Hi guys,

I’m currently trying to do research on producing a carbon fibre piece to replace my spark plug cover on my Honda. The piece looks like this..

https://www.heeltoeauto.com/images/P/oem_engine_dress_plugcvr_blk.jpg

The kit I have purchased to make the part is the following.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F162837289911

Am I able to just clean, apply release agent then coat the part in epoxy, allow to partly set tacky, lay fabric, wet out, lay second layer ect until thick enough then for the final layer allow to fully dry, apply epoxy coat layers up then wet sand, polish until glossy, finally just release the part from the Carbon piece?

I have just purchased a house so I’m on a unbelievably low budget unfortunately!

Thanks in advance!

welcome to the site, ive got a couple of honda a CRX ED9 and a MC2 Aerodeck.

are you trying to make a mould first with the kit you bought or just the part? The kit you have isnt the best at what you are trying to achieve as its a rapid repair resin and not really suited for making a mould or for carbon skinning. I would do abit of research on the site and see what info will help you out. I would also look at the easy composites site and see what materials for making a mould first would be suitable for you.

Hi, cheers for your reply.

I’ve cancelled the order on the original kit I’ve bought. Considering ordering separately to hopefully save a bit of money..

Love the CRXs! Got any pictures?

I currently don’t have a mould to use, I was hoping to use the original part as a mould but it seems that it’s not possible.

I’m aware of how the basic process is carried out for mould making ect so I’ll have to buy some kit... what would be best to use, putty or fibreglass?

I’m just after making carbon fibre copies of engine/interior panels ect for aesthetics so I don’t really want invest a lot of money.

Also is vacuum bagging essential to making these cf panels or can it be avoided?

Again I appreciate the input. I’ve done a lot of research but coming up short!

Hi!

The part in the picture looks like a good candidate for "skinning" - the same probably goes for most of your interior panels.
I would start by getting the EC XCR skinning kit, and having a go at skinning some smaller parts from the interior of your car.

Watch the skinning tutorials on the EC website

The part in the picture (Spark Plug cover) would probably be fairly easy to make a mould from, using the EC "Epoxy Putty" kit, but making the part without vacuum will be a challenge.
Also being an engine part you should take the heat into consideration, you may need to make it with high temperature epoxy
You could run your car hot on a warm day and use an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature of the original plastic cover, if it gets above 100 degrees centigrade, you will need high Tg epoxy
otherwise it will end up not looking very nice, rather quickly

Be aware that getting into composites making will significantly delay any house improvement projects -- do not ask me how I know :-)


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Thank you for all your replies..

I am going to start practicing skinning then look at skinning fibre glass moulds to begin with.

What kit would be the best for making fibre glass parts?

Hopefully it goes well!

Cheers for the input!