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moldable foam for body work
oadamo - 17/8/09 at 07:05 AM

anyone no where to get some cheap foam that you can sand into shape so i can fiberglass over to make body panels.
adam

Barronge - 17/8/09 at 07:13 AM

I could also do with some

liam.mccaffrey - 17/8/09 at 07:16 AM

Will PU expanding foam do? Or will the resin dissolve it.

linky

oadamo - 17/8/09 at 07:21 AM

has anyone tryed the stuff in cans that you use around windows
adam

balidey - 17/8/09 at 07:43 AM

Fibreglass polyester resin gives off 'styrene' which melts any plastic or foam than has a styrene content. So if you use polystyrene foam then unless you cover it with filler or paint it will melt.
You can use polyurethane (sp) which should not melt, but I would still suggest to cover it with a good coat of paint before applying resin.

balidey - 17/8/09 at 07:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by oadamo
has anyone tryed the stuff in cans that you use around windows
adam

yes, its crap. It doesn't expand at an even rate so you get huge air bubbles in some bits, and its expands rapidly, so you end up spending more time reworking it.
Best stuff to use is either rigid foam blocks, cut and sanded to shape, or if you are using expanding foam then use the two part foam, only down side to that is gravity, you need to build it 'up' as otherwise it will just run down. Thats the only plus side to the squirty can foams, its quick to hold its shape and will almost stick to a vertical face.

[Edited on 17/8/09 by balidey]

Triton - 17/8/09 at 09:22 AM

The joys of two part foam, what a giggle that stuff is.....Best way is to make a former or box and pour your two part foam in that then shape it then glass it...lots of work though

m8kwr - 17/8/09 at 09:28 AM

unsure if this link will help

link

wicket - 17/8/09 at 11:40 AM

This foam can be used I believe.

http://balsamart.co.uk/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=104_106&products_id=428&zenid=29f752b9f9add05519ae65411061de15

smart51 - 17/8/09 at 11:54 AM

Polyurethane foam can come as a 2 part mix or in pre cut sheets. CFS sell it. It isn't cheap though. I got mine from a local place in Birmingham and transported it in my inlaw's zafira to save the postage. It is safe to put fibreglass straight on it. I'm making a whole car from the stuff.

m8kwr - 17/8/09 at 11:59 AM

smart51 - do you remember where you got yours from in b'ham - sorry to hijack the post

smart51 - 17/8/09 at 01:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by m8kwr
smart51 - do you remember where you got yours from in b'ham - sorry to hijack the post


I got a lot of my stuff from Polyfibre in Aston. I found them to be good chaps. They talked me out of buying some expensive stuff and into a cheaper alternative and they've always had what I wanted in stock. They only do office hours though.

oadamo - 18/8/09 at 12:58 PM

thanks guys ive ordered some stuff off the net but the amount i need its gonna cost loads.
adam

m8kwr - 18/8/09 at 01:18 PM

I'm planning on making a complete body for the car i am designing, and looking at the cost of buying the Polyurethane foam, then the grp material on top - i nearly fell of my chair.

I think i am going to buy the 2 part Polyurethane and hopefully that will work.... seems to be the locost option