How to Fabricate Automotive Fiberglass & Carbon Fiber Parts

Dan Burrill · Jeffery Zurschmeide

Jan 2012 · S-A Design Book 24 · CarTech Inc

About this ebook

Fiberglass and composite parts are commonly used in many collector cars, hot rods, Corvettes, and even late-model vehicles. Body panels, interior components, and engine parts are fabricated from fiberglass and composite materials (plastic molded or carbon fiber). While other fiberglass and composite material books have been published, few are focused on fabricating and repairing automotive parts, and this book concentrates on completing common and advanced projects at home in the garage.

The reader is shown how to use glass strand mat, woven fiberglass cloth, carbon fiber cloth, and hybrid fabrics for particular applications. The strength of these mats and ideal uses are covered in detail. Also shown is how to correctly mix the typical resins (polyester, epoxy), hardeners, and gels. Core materials, such as wood, foam, and honeycomb Nomex, are often used to add strength to various parts. All the relevant tools, including mixing containers, holding containers, saws, scissors, files, and shaping tools, are discussed. Constructing patterns to exacting standards from wood, Formica, aluminum, and other materials is essential and covered in detail.

Whether repairing existing components, fabricating new ones, building a race car, or restoring a classic, this is the one book to guide the reader through each critical stage.

Ratings and reviews

Taught a lot

About the author

Dan Burrill is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in kit cars, hot rods, and customs. His work appears regularly in Kit Car Builder and several other magazines. Dan is a former editor of Kit Car Illustrated, and he specializes in technical articles. Jeff Zurschmeide is a freelance automotive journalist and the author of four other titles from CarTech Books. His work appears regularly in Forever MX-5, MazdaSport, and Subiesport magazines, as well as newspapers and magazines nationwide.