Carbon Fiber Bodywork

Adam, I'm with Leon. I like the original orientation. That red tint is different. It looks like a carbon fiber tailight lens to me.

I picked that tint SPECIFICALLY to pull mark deeper into the thread. I was curious what the tint would look like, and possibilities it makes available. I also want to pick up some Pearl and try that as well, it also comes in colors, but is much more subtle than the tint.

Leon, the epoxy resins DO NOT contain any UV inhibitors. I have yet to find a commercially available epoxy resin that does. I have asked suppliers and searched forums, and have been told it exists, but I can't find info on someone using it or selling it. Everyone clearcoats the part, whether it's automotive or marine applications for UV protection. And to be perfectly honest, I think a few coats of clear will make these covers look even better. It would give them much more depth, more of a 3D look I think

testarossa wrote:

Adam, I'm with Leon. I like the original orientation. That red tint is different. It looks like a carbon fiber tailight lens to me.

Thanks for your input Josh I realized that I didn't label that test panel. :blush: On the right is carbon, the left is fiberglass, and center is the hybrid stuff. The tint definitely tones down the look of the fabric, kinda hiding it until you get closer......

"Leon, the epoxy resins DO NOT contain any UV inhibitors. I have yet to find a commercially available epoxy resin that does. I have asked suppliers and searched forums, and have been told it exists, but I can't find info on someone using it or selling it. Everyone clearcoats the part, whether it's automotive or marine applications for UV protection. And to be perfectly honest, I think a few coats of clear will make these covers look even better. It would give them much more depth, more of a 3D look I think"


adam,
so then does the clear come with uv inhibitors already or do you have to get some certain clear that is specified with uv inhibitors?
sorry for all the ?'s but you are the smartest guy "i know" about composites,hehe .

leon

Any of your automotive clear coats have uv protection built in. Base coats are for color only and rely on the clearcoat for protection(uv), gloss and durability. I'm less informed on marine specific clearcoats, but it says on the packaging. I may go buy a can of duplicolor clear to spray on one or two of the sidecovers to see what effect it has on the apperance.

I'm fairly certain now that once I have my small issues with the sidecovers well in hand, I will cast a tank mold (after the tail piece mold, don't worry guys). While my failures are disappointing, they provide valuable lessons that I have not otherwise found answers to. My successes have emboldened me to just go for it :silly: And if I fail? A spectacular failure it will be! I, for one, look forward to it.

And Leon, I would consider myself a moderately knowlegable amature, at BEST. If I'm the smartest composite guy you know, well, I feel for ya bud!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I got the tail prepped for primer and spot putty. There are a couple small spots where something rubbed into the plastic that require minor repair. Then I'll spray it with primer

When I make the flange, I got some spray adhesive rather than use the construction glue I've been using. I'm hoping it'll make flange construction much quicker and easier.

After the tail, I started stripping the tank. Luckily there isn't much to do except remove the cap, petcock and emblems.

The tank had several surface blemishes, so I decided to simply sand the whole tank in prep for primer. I also figured that there was some dents hiding around there, so now was the time to find 'em

The next several steps are the same as they were for the sidecovers, so unless the readers of my thread want to see me post the steps again, I'll hold off until I have new steps or new molds to share.

Also, I have been debating whether to include the tank in this thread, or start a dedicated tank thread, since this started as a sidecover thread. Any suggestions or preferences guys?

For now, the tanks stays here. I decided that if I was going to do the tank, I might as well make the molds concurrently with the tail

the tank and tail were sanded with 220 and a DA sander. The painted stripes were removed and a few dents located. Nothing major, but I'll fill them in. I cut off the cap hardware, and I'll need to trim down the filler neck and fill in the low spot around it. That way the top of the tank is smooth for mold casting. The tank will be cast into 2 molds, a top and a bottom. The bottom will be a one piece mold, but the top will have to be a 2 piece. When the tank is made, it will be in 2 pieces which will be joined afterwards. In case anyone is wondering, it is my intent to make it so the OEM emblems can be bolted back onto the tank

I will say this, I never dreamed that I'd be making a tank when I started this project 8 months ago :ohmy:

after reading the thread on the sv gas tank i am not surprised that you decided that was not that far off from what you have already done.
when i was reading that thread i though"adam will end up making a tank also".
i think it is cooler than he!! that you will jump on building a tank.a full carbon bodied,single sided swingarmed custom kz1000 is no undertaking for the faint of heart.

don't look back now :ohmy: ,

leon

Your motivation factor makes me think mine is in reverse

You will definetly have a one off bike when done. I love it

Kawickrice wrote:

Your motivation factor makes me think mine is in reverse

You will definetly have a one off bike when done. I love it

You are so right.
just reading Adams thread makes me tired. Adam i commend u on your perseverance , tiresome work ethics, and skills.

:laugh: Thanks guys, I'll have to show this to the wife to prove that SOMEONE doesn't think I'm just a lazy idiot :laugh:

And to think it all started with checking the valves..... :ohmy: I had though that using the single sided swingarm would separate my bike out and make it unique, but since I've started it, all the guys from the forum have posted lots of pics of other sssa Kz's. So it's rare, but not exactly unique I really didn't know how much I wanted my bike to be unique until now. I had a pretty good idea of my goal in the beginning of the build, but the final idea has shifted somewhat.

I picked up a few more supplies to allow me to complete the molds I will be making. I may need some odds and ends here or there, but I have the bulk of it on hand now.

I decided to separate the tank into it's own thread. Since this thread started as a sidecover thread, it'll be easier for guys searching to find a dedicated thread than to sift through this one. I still use this one for the remainder of the sidecovers and the tailpiece though, and cross link the two. Any questions?

Just to reiterate: the skills I am using to make these molds and parts are rudimentary, and there are only a few of them. Anyone of you is capable of learning to do everything I am in a short period of time. I have done (what seems like) a signifigant amount of learning just posting this thread, and hope that the mistakes I've shown will help many of you to shortcut the pitfalls and get better results faster than I did.....and I'm STILL working on it :laugh: I would like to hear from anyone that has undertaken or plans to undertake a composite project.....anyone?