Hi there.

I kindly ask you to take a look at this carbon fiber roof of my car, because I don't have enough knowledge about CF and need some advice to make a decision. The gelcoat is damaged, and now the CF is exposed.



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VnbM6h_sRv2O_bYmapGShuZ-p5kp1wi-bwTGoyWNoLPgeY_8nFVaRdClLiwsMUeYNhPerIteuwkVzV-TnhJzswm4AVdNFtMwkB1HCNOWb8p44IH_dQECDaHk1_Jo1yRkHkhwuXK7EZ00Tzv2sx3PygpucPVXbM_XLhnxEYFUGfLHjBPw2xiUTbHOdFkyFhAbIEVfdZ3A4cf2Lz_aaBvNzOAafOisDn9t_xW_R0aUKLRNRrwO4QZOyo7gnIcDQza2UTNDe16WYWZmIUNMRpQbeoLXNVz15V0ZjiSE8o-fX6yK7Ul0HY6PBm09eM4Rc0EodB4adMHJ7M6IjbUNZCDE1mloTJhZXwgBMe5kCTclEv87rI8APUl4n6IAbnFxNRLp9GG6c_2ilSvMK-TyGmIWzUPGp8zOKylwtAHuTImKBslWHLBflGdf0v286s0qOCZmnRVQAcgnhJM-hz6qYL_oZzyIPC9AyKo5DtrX-J4lz2jShGC9FldqTpxmcz0k81jgKazr6BpOUqfgAxJM7YN1yy7sRz2szzd_XhKFYqO_CFaVesAG91MSi3All7792enuUoijw_NNWoYMoojyYGlcw3zh7bBitlW95Lxu7npZjh_vx9SHSJPg6iDyC6PomS-SqMAoo_f3AXFQ_Qa-EsgL9HWI0w=w1292-h970-no

I don't run this car too often, something like once a week. When I do, it is exposed to moisture of the day or night, sometimes the sun, sometimes water in a rain or a wash. When not, it is kept in the garage, without rain and sun, only moisture.

I was advised to peel off the gel coat and apply clear coat (with about 7 layers), but since that would a little expensive, I'd like to wait about 7 months to do that.

My question is: is there a hurry to do that, as the carbon fiber may get damaged by those agents (sun, water, moisture), which would make do it ASAP, or it is very resistant to them so that I can wait the 7 months?


Thanks!

Carbon composites aren't that sensitive. Moisture and water have little impact, especially at non-structural components. Sunlight however can yellow the resin over time. Clear laquer protects it from the uv light. If you wait to long, and use/leave your car outside, you might end up with an amberish spot, where the laquer was damaged. You could get some clear/black/dark grey car wrap film, and place it onto the damage. This will keep of the uv light as well.
It isn't necessary to peel down the whole laquer, and 7 coats of clear coat won't be necessary either. That would result in a "deepness effect" far greater than the original part. A local sand down and a spot repair will already get you flawless finish again.