Decided to have a go with pre-preg.

First off we started off with my gear lever surround infusion mould:



A really really important thing to do is to post cure your mould so it can handle the temperatures used in pre-preg. Mine has spent at least 24 hours at 90 degrees.

Used my previous template measurements to cut some Easypreg Surface layer to the necessary shape:


You can see the shiney surface here:


I then started to carefully lay the pre-preg into the mould:


Notice the tool i borowed to press the fabric right into the tight corners.

once i was happy with the first layer, I used some 400g vari-preg as the backing layer. Its just going in here:

I used some odd shaped offcuts to save wastage and as its a cosmetic trim piece it doesnt matter from a strength issue.

The backing layer all done:


Then it was time to finish the layup and draw a vacuum:

extra care was taken to ensure the bag got into all the tight corners. You dont want bridging as it can ruin the part.

It was then cured under vacuum at 90 degrees over night (over the needed 10 hours).

After demoulding and trimming this is the finished part:


Im really pleased, its better than any of the previous ones i made with infusion by a long way!!

I wonder if you could use a gelcoat prior to material layup with the prepreg? It might get rid of the pin holes and such.

ye same idea? maybe gc 50? Also where to putted part for the heating?

there are virtually no pinholes. two tiny patches with 3 or 4 pinholes.  the cause was bridging, plain and simple, no gelcoat needed just a bit more practice. The part is perfectly usable as it is.

The pinholes occured where the fabric wasnt in proper contact with the mould surface. Take extra care when positioning fabrics.

It Looks great and keep the project pics coming

Chris Alty

http://www.bartonphoenix.moonfruit.com

All finished ready to go in a car:

Nice work. I can't wait to try this prepreg I ordered.

Fred