Fibreglass Car Body Shells: An In-Depth Guide
Fibreglass car body shells offer a lightweight and durable alternative to traditional steel or aluminium bodies. They are often used in high-performance and racing applications, but are also becoming increasingly popular for custom and classic car builds.
In this guide, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of fibreglass car body shells, as well as the different types and construction methods available.
Advantages of Fibreglass Car Body Shells
- Lightweight: Fibreglass is a very lightweight material, which can significantly reduce the overall weight of a car. This can improve performance, fuel economy, and handling.
- Durable: Fibreglass is a very strong and durable material, which is resistant to corrosion and impact. This makes it ideal for use in harsh environments and racing applications.
- Aerodynamic: Fibreglass can be easily moulded into complex shapes, which can help to improve the aerodynamics of a car. This can further improve performance and fuel economy.
- Customisable: Fibreglass car body shells can be easily customised to create a unique and personal look for your car.
Disadvantages of Fibreglass Car Body Shells
- Expensive: Fibreglass car body shells are typically more expensive than steel or aluminium bodies. This is due to the high cost of materials and labour.
- Complex to repair: Fibreglass car body shells can be difficult to repair, especially if the damage is extensive. This is because the material is not as easy to weld or reshape as steel or aluminium.
- Not as strong as steel or aluminium: While fibreglass is a strong material, it is not as strong as steel or aluminium. This means that it is more susceptible to damage in the event of a collision.
Types of Fibreglass Car Body Shells
There are two main types of fibreglass car body shells:
- Hand-laid: Hand-laid fibreglass car body shells are made by hand, using a mould and a variety of materials. This type of shell is typically more expensive than a moulded shell, but it allows for greater customisation.
- Moulded: Moulded fibreglass car body shells are made using a pre-existing mould. This type of shell is typically less expensive than a hand-laid shell, but it offers less customisation options.
Construction Methods for Fibreglass Car Body Shells
There are two main construction methods for fibreglass car body shells:
- Resin transfer moulding (RTM): RTM is a process in which a resin is injected into a mould, which is then heated and cured. This process produces a strong and durable shell with a consistent finish.
- Vacuum infusion moulding (VIM): VIM is a process in which a vacuum is used to draw a resin into a mould, which is then heated and cured. This process produces a lightweight and strong shell with a high-quality finish.
Conclusion
Fibreglass car body shells offer a number of advantages over traditional steel or aluminium bodies. They are lightweight, durable, aerodynamic, and customisable. However, they are also more expensive and difficult to repair than steel or aluminium bodies.
When choosing a fibreglass car body shell, it is important to consider your budget, needs, and the type of car you are building. If you are looking for a lightweight, durable, and customisable shell, then a fibreglass car body shell may be the right choice for you.
