[infernosg]

Originally Posted by RETed

Actually looks like a good job!
Yeah, I think you're getting a little paranoid about the mold release...
We went with the minimum 2 - 3 coats of wax and then a layer of PVA.
The release went OK.
I don't think you should have any problems.
Bubbles are due to the complex shape, so either cut the fiberglass mat smaller (not in your case) or use thinner, lighter weight mat - which would be the better option here and just run more layers.
Experience will tell you what you can and cannot get away with.
It comes down to getting corners and nooks / crannies to transition as smoothly as possible.


-Ted

Thanks! Yeah, 7 layers of wax was probably unnecessary when I used PVA in the end. That stuff helped out big time. It's fun to pull off too. A lighter mat would have probably been better. I'm not sure what weight mat I used but it's intended for boat repair so I imagine it's pretty heavy. I'll definitely use lighter stuff next time for complex parts like this.

Originally Posted by scarsofcarma

Awesome! So rare to see monster builds like this to learn from. I appreciate you taking the time to make such a detailed thread for us. Subscribed, keep it up!

Thanks! When this is all said and done I'd like to make a few how-to threads. I'm using a lot of parts from other Mazda models and while the information is out there on the internet it would be useful to collect it all here. I still need to make my transmission rebuild thread...

Originally Posted by targarx7

Where did you get the aluminum driveshaft made and the cost if you don't mind.

I got mine straight through Mazdatrix so you can check the price on their website. If you're looking for a custom application you'd have to ask them who they use.