Interest in Fibreglass Panels

[Dazmans12]

Hi
I could be interested in a set of front wings, road spec. Got an 86 prefacelift I want to restore, only bad bit body wise, so far, are the wings.

I do have a complete pre facelift S12, which I am going to break soon, bonnet is still in good nick, if you needed as a templet. not sure how would get to you though, as don't know where you are & I live near Portsmouth.

Daz

[t51rjohn]

Originally Posted by 30psi

To be honest you'll probably find it won't make much difference for most panels esepcially say the wings. They're so light anyway.

Bonnet and hatch should be essential though, the rear hatch is probably at least twice the weight of the bonnet.

Lightweight versions(Race) can be made which would be less layers or with other composite materials like Carbon or Carbon Kevlar, Also with race fitment there is no catches on the under side of the bonnet it would be a bonnet skin which is rigid enough to keep its form but keeps weight to a minimum.

Thanks John

[t51rjohn]

Also with the fibreglass doors please be aware of the safety implications, ie no good in a side impact ensure you have a cage with door bars before fitting!!

Also for a road car as mentioned before these can be broken into easier than metal if you right tools!

Thanks John

[s13eater]

would the bonnet be ok at high speeds?, as the guy with the red race s12 had to put some strenthening bars in because it was flexing at speed and i will possibley doing top speed runs when its finished.

[martin.herwitson]

I'd love a pair of front wings!!!!! no more isopon! and possibly bonnet doors and boot for that matter!..

[t51rjohn]

Originally Posted by s13eater

would the bonnet be ok at high speeds?, as the guy with the red race s12 had to put some strenthening bars in because it was flexing at speed and i will possibley doing top speed runs when its finished.

Aramid cloth could be used to stiffen it up if required, i doubt it would though.

The main thing that would cause a problem is if the bonnet isn't securely fastened, the bonnet will flex, but that is just the characteristics of the materials, hence aramid to strenghen it. However Aramid is quite expensive so costs would rise.

Thanks John

[t51rjohn]

just had a look at aramid prices and it should be about £75 more for aramid reinforcement, however is still feel this is unecessary as it will be plenty strong enough, i am using good quality fibreglass so it will be very stiff.

Thanks John

[carrottop]

Hi mate am currently after a pair of front wings for my s12 and fiberglass sounds like a good solution when your ready let me know and i will definetly have a pair off you cheers Phil

[PukkaSilvia]

you only need to roll up some card or similer and make a corner to corner diagonal cross structure underneath and then another one on the front lip of the bonnet and then fibreglass over with the second or third layer. That will strenghten it enough for about 20p and it looks prefectly fine

then measure the bonnet thickness where the hinges bolt on and then put in some wood between the layers in the corners to the right thickness. You can then screw the origianl hinges to it


It wont be strong enough with out reinforcement unless your going to make it really thick and heavy

[t51rjohn]

I am currently working on a tailgate for the s12 but will be some time, dont expect immediate results as good results demand good preparation & planning.

As for reinforcements, i would not like to trust a piece of cardboard rolled up for reinforcement on these bonnets. I am looking at other methods of reinforcments, that are cost viable. There are lots available i just want the best suited for the job.

Thanks John