Fiberglass Molding/Building 101

rzeller · Post by **rzeller** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 10:13 pm

Numerous times I've read posts by folks in this forum about building molds and making new fenders, clone/replica bodies, etc. It got me wondering about just how a body (or any other shape for that matter) is created. I understand the mold part (I think). Basically you create the negative image/plug of what you want to produce. I'm guessing molds are made out of various materials (like wood). What is the material used for bodies? It's at this point I can't imagine the rest of the process. For instance if you're creating a fiberglass box, what are the steps to coat the mold (so it will come out) and then to build it. If I wanted a smooth, gel coated, colored metal flake, finish what do you do. I read where you can either layer fiber material and then add resins or use a "chop gun" and spray the fiber material onto the mold. My question is how do you get the smooth shiny finish on the top side when you are done? If there is a web site that someone can point me to that shows the step by step process? Or can someone describe it here? I'd greatly appreciate the education. Just so no one thinks I'm building a Manix clone/replica/wanna-be mold in my garage :laugh1: , I'm really thinking about how difficult it would be to build one of those storage type boxes for the back seat area. Thanks for the leads. Bud

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 11:41 pm

I'd like info on the process also. I want to make dunebuggy mailboxes...

DIESELDOOG · Post by **DIESELDOOG** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:34 am

It is farly simple but VERY time consuming to make a mold of something. The plug has to be perfict, since every imperfection that is on it will be in the mold and then transfered to the final product. I have made a few molds for high performance boats,100mph+, and some R/C boats.

allen pierce · Post by **allen pierce** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 5:13 am

Bud, Try these links... Fibre Glast Go to the "Learning Center, then to "Free Online Brochures" and read everything. One-Off Construction Using GRP/Urethane Foam Composite Fiberglass Gelcoat Restoration and Boat Graphics You'll probably have some questions after those, so ask some more.

rzeller · Post by **rzeller** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 4:09 pm

Allen, Thanks for the leads. I'll go have a look. Bud

90volts · Post by **90volts** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 5:04 pm

Just so no one thinks I'm building a Manix clone/replica/wanna-be mold in my garage

why would you do that? now a manxter clone ...hmmm. i don't think the court system would fail like it did back in the 60s so you would be in a world of hurt though. LOL.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 8:06 am

[QUOTE="90volts"]why would you do that? now a manxter clone ...hmmm. i don't think the court system would fail like it did back in the 60s so you would be in a world of hurt though. LOL.

[/QUOTE] What??? Our court system FAIL????.....:laugh1: