A question about making a fiberglass mold. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Z51JEFF · 06-17-2019

I’m working on my front filler panel again and would like to make the panel I have out of fiberglass and then use that as the base for my project. I’d like to use vacuum to make this as perfect as possible but I’ve never made anything this big before out of fiberglass. I do know I’ll need a vacuum pump,looking into one now but what’s the best method for the process,plastic bag or make an air tight chamber? I’ve got the filler panel smoothed out and need to move onto the next step.

Z51JEFF · 06-18-2019

Anybody?

WARP TEN · 06-18-2019

If you haven't already, I would suggest you contact Brett Henderson. He posts here under Blue Flame Restorations, is a Registry Director and is certainly an expert on fiberglass. --Bob

Andy · 06-18-2019

Woodenboat Magazine has, over the years, run many articles on how to plan for, make and perform vacuum bagging. Their website, Woodenboat.com, has a search function of old issues. I suspect your library could get those issues.

Ccmano · 06-18-2019

Have you considered having it scanned and a new panel 3D printed?
H

Z51JEFF · 06-19-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ccmano

Have you considered having it scanned and a new panel 3D printed?
H

I have a set of mirror fairings I made and would like to reproduce what I have and checked into having these 3D printed and the coat is still too high with the scanning and the printing.

06-17-2019	#1
Z51JEFF Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fremont,Ca Posts: 3,079	A question about making a fiberglass mold. I’m working on my front filler panel again and would like to make the panel I have out of fiberglass and then use that as the base for my project. I’d like to use vacuum to make this as perfect as possible but I’ve never made anything this big before out of fiberglass. I do know I’ll need a vacuum pump,looking into one now but what’s the best method for the process,plastic bag or make an air tight chamber? I’ve got the filler panel smoothed out and need to move onto the next step.

06-18-2019	#2
Z51JEFF Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fremont,Ca Posts: 3,079	Re: A question about making a fiberglass mold. Anybody?

06-18-2019	#3
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,095	Re: A question about making a fiberglass mold. If you haven't already, I would suggest you contact Brett Henderson. He posts here under Blue Flame Restorations, is a Registry Director and is certainly an expert on fiberglass. --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"

06-18-2019	#4
Andy Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 37	Re: A question about making a fiberglass mold. Woodenboat Magazine has, over the years, run many articles on how to plan for, make and perform vacuum bagging. Their website, Woodenboat.com, has a search function of old issues. I suspect your library could get those issues. __________________ 1990 black on black #1042 - sadly - sold 1993 Ruby #140 - stock 1991 QB #1608 - heads and top end ported, Watson headers, B&B 3"exhaust, Haibeck chip, 4.10 gears

06-18-2019	#5
Ccmano Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 2,852	Re: A question about making a fiberglass mold. Have you considered having it scanned and a new panel 3D printed? H __________________ 90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold.