How to Make Fiberglass Body Kits for Cars
Fiberglass body kits are a great way to give your car a unique and aggressive look. They can also improve the aerodynamics of your car, making it more efficient and faster. If you’re looking to add a body kit to your car, you can either buy one or make your own. Making your own body kit is a challenging but rewarding project that can save you a lot of money.
Materials You’ll Need
- Fiberglass mat
- Fiberglass resin
- Hardener
- Mold release wax
- Polyester body filler
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Stirring sticks
- Brushes
- Rollers
- Squeegee
- Sanding blocks
- Orbital sander
- Spray gun
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Design the Body Kit
The first step is to design the body kit. You can do this by sketching out your ideas on paper or using a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Once you have a design, you can create a mold of the body kit.
2. Create a Mold
To create a mold, you will need to apply a layer of mold release wax to the surface of the car. This will prevent the fiberglass from sticking to the car. Once the mold release wax has dried, you can apply a layer of fiberglass mat to the surface of the car. The fiberglass mat should be cut into small pieces so that it can conform to the curves of the car.
Once the fiberglass mat has been applied, you can apply a layer of fiberglass resin. The resin will harden and create a mold of the car. Once the mold has hardened, you can remove it from the car.
3. Lay Up the Fiberglass
Now that you have a mold, you can begin to lay up the fiberglass. To do this, you will need to cut the fiberglass mat into small pieces and apply it to the mold. The fiberglass mat should be applied in layers, with each layer being saturated with resin.
Once you have applied several layers of fiberglass mat, you can apply a layer of polyester body filler. The body filler will help to smooth out the surface of the body kit and fill in any imperfections.
4. Sand the Body Kit
Once the body kit has cured, you can begin to sand it. Sanding will help to smooth out the surface of the body kit and remove any imperfections. Start with a coarse sandpaper and gradually work your way to a finer sandpaper.
5. Prime the Body Kit
Once the body kit has been sanded, you can apply a primer to it. Primer will help to protect the body kit from the elements and provide a smooth surface for the paint.
6. Paint the Body Kit
Once the primer has dried, you can paint the body kit. You can use any type of paint that you like, but automotive paint is the best choice for durability.
7. Install the Body Kit
Once the body kit has been painted, you can install it on your car. Installing a body kit is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Tips
- Use a respirator when working with fiberglass resin.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear gloves when working with fiberglass.
- Be patient. Making a fiberglass body kit is a time-consuming process.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Conclusion
Making your own fiberglass body kit is a challenging but rewarding project. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a body kit that is both unique and stylish.
