Davegtst
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 04:31 PM |
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Making a front splitter from mdf
Got a bit bored today so i started making a front splitter. I made a a template out of 12mm mdf. I was just wondering how well mdf would stand up if
it was painted a few times then possibly covered in carbon cloth and resin. Alternativly what else could i make one out of?
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puma931
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 04:39 PM |
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I would not use MDF as it is too heavy. Best to use marine ply, Ally or fibreglass.
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RK
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 04:41 PM |
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Plywood? MDF will hold moisture too, though won't it? Unless you cover with paint and/or resin at least.
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StevieB
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 05:04 PM |
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I would have thought foam core material would be the best then laminate with c/f or woven roving.
Don't forget that if it isn't mounted in a way that will take a lot of weight on top of it, then it will be next to useless (unless you
just want it for the looks).
Alternatively, use this for inspiration (or buy it and fit it) Linky
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maccmike
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 05:07 PM |
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if you can afford it do it in carbon. if not use fiber glass.
wjp004 on you tube does some great tutorials including a rear diffuser.
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rachaeljf
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 05:15 PM |
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Ply coated with glass fibre is a tried and tested boat building method. It's what I've done for the front spoiler/radiator cowl on one of
my cars.
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v8kid
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 05:22 PM |
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Also check out the West System of epoxy coating ply - strong, waterproof, cheap, easy and fairly light.
You can use thinner ply and glue strakes on to it to make it stiff easily. With a bit of thought the strakes can also have an aero function
Cheers!
You'd be surprised how quickly the sales people at B&Q try and assist you after ignoring you for the past 15 minutes when you try and start a
chainsaw
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Simon
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 05:43 PM |
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Do it properly, make a buck, a mould then do a final version.
It'll be so much more satisfying from every point of view
ATB
Simon
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Davegtst
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 06:30 PM |
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I want it to be a functional splitter as the whole underside will be panneled flat it has to look good aswell and carbon fibre will match a few other
parts on my car. I've had a read up about splitters so i know they need to at least 15mm thick and pretty much strong enough to stand on. I
have some spare carbon cloth from another project that ended up in a bit of a mess so it would be nice to use that. Is there a certain type of resin
that i would need to use for carbon? Would ply be any different to mdf if it was covered in resin and airtight?
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unijacko67
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 08:05 PM |
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Don’t use MDF it accepts moisture over the years, even when inside. I’ve ripped a few kitchens out with MDF doors in a lived in environment and cant
believe how heavy it gets compared to a bit of MDF that’s new and it isn’t light to start with.
http://www.kittenkitcar.co.uk
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MK9R
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 08:47 PM |
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Some proper birch ply is a good option. We made a grp front splitter using 3 layers of 300, which worked well but after the last bump we decided just
to use ply as it was quicker and easier. We used 4mm birch ply (not the poo from b&q) and its about the same weight and same strength as the grp.
Cheers Austen
RGB car number 9
www.austengreenway.co.uk
www.automatedtechnologygroup.co.uk
www.trackace.co.uk
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Hopley89
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| posted on 7/9/12 at 09:53 PM |
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marine ply is your best option as it is resistant to water as it is made with resin inbertween each layer
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