BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      07-02-2020, 08:14 PM   #1
_gentry101
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Carbon fiber!!!!

Work over the past few months have taken a toll on my sleep patterns, so when not sleeping I decided to dip my hands into the carbon game.
I have never done anything like this before and it has been an expensive learning curve.

I started off with skinning or wrapping some trim panels, and completely ruined my "ashtray" and surrounding areas.

Moved into making rear door panel deletes, Needless to say wow this is a process.

Let me know thoughts, I'm really starting to get into this and enjoy the process.

All are prototypes and first attempts.

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Last edited by _gentry101; 07-02-2020 at 08:19 PM..
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      07-02-2020, 09:22 PM   #2
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Looks pretty good, I did several pieces and they came out nice but I couldn't get the epoxy to go on smooth with no dips or dimples. Even by laying it on thick and sanding it back to 2500 grit. So I kept the door pulls and the shifter surround and did the rest in vinyl carbon wrap. I still have plenty of real carbon and will get some more time in the winter to try a few more pieces. But I just got the silver carbon vinyl too. I did the dash trim in that the other day. So far I like it. Breaks up the entirely black interior nicely.
The shifter surround was thick after epoxy and didn't go back down properly. So I had to dremel out some around where it clips down. I need to buy another one and try it again.
Good luck, great job!!
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      07-02-2020, 09:25 PM   #3
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Looks pretty good, I did several pieces and they came out decent but I couldn't get the epoxy to go on smooth with no dips or dimples. Even by laying it on thick and sanding it back to 2500 grit. So I kept the door pulls and the shifter surround and did the rest in vinyl carbon wrap. I still have plenty of real carbon and will get some more time in the winter to try a few more pieces. But I just got the silver carbon vinyl too. I did the dash trim in that the other day. So far I like it. Breaks up the entirely black interior nicely.
The shifter surround was thick after epoxy and didn't go back down properly. So I had to dremel out some around where it clips down. I need to buy another one and try it again.
Good luck, great job!!
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      07-03-2020, 05:00 AM   #4
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I would like to do some carbon-fibre work, in two minds about it.

Thinking some engine bay styling would be nice, thought about replicating the 128i performance air-intake on my 135i by hydro dripping the intake and and placing a BMW performance sticker over the top.

Exterior wise i'm thinking performance spoiler, splitter and diffuser in CF, would add good contrast to an all jet black car.

Here's a picture of Supergnats? car as an example.

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      07-05-2020, 11:21 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petro135 View Post
Looks pretty good, I did several pieces and they came out decent but I couldn't get the epoxy to go on smooth with no dips or dimples. Even by laying it on thick and sanding it back to 2500 grit. So I kept the door pulls and the shifter surround and did the rest in vinyl carbon wrap. I still have plenty of real carbon and will get some more time in the winter to try a few more pieces. But I just got the silver carbon vinyl too. I did the dash trim in that the other day. So far I like it. Breaks up the entirely black interior nicely.
The shifter surround was thick after epoxy and didn't go back down properly. So I had to dremel out some around where it clips down. I need to buy another one and try it again.
Good luck, great job!!
Thank you,
Epoxy wise, I have been using West Systems, even if you are very careful you will still get air bubbles while mixing our application. I know the frustration! I am going to make a vacuum chamber and see if that helps in the future.
The panels luckily enough are flat and can be done on glass or mirrors and that really helps to eliminate the air bubbles you'll see on the finished side.
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      07-05-2020, 11:24 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Windy5000 View Post
I would like to do some carbon-fibre work, in two minds about it.

Thinking some engine bay styling would be nice, thought about replicating the 128i performance air-intake on my 135i by hydro dripping the intake and and placing a BMW performance sticker over the top.

Exterior wise i'm thinking performance spoiler, splitter and diffuser in CF, would add good contrast to an all jet black car.

Here's a picture of Supergnats? car as an example.

Hydro dipping the intake manifold would be best bet on the boosted one. I am looking into doing engine parts as well, molded the factory engine cover only for there to be a mechanical lock during mold process that damaged the engine cover and fresh mold-ouch.
Engine bay and under body panels are tricky due to heat and abrasions.
I have been researching different epoxies and materials and I am in the process of designing a "basic" front splitter and a race rear diffuser, potentially semi flat floor too.
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      07-05-2020, 01:55 PM   #7
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Be sure to keep us informed Gentry!
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      07-06-2020, 10:54 PM   #8
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Be sure to keep us informed Gentry!
Most definitely will
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      07-08-2020, 12:21 AM   #9
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That is seriously impressive - great work!
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      07-22-2020, 08:05 AM   #10
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That is seriously impressive - great work!
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
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      07-22-2020, 08:06 AM   #11
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Looking into interest for CF parts to see if people would be interested in having these made here in the US if there are enough buyers.
First layer (beauty layer) can pretty much anything you'd like.ive made solid carbon one, carbon one with foam core.
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      07-22-2020, 08:07 AM   #12
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anyway you make panels that replace the leather infill? i think that will look amazing witht he carbon blades/handles on the inside.
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      07-23-2020, 07:19 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by golfer23rm View Post
anyway you make panels that replace the leather infill? i think that will look amazing witht he carbon blades/handles on the inside.
Can be done, tricky part is making it to where to can still mount the handle and speaker with enough flex with out cracking
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      07-23-2020, 10:19 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _gentry101 View Post
Can be done, tricky part is making it to where to can still mount the handle and speaker with enough flex with out cracking
aaaah cool, was just wondering cause that would look awesome.
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      07-23-2020, 01:24 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golfer23rm View Post
aaaah cool, was just wondering cause that would look awesome.
I could try it out
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      08-27-2020, 02:27 PM   #16
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What a dedication and effort you put in there mate....
Wow
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      12-13-2020, 10:19 AM   #17
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I'd be interested in a simple front splitter! Have you got down to designing one yet?
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      12-17-2020, 09:40 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by ijustcametosay View Post
I'd be interested in a simple front splitter! Have you got down to designing one yet?
I have not, the 135i was totaled and met it's end in a wall. A local member and bmw friend has a e82 I am waiting on him to finish maintenance items then using his vehicle for test vehicle.
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      12-17-2020, 11:45 AM   #19
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Thats too bad about your car. Hate to see 1 less 1er in the world. At least you are ok and still here.
Anyway im headed towards a single turbo and am doing all the small stuff now while its too cold to work in my garage. I saw this ram air cowl on nelson racing, i love it but its only for a 335i. I figured i can make that. Im going to get a vacuum pump and do an epoxy infusion. Lay it all out in cardboard, then make a mould for it. Should be a decently easy first piece to try. If that works, then im thinking about nice subtley flared fenders and quarters to look more 1m like and not have those huge 4" flares that the widebody kits come with. Maybe use my body panels as the mould. See what happens. Good luck
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      12-31-2020, 04:43 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by Petro135 View Post
Thats too bad about your car. Hate to see 1 less 1er in the world. At least you are ok and still here.
Anyway im headed towards a single turbo and am doing all the small stuff now while its too cold to work in my garage. I saw this ram air cowl on nelson racing, i love it but its only for a 335i. I figured i can make that. Im going to get a vacuum pump and do an epoxy infusion. Lay it all out in cardboard, then make a mould for it. Should be a decently easy first piece to try. If that works, then im thinking about nice subtley flared fenders and quarters to look more 1m like and not have those huge 4" flares that the widebody kits come with. Maybe use my body panels as the mould. See what happens. Good luck
That will be awesome, I'm working on making mold for our 335d intake now.
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