Squeegies off excess resin using a roller cut into quarters. 9. using knife, remove excess cloth and resin. 10. Resin is workable for 70 - 90 minutes after application. Use that time as it's setting to ensure it's setting correctly and to tack down any areas with high spots. 11. Repeat above resin application process for 4-5 more coats (until part is smooth) 12. Wet sand from 220 - 400 - 800 in preparation for clear coat. 13. Clear coat See; simple!!! LOL..... Oh, I forgot to mention that the laying of the cloth is paramount. Get that wrong, or lay it badly; you'll be sanding it down and starting all over again.
Tastefully done is one of the nicest compliments I could ask for when working with such a fine automobile....
Well. time for an update. Finished the intakes finslly. Project was put aside to complete other projects as the car was in storage. Well; as spring approaches, it became time to finish the parts. Well, here they are buffed, polished and ready for installation tomorrow... :thumbup:
Given the high temps in the engine bay, I would think twice about putting a bunch of resin, glue and vinyl or other synthetic material on any of the exhaust/intake systems. To me it seems like an accident waiting to happen...
Only if you don't use the right materials. High temp resin, and clear coats used; chemical and UV resitant and CF itself is extremely heat resistant. I recently placed a piece of untreated CF cloth on top of a gas heater I use in the shop. The top gets so hot water just bounces off of it.....the cloth not only didn't mealt or catch fire, but it remained cool to the touch (I removed with my bare hand) but the metal top distorted from the heat being reflected back. CF is a Very common element used in extreme heat and stress applications; CF brake pads, CF sub-frames and body parts. Many in the new Ferrari models ....... It all comes down to understanding the application and using the appropriate materials for that application...... The materials I've used are ideally suited for this application. ALso, I use LavaMat is high heat applications to protect parts. LavaMat relfects/deflects close to 80% if the heat providing additional protection...
Very sweet ! Since i dont have the patience Ive been using a hydro transfer dipping on a bunch of parts ,, Pretty nice look ....Not as kool as the real deal but its perfect and cheap Heres a sample on my Lotus Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks! Carbon is heaven LOL I wrap all kinds of different car parts; mostly BMW, Mercedes and of course Ferrari.... Im working on a centre console for a 458 for same Indy dealer.... Looking @ the 430 and will be wrapping a few items for it as well soon hopefully.... I have a friend with a M3. GT3, 430 and Gallardo and I'm currently wrapping his M3 engine and interior parts. If he likes them (and I know he will love them), I'm going to be wrapping pieces for his other rides.....
Very nice...... if you want the "real deal" you should PM me.... LOL Going to be working on a GT3, Gallardo and F430 shortly hopefully.... WOrking on his M3 currently and if everything goes to his satisfaction, I'll be wrapping parts for the other cars as well.
Getting the ratios right is also very important! I did a CF overlay on an interior part on one of my cars once and it ended up having to be redone because I didn't get the ratio just right. The parts look awesome though, great job!
Thanks!!! One reason for the West system selection other than it's outstanding characteristics is the mini pump measuring system which ensures the correct ratio always is dispensed..... Once I had the resin begin to smoke while still applying. Back about 10 months ago, I had mixed a batch (before West) and must have got the ratio way off, because as I was applying the resin, it was physically smoking... had to completeyl stripped the part and start over....
