Carbon Fiber: Compensation or Retardation?

[Thighs]

Dry carbon is what has always been know as prepreg. When you receive prepreg it is cloth preimpregnated with frozen resin. It is like a roll of cardboard somewhat in consistency and workability. So its "dry" until you put it in your vacuum bag, pressurize it and heat it up and that frozen resin now flows in you mold, cures and you have a badass part. Wet layup is anything other than prepreg. That includes chopper gun, hand-layup, vaccumbagged wet layup, its all not prepreg.

jeez lol i already said i get it. i just know it as wet layup/prepreg

[SixSquared]

^^YOU need to stop stalking before you sound more like an idiot than you do now.

There are two different types of CF... impregnated and dry. Impregnated cf is what you generally see used in DOT hoods/exterior pieces. It is "impregnated" with fiberglass resin so that when it gets laid with a fiberglass frame and vaccuum formed, it will bind better to the fiberglass frame. It's also a bit easier to work and will give you a much glossier shine as the end result. 90% of the cf on cars you see is impregnated. Glossy, pretty, nice deep weave texture, but the problem is it's also heavier, since it has so much fiberglass in it. Usually an impregnated cf hood will weigh about as much as a fiberglass hood, sometimes more. Either way, impregnated cf hood you're looking at weighing about 27-35 lbs, where a metal hood will weigh 35-40+ depending on the car.

DRY carbon fiber is when you literally take a sheet of carbon fiber and use immense pressure and heat to form it. It's not as pretty, not as glossy, but is MUCH lighter. Like we're talking 9lb hoods. However, it is almost impossible to get DOT approval for dry CF, they're more expensive, and they don't have that trademark "bling" effect that impregnated does. However, you see dry cf used a lot in interior applications, since it forms around complex curves easier. It's then painted with high gloss clearcoat/laquer to make it look shiny.

Impregnated cf:



Dry CF:



Seeeeeeeeee??

[quickdodge®]

^^^ GOOGLE!

Later, QD.

[Dirty Octopus™]

I am actually quite anti carbon..
i find it useless to dish out hundreds to get a "look"
i may be indeed partial to unicolor paint schemes. but if you'd like a contrast in color why not paint parts a different color?
in many if not MOST cases people do the carbon thing for a look and its a complete waste of money.

[SixSquared]

I disagree with each of your inputs. You're completely going too deep into it. So far deep that you don't even know what the thread is actually about. You obviously have CF parts on your car and therefore you're going to defend CF tooth and nail.



"It's my ****ing car and I like the way it looks" is NOT a performance benefit. I do agree that there is a dumbass in this thread. But it's not the OP. Later, QD.

You would disagree with me just for the sake of disagreement, Mike.

And yeah, there is carbon fiber on my car... pretty good amount as a matter of fact. Do I walk around saying I did it for a performance upgrade? Nope. If I get that .1 off my lap time, yippee. Great. Why do I like cf? I like the way it looks.. a lot... and as far as working with it in non-automotive applications, it has a LOT of potential and a wide variety of uses, which from an industrial design standpoint, makes it a fascinating material.

[SixSquared]

^^^ GOOGLE!

Later, QD.

ZOMG MODEL AND PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT 2150!

[GSRTURBOTEG]

I have a car the the whole thing is carbon fiber and no I don't race it or even really drive it, but that is what I wanted and I can afford it so why not? Does a millionaire really have to have three or four homes, plus a yatch, an airplane, and 50 cars? No but that is what they wanted just like a carbon fiber integra is what I wanted...not really dogging your opinion but as I stated before opinions are like assholes evrybody has got one that does not mean we all want to see it.

[Thighs]

^^YOU need to stop stalking before you sound more like an idiot than you do now.

There are two different types of CF... impregnated and dry. Impregnated cf is what you generally see used in DOT hoods/exterior pieces. It is "impregnated" with fiberglass resin so that when it gets laid with a fiberglass frame and vaccuum formed, it will bind better to the fiberglass frame. It's also a bit easier to work and will give you a much glossier shine as the end result. 90% of the cf on cars you see is impregnated. Glossy, pretty, nice deep weave texture, but the problem is it's also heavier, since it has so much fiberglass in it. Usually an impregnated cf hood will weigh about as much as a fiberglass hood, sometimes more. Either way, impregnated cf hood you're looking at weighing about 27-35 lbs, where a metal hood will weigh 35-40+ depending on the car.

DRY carbon fiber is when you literally take a sheet of carbon fiber and use immense pressure and heat to form it. It's not as pretty, not as glossy, but is MUCH lighter. Like we're talking 9lb hoods. However, it is almost impossible to get DOT approval for dry CF, they're more expensive, and they don't have that trademark "bling" effect that impregnated does. However, you see dry cf used a lot in interior applications, since it forms around complex curves easier. It's then painted with high gloss clearcoat/laquer to make it look shiny.

i can talk all i want. i work with carbon on a regular basis and elan composites. i know what im taking about. there was just different terminology used that i hadnt heard before.

for one thing, no real carbon fiber hood has fiberglass in it. it might have a glass frame, but in the carbon itself? no. ALL carbon that you will ever see has resin in it. how do you think it stays in shape and is smooth?

[GSRTURBOTEG]

I did not paint mine either she is raw carbon and clear that is what I want

[Frög]

ya your right, its it must be "retardation"

here the company that now makes the most profit:





pics of the audi S8 please.. cabron fiber looks good.. End of it..

i dont like carbon fiber hood etc.. but come on..

[Thighs]

You would disagree with me just for the sake of disagreement, Mike.

And yeah, there is carbon fiber on my car... pretty good amount as a matter of fact. Do I walk around saying I did it for a performance upgrade? Nope. If I get that .1 off my lap time, yippee. Great. Why do I like cf? I like the way it looks.. a lot... and as far as working with it in non-automotive applications, it has a LOT of potential and a wide variety of uses, which from an industrial design standpoint, makes it a fascinating material.

LOLOL WERE TALKING ABOUT PUTTING IT ON A CAR. the non-automotive applications have nothing to do with this thread. you have lots of carbon on your car for that "bling" effect you were talking about earlier. you saw it in a picture on somebody elses car and said to yourself "dam thats ballll'in" and then got it. you lose.

[KidSaru]

i can talk all i want. i work with carbon on a regular basis and elan composites. i know what im taking about. there was just different terminology used that i hadnt heard before.

for one thing, no real carbon fiber hood has fiberglass in it. it might have a glass frame, but in the carbon itself? no. ALL carbon that you will ever see has resin in it. how do you think it stays in shape and is smooth?

[LiL PaKi]

i like the way it looks.. cf hood, cf lip, cf spoon mirrors.. and cf eyelids FTW

[KidSaru]

i like the way it looks.. cf hood, cf lip, cf spoon mirrors.. and cf eyelids FTW

Nice Accord.










jk

[quickdodge®]

You would disagree with me just for the sake of disagreement, Mike.

Very nice. So because I disagree is completely because of my lack of respect for you and not because it's true?

And yeah, there is carbon fiber on my car... pretty good amount as a matter of fact. Do I walk around saying I did it for a performance upgrade? Nope. If I get that .1 off my lap time, yippee. Great. Why do I like cf? I like the way it looks.. a lot... and as far as working with it in non-automotive applications, it has a LOT of potential and a wide variety of uses, which from an industrial design standpoint, makes it a fascinating material.

You're prime example of why this thread was created. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

i like the way it looks.. cf hood, cf lip, cf spoon mirrors.. and cf eyelids FTW

That's completely ugly. I love how the "CF" eyelids aren't even in unison with the hood. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

Does a millionaire really have to have three or four homes, plus a yatch, an airplane, and 50 cars?

We don't have a yacht or 50 cars. Not all millionaires live like rappers or athletes. Later, QD.

[Dirty Octopus™]

i guess... i'm just not baller enough because i dont have carbon pieces

Carbon proves that your car is better and has more status when you spend all sorts of crazy cash to mod your vehicle

[carbon_crash]

I have a car the the whole thing is carbon fiber and no I don't race it or even really drive it, but that is what I wanted and I can afford it so why not? Does a millionaire really have to have three or four homes, plus a yatch, an airplane, and 50 cars? No but that is what they wanted just like a carbon fiber integra is what I wanted...not really dogging your opinion but as I stated before opinions are like assholes evrybody has got one that does not mean we all want to see it.

well said!! Everyone mods their cars for what they want it to look like. Whether you change your wheels, get anything CF, get your car painted, get a body kit, etc., its your decision. Carbon FTW!!!

[carbongs]

Shoot, my screen name is CarbonGS! lol

[carbon_crash]

Shoot, my screen name is CarbonGS! lol

[quickdodge®]

How? Your name isn't carbonGS. Later, QD.

[Deke]

This same argument could be made for tucking wheels and extreme negative camber. People do carbon fiber for looks on a street car, not performance benefit. They may fool themselves into thinking that it has some great benefit, but it was still initially done because they like the way it looks.

All this thread proves is that some people like the way it looks and some don't.

[speedminded]

its personal styling, i like it and painting it is dumb, if you buy a carbon fiber hood and paint it, why not keep the original hood in the first place?

lolol *sigh* If you're too much of a pu$$y to paint carbon fiber then it was bought for the wrong reason in the first place

All cars lacking torque benefit greatly from lighter weight parts, particularly Honda/Acura's!

[speedminded]

yea i only like hoods lips and some engine dress up... when u start doing doors and fenders, and roofs and shyt like that, unless its on an s2000 roof... then y have it unless ur racing.... on a track.

What the fuck is carbon fiber going to do for you under your hood?!

Duh. I know it was made for wieght reduction for racing, but Einstein, adding paint to the car also adds weight if you wanna be technical. For my for instance i have an s2000, my hood is about the same weight as a carbon fiber hood... so if i ever got one, i wouldnt paint it because i like the carbon look, and if i painted it i might as well keep my stock hood... thats what im saying.

Because you have an aluminum hood, same as miata and Z32 300zx's....if you used a carbon fiber skin instead of the layered street version with the bulky supports underneath it would be considerably less weight than any stock aluminum hood.

[carbon_crash]

How? Your name isn't carbonGS. Later, QD.

cause my name conatins CARBON also.

[speedminded]

dry carbon? lolol theres no such thing. carbon is carbon. the expensive hood you saw is actually made of CF, the cheap one is fiberglass frame with 1-2 CF top layers.

You've obviously never worked with or know anything about carbon fiber if you think there is no such thing as dry...

Quote from http://www.agemate.com.tw/carbon-in.htm

"Dry carbon fiber is made in a pre-preg and dry process which consists of vacuum forming sheet of carbon fiber into a mold at temperatures around 350¢K, this process allows carbon fiber to form into a strong and lightweight composite.

On the other hand, wet carbon fiber is formed by using hand laid carbon fiber sheets into a mold then mixed with resin (30% carbon fiber, 70%resin). This process may allow air pockets form inside, then makes the wet carbon fiber structure weak and also is susceptible to changes in temperature."

[speedminded]

A real carbon fiber hood is going to cost upwards of $5000. $10000 if its a huge hood like my car. (made by a quailty company IE: seibon) The wet laid bull**** with a glass frame makes me cry and or/laugh at ricers and wannabes that think $450 on ebay is going to buy them a product thats worth half of a ****. Buy a complete fiberglass hood that weighs the same for a lot less money. What a gimmick.

A real ONE OFF made in 5 days carbon fiber hood can cost that much or more. A mold has to be created first, the carbon fiber laid and vacuumed bagged, test fit, etc. etc...the companies that make hundreds per year using the same mold and already have the marketing & distributors can produce and sell them for considerably less.

[speedminded]

As for daily driven cars, since when has a lighter vehicle not been a benefit???!!! Ever driven a car that felt a little sluggish after filling the tank up with fuel or added a passenger or two? The performance aspect isn't the main benefit as much as gas mileage...

The problem is the current cost of carbon fiber and the additional labor to create it is [probably] not less than the gas saving acquired...in the long run i'm sure it is though. Ford build a carbon fiber Crown Victoria/LTD back in the 80's that saved nearly a ton of weight but it cost $250k to manufacturer, lolol.

[87 Turbo II]

painted CF if you have the money is okay, but showing it off is just stupid. I do think carbon fiber has a nice look as interior trim in small doses though.

On a side note, there is a guy in GA named Mike who had a 450 hp FD that was titled the fastest FD in the South East (184 mp/h).........until he wrapped it around a tree. Now he is in the works for a complete carbon fiber car down to the unibody. He is getting a wide body complete FD made with all carbon body panels. The final car should weight close to 1,400 pounds. That, I would never paint. He is going to fit 365 mm tires in the rear and 285mm tires in the front with a single turbo 13B, racing grade everything (exhaust, suspension, tranny, clutch, etc.) Needless to say, that'll be a beast, he hopes to take the title of the fasted FD in the world.

[speedminded]

Carbon fiber interior pieces are a joke but this ENTIRE dash weighs 2lbs!! I want it for my car but it's $999!

http://competitionconcepts.com/images/Checca_dash_b.JPG

[SixSquared]

This thread = recockulous. You don't want cf on your car, good.. don't put it on. Want cf on your car, good.. put it on. Does it really matter? I mean seriously.

People get their damn panties in a twist so easily.

[Thighs]

painted CF if you have the money is okay, but showing it off is just stupid. I do think carbon fiber has a nice look as interior trim in small doses though.

On a side note, there is a guy in GA named Mike who had a 450 hp FD that was titled the fastest FD in the South East (184 mp/h).........until he wrapped it around a tree. Now he is in the works for a complete carbon fiber car down to the unibody. He is getting a wide body complete FD made with all carbon body panels. The final car should weight close to 1,400 pounds. That, I would never paint. He is going to fit 365 mm tires in the rear and 285mm tires in the front with a single turbo 13B, racing grade everything (exhaust, suspension, tranny, clutch, etc.) Needless to say, that'll be a beast, he hopes to take the title of the fasted FD in the world.

sounds like the car that won in its class at solo2 nationals a year or 2 ago...

[Thighs]

This thread = recockulous. You don't want cf on your car, good.. don't put it on. Want cf on your car, good.. put it on. Does it really matter? I mean seriously.

People get their damn panties in a twist so easily.

well if your logic holds true, then if you dont like this thread GTFO--------->

[SixSquared]

^ says the person with his pink lacy panties in the biggest twist knot evar. You're hardly in a position to tell me what to do, thanks.

[green91]

The main purpose was to have a lighter weight material that is very strong. If you are able to use CF to shave a few pounds off of body panels, these weight savings alongside other weight reductions do provide a benefit even on street cars. its that simple.

[01CDMLUDER]

i bought a cf hood b/c someone fcuked up my stock hood and i got a cf one for cheaper. i also think it looks good.

[Catnip]

Think about it, somehow people were fine back in the days before CF. However did they do it?

They also got by without running water, electricity, and cars... what's your point?


vtec too.


If you have carbon fiber hood, doors, fenders, trunklid/hatch, and bumpers then that's a LOT of weight depending on the car. Paint it if you want, paint adds weight. If you like the look, don't paint it... if you don't paint over it.

Who cares? We do what we do because we want either because it's for looks, speed, or both.