[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by pwr hungry

I would try and pick up a set of second hand door cards and swap out the sections in case you don't like it.

I have been looking. I usually do try to buy extra, just in case...but on these, I think you are right...it may be a lot more important, just in case, I don't like it.

[pwr hungry]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I have been looking. I usually do try to buy extra, just in case...but on these, I think you are right...it may be a lot more important, just in case, I don't like it.

Yeah, I always try to play the better safe than sorry game. Plus it's nice to know that if you ever decide to sell the car, you have EVERYTHING to put it back to stock for maximum ROI on the car itself, and then just part out the rest.

[BlackTyEvent]

Originally Posted by EgorGovorun

Soon I'll make mine with MansoRy Carbon..

What do think?

EPIC. go for it!

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by pwr hungry

Yeah, I always try to play the better safe than sorry game. Plus it's nice to know that if you ever decide to sell the car, you have EVERYTHING to put it back to stock for maximum ROI on the car itself, and then just part out the rest.

I usually do the same thing but not on this one. I have sold all the OEM parts I have upgraded...except my wheels. Since there is a new 3 series and the 4 coming out, I figured it would be better to sell parts while I can instead of trying to sell upgraded parts in a few years.

I don't think they made the door cards i really want though....beige with black inserts or black with beige inserts...I haven't seen any...

[roll_the_dice]

Finished the seat backs today. I ended up putting 5 coats of resin on them...I still need to wet sand with 2000 grit and polish them...but I think they look amazing!

[330xtrai]

So shiny!

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by 330xtrai

So shiny!

Yeah, they are super shiny....I was amazed my cell phone took a decent picture for once.

[roll_the_dice]

I have been working again...this time doing my new to me VW Touareg and a few pieces for others....here are a few pics I have. I did the VW in a 1x1 plain weave, which is OEM for VW. I really like the look of it. I may do an entire BMW interior with it next.

VW Passenger Door


VW Center console


A close up of the same weave on a dash trim piece. It looks crazy up close, but I love how shiny it is and NO orange peel like most stuff I see.


I love this picture of a dash piece I did...really shows the color of the CF


BMW E63 Front door trim

[BeamMe93]

Tried and it was a pain in the *** came out good though. Not as good as yours though. How did you get the epoxy even on with out bubbles and get it so shiney

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by BeamMe93

Tried and it was a pain in the *** came out good though. Not as good as yours though. How did you get the epoxy even on with out bubbles and get it so shiney

Looks good for a first go at it. Practice practice practice...I am actually starting to vacuum bag most things now and there are a few tricks I have earned from trial and error and elbow grease with sanding as you know. Did you clear coat and polish after?

[BeamMe93]

How do you vacuum bag ? Is it easier ? I put on a lot of clear coat to the point where it almost runs to get that smooth finish

[roll_the_dice]

Walk before you can run, get the basics before you try bagging...bagging over OEM parts doesn't lay resin...so you still have to do that by hand.

How many coats of clear did you do? Don't lay it on realy heavy to the point of running...2-3 good coats is all you need...how many pieces have you done?

[Anon007]

You did a great job!

[BeamMe93]

I did almost all the wood trim and the fuel door

[roll_the_dice]

Looks good...I say the clear coat you are using isn't a great quality. I use a spray gun and mix my own clear. I use top of the line automotive clear.

[BeamMe93]

I used this ...

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by BeamMe93

I used this ...

...there are really not any good rattle can clear coats That is enamel...you will be better with lacquer or urethane.

[BeamMe93]

I will try that thanks.

[roll_the_dice]

OK, it has been almost 2 years since I started playing around with carbon fiber. I have been intrigued with the F30 carbon fiber that has texture. It is real carbon fiber, but not the deep shine that is normally attributed to CF. BMW uses a matte finish on theirs, but I got to playing around again. I love learning new techniques...and being able to produce different looking items is satisfying. It is clear coated just like always...so it can be touched and felt and looked at, but is protected. All I had was gloss clear, but here is a light switch trim cover similar to BMWs new textured CF. Thoughts? Which do people like better...traditional or textured?

[almcbs]

I like it, looks really good!! Have you tried to do resin infusion?? gives a near perfect finish with no pin holes or air bubbles.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by almcbs

I like it, looks really good!! Have you tried to do resin infusion?? gives a near perfect finish with no pin holes or air bubbles.

Thanks...I vacuum bag everything right now. I have played with some infusion. I am thinking of making some true CF parts without skinning them. Will definitely infuse then.

When I do that, I am going to make molds so I can get the attachment points correct and in the right places. I haven't decided what I might try first...maybe exterior mirrors.

[almcbs]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Thanks...I vacuum bag everything right now. I have played with some infusion. I am thinking of making some true CF parts without skinning them. Will definitely infuse then.

When I do that, I am going to make molds so I can get the attachment points correct and in the right places. I haven't decided what I might try first...maybe exterior mirrors.

I have been thinking about the same thing. The mirrors seems like a easy candidate to start with. I'm playing around with mold making now on my buddies r1. Will eventually use the molds to make a few carbon fiber bits