FC body repair

What is the proper way to repair a cabon/kevlar composite body? Cracks and/or puncture wounds. Just want to make sure to do it correctly. I have the weave and resin.

Thank for the help,

James

 

found this

http://www.fibreglast.com/contentpages-Learning-Center-123.html

Found this link which provides some good basic information, would like to hear your techniques as well.

 

Hello James, well i like to grind out the cracks on a taper angle both sides of crack (like broken front wheel wells) remember no matter what its a secondary bond you cant just scuff it and layer over it.(just break again) most have a nice foam core in side so you can make your layers a little thicker than what was there before. holes and puntures fill well with some torn up kevlar and carbon mix it right in the resin.let it gel than fill in your spot also epoxy is a must(west system or equiv) fibreglast is grewat too they will help you

 

James, you should use an epoxy based resin as opposed to polyester base resins. The West System is most popular and available through most marine stores. It is best to spend the extra money and get the pumps for the 2 cans so you ratio will be correct. Buy plenty of the cheap wood handled paint brushes and those thin latex surgical gloves. Start saving your paper coffee cups.

Repairs are similar to welding. Just like a weld prep you need a glass prep. Grind the crack to a shallow "V" or "U" shape. First piece of glass should be narrow to fill the bottom of the V, second piece a little wider and third wider still. If the crack goes all the way through, let everthing harden then repeat the process on the back side.

Be carefull when grinding the carbon fiber on the outside, it is very thin and as soon as the grinder goes through it will eat up the foam in a heart beat.

If the resin kicks off in the repair before you finish, let it harden then hit it lightly with the grinder to scuff it up then continue on.

It's not difficult at all, just take your time, precut and fit your patches and work with small batches.

 

Mark got me at the tree.

 

yeah i see that, we dont have anything better to do!!....LOL

 

Thanks guys...

Thanks Mark and Tom. Appreciate your replies. What is your grinder of choice? I have the west system stuff and also the pumps and supplies from Murf.

Tom, was going to give you a call. I'm still inching along with the car, but almost done. Should be running by early summer. You should stop out here for a visit if you get the chance. Stay at my place, have a few pops and burgers, and go out and make a few squirts.

Good luck this year!

James