Fender vents - how to make a mould for fiberglass?
#1
Fender vents - how to make a mould for fiberglass?
Hi guys,
I'm not Miata owner, however I really like local discussion about aero upgrades.
My goal is to make a fiberglass fender vents for RX-8 (not complete fender, just a small panel with vents to be bolted on original fender). Problem is that the fender is curved in both directions and I don't know how to make (which material) individual vents, so I can make a mould.
So far I tried wooden bar (not bendable to match curvature) and aluminium sheet (not stiff enough for mould). See the pictures and video.
Any ideas how to make individual vents (on original fender), so I can make a mould from it?
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krEhfpMHY1Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
THE GOAL!
I'm not Miata owner, however I really like local discussion about aero upgrades.
My goal is to make a fiberglass fender vents for RX-8 (not complete fender, just a small panel with vents to be bolted on original fender). Problem is that the fender is curved in both directions and I don't know how to make (which material) individual vents, so I can make a mould.
So far I tried wooden bar (not bendable to match curvature) and aluminium sheet (not stiff enough for mould). See the pictures and video.
Any ideas how to make individual vents (on original fender), so I can make a mould from it?
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krEhfpMHY1Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
THE GOAL!
#2
Whenever I'm fabricating something I use cardstock to make my templates first. It's easy to work with, cheap, and sturdy.
Cut a strip longer than you anticipate it being (account for the end folds too), then, with scissors, start trimming it until it fits like you want it to. Make all your vents. Make a suitable platform for them to rest on that will hold them in the right shape (still out of that cardstock), use spray adhesive and aluminum foil to cover the vents. Apply release compound to the mold, then begin applying your fibreglass. This can either be the final product, or the mold you make your real vents out of.
Cut a strip longer than you anticipate it being (account for the end folds too), then, with scissors, start trimming it until it fits like you want it to. Make all your vents. Make a suitable platform for them to rest on that will hold them in the right shape (still out of that cardstock), use spray adhesive and aluminum foil to cover the vents. Apply release compound to the mold, then begin applying your fibreglass. This can either be the final product, or the mold you make your real vents out of.
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01-08-2021 11:24 AM