[DougZ]

I got a super deal on a CF Gix 750 front fender from a dude on another board...but it has some cracks in the resin. The CF is still in tact, but the resin needs fixing.

My general plan is to overfill the damaged are with some fresh new resin and let it cure good and hard for a couple days...then, sand it smooth, going with finer and finer grits...eventually ending with like a 2000 wet sand.

I am hoping this will make it look like it was never damaged in the first place and all will blend in well....kinda like can be done with paint chips.

Any hints, tips or words of advice?

 

[Candyman]

Sounds like you have the right idea. I've never worked with CF, but the only tip I could offer is to use as little resin as possible to patch it, as the resin you use could be a different shade than the resin used on the piece originally and might stand out if its a big splotch. It might it might not, but just something to consider.

 

[ab420]

Sounds like you have the right idea. I've never worked with CF, but the only tip I could offer is to use as little resin as possible to patch it, as the resin you use could be a different shade than the resin used on the piece originally and might stand out if its a big splotch. It might it might not, but just something to consider.

+1 I'd try a test run on the underside first and see how it looks when it dries...

 

[DougZ]

+1 I'd try a test run on the underside first and see how it looks when it dries...

For what ever reason, its looks like the manufacture used fiberglass mat to strengthen inside the fender....but, as well know, CF is plenty strong, so it begs the obvious question, is it real CF? Either way, its a CF looking weave, and it still better than CF sticker...IMO.

 

[ab420]

For what ever reason, its looks like the manufacture used fiberglass mat to strengthen inside the fender....but, as well know, CF is plenty strong, so it begs the obvious question, is it real CF? Either way, its a CF looking weave, and it still better than CF sticker...IMO.

There are lots of companies that do that... they mke the top few layers CF, and the underside out of fiberglass to keep costs down. They aren't quite as strong, or quite as light, but they are much cheaper to buy.

 

[929_adam]

keep us posted...i've been thinking of doing the same with a 929 fender that i have....a LITTLE cracked.

:ttiwwop:

 

[DougZ]

I will, but its low on the priority list.

 

[Tommy Pantsdown]

I need to try this too. One day.

My tail has a crack in it and a bubble.

 

[DougZ]

I need to try this too. One day.

My tail has a crack in it and a bubble.

I plan on getting some resin in a week or so and giving it a go. I'll post pics and shit as I go. Maybe even a write up for AB.

 

[Yamanube]

Not sure if you have already completed this but an FYI for you or anybody else considering this. When working with visual carbon do some research on the kinds of resin you use. Certain resins (especially cheap ones) will blush over time (even worse with increased exposure to sunlight) and will eventually look like crap. There are also certain UV protectant coatings you can put on. Sorry I dont have any details on them as I havent researched that far into it but keep that in mind before doing a ton of work just to get ruined in a year.

 

[DougZ]

Not sure if you have already completed this but an FYI for you or anybody else considering this. When working with visual carbon do some research on the kinds of resin you use. Certain resins (especially cheap ones) will blush over time (even worse with increased exposure to sunlight) and will eventually look like crap. There are also certain UV protectant coatings you can put on. Sorry I dont have any details on them as I havent researched that far into it but keep that in mind before doing a ton of work just to get ruined in a year.

Thanks for the tip. I have not done anything with this fender yet. It'll be yet another project for the winter.

 

[shift1313]

you have to use an epoxy resin. polyester resin will tint or rose over when cured and not leave a nice clear image of the weave. The bondo stuff you get at the parts store is polyester. I suggest www.aircraftspruce.com or www.fiberglast.com for online suppliers or find a local boat store.

in terms of weight savings. The weight difference between kevlar, carbon, and fiberglass is minimal ofcourse their strength is where the weight savings comes in. That being said there really isnt any benefit to a cosmetic carbon piece because the extra layers of resin and gel coat are the biggest weights. If you look at race cars or race bikes their carbon pieces usually look like crap compared to a hood for your car or a carbon tail section. OSS makes some nice stuff for bikes

For just carbon look there is black weave fiberglass, or you can get non certified carbon. When you get into certified cloth, the money goes up!


Material Stiffness (MSI) Tensile strength (KSI) Density (g/cc)
Fiberglass 10 500 2.55
Carbon Fiber 42.3 770 1.78
Kevlar 13.9 450 1.44

 

[Yamanube]

Even Epoxy Resin can blush over time. If you just want colored cloth you can dye the resin, buy colored fiberglass or you can buy texalium fiberglass, looks like carbon and is cheaper but doesnt have the strength.