Hi all, I'm looking for a method to display one of the great Amalgam 1:1 Ferrari steeringwheels, and I got the idea to have CF pedestal custom made. My only problems is, though, that carbon fibre is relatively expensive, compared to say a block of wood with some glossy coating, which could easily be made. Would it be worth the extra money? If anyone have any experience with this "in practice" (whether or not the CF effect is worth it), I would appreciate any input. My very best regards, Stefan Helgason
CF is expensive and to get a glossy look to it takes some extra steps since you would most likely use pre-preg CF and then you'd need a vacuumed bag and some sort of auto clave to cure it. once its cured it would look dull and you'd need to place a finishing epoxy over the pedestal to get the "glossy" look to it. i have done work with CF and fiber glass, but i didn't use Pre-preg, and didn't have access to an autoclave so my process was a tad different. I would say just get a nice block of wood and either paint it or if you get a nice block of wood you could stain it.
We can make one for you - feel free to PM us and we can talk about it - we can do the same finish as the rest of our Ferrari CF parts.
If you like to try your DIY skills you should check out US Composites.(google them)They sell all kinds of composites and the resins you need to "mold" them. My idea is that you can make a pedestal from wood or whatever and just dress it with CF. Buying one square yard would not be expensive. Then you can take it someone to dip it in epoxy and you would end up with something cool that would not cost you an arm and a leg AND you would have the bragging rights for it. The main idea is that you dont have to worry about anything but the looks since the wood would take care of the structural problems. Besides if you have a pedestal that is ultra light I would not put something valuable on it as it would be unstable.
Thank you very much everyone - I might try the DIY from US composites, although my skills into this ain't exactly staggering... I might post an update on this, as I, in any event, has to have it showcased in some way... Valence, If I ain't lucky with this DIY-thing, I might shoot you an email or PM - the CF parts on your site really looks neat!
Get a sheet of glossy CF from dragonplate.com and have it mounted in a shadowbox or something like that. A custom pedestal would be nice but my guess is that it won't happen. Sorry! Another option is these guys: http://www.motorsport-design.com/ They do graphics, dispalys and other stuff. Dave, the owner, might have some ideas. John
While having my fathers real-estate showroom designed, the guy manufacturing the interior told me he could have one custom made for me... Not CF, though still very nce! I'll post some pictures when it's all set! Everyone, thank you very much for your help - although this pedestal did not happen, I'm sure I'm going to use this knowledge, which you granted me, at some time, as I still love the CF look!
Right on. This pic isn't the best, but Amalgam make the most beautiful models I've ever seen... I just love them!
