My 6 year FC project

***TitaniumTT*** · 12-17-2009, 08:54 AM

Hey Bill, I just used the Herculiner on the plastic molding on my XJ and found some interesting shit out about it. The supplied brush leaves the most amount of texture. Too much for my fender flares. A standard short nap paint roller leaves much less. An Epoxy roller - something that you'd find at a hardware store if you're lucky or a marine store for sure will give you the least amount of texture. You can actually roll out most of the texture with that type of brush. A shutz gun gives alot of texture but the coverage isn't as good as with the roller.

The Lizard skin doesn't really suffer from the covereage problem as much as the Herculiner. It seems to want to run and pool more so be careful with that.

After all that's been said I plan on rolling both on my FC and spraying both on the FD. Reason being is that the paint onthe FC is done and if it strays, I'll have to kill someone.

WE3RX7 · 01-19-2010, 10:33 PM

I guess since my car is in the January ROTM contest, it calls for an update. I still have not fixed my good digi cam's lens, but I dug out the old school one for some quick pics.

These are some teasers, but sorry Brian - you'll have to wait for the "good" ones, lol. Got really side tracked the last few weeks.... lots of back and forth and waiting and research some things.

No further adue...

Single handily, the largest package ever received for my FC:

It has all finally arrived, the new bumper:

Quickie hood shot... more on this in a second:

need RX7 · 01-19-2010, 10:42 PM

Yessssssss

I don't know how I missed this thread before. I read through the whole thing last night, I love it. Very impressed so far, and it looks like it's about to get even awesomer

. if I could travel 3 or 4 days back in time, I'd vote for you instead of myself in ROTM

.

2gslse · 01-19-2010, 10:44 PM

Do you think the radiator will cool the car? I don't think that is enough airflow

WE3RX7 · 01-19-2010, 10:48 PM

I want to preface this next bit really quick with a disclaimer...

I am in NO way trying to create a flame war or cause Shine Auto any harm, Ken has been easy to work with and given the nature of our community and in general, most shops, his customer service is still good.

Now, as most of you know I was early on the list for their CF Panspeed hood and have been waiting for quite a while on it. When making my full payment, I was notified that they had my package all ready to go and it would ship immediately - no receipt and no tracking number within 24 hours so I was a little concerned as Ken is usually really great at getting me these things (had no trouble getting my fenders from him). He notified me the next day that their billing system was down and that I needed to replace the order. Done. 7-10 days for delivery, cool... a week goes by, nothing, another week and I email looking for a tracking number since I was having it delivered to a warehouse and wanted to give the guys some sort of heads up.

No response to email, so I call on a Friday to see whats up. Ken answers, very polite and eager to help - said he'd check on it and get back to me in 5 minutes or so... no call back. Following Monday I email again following up only to find out that there was some "miscommunication" and they didnt have the twill weave hood but in fact the plain weave and that they went ahead and made a new hood for me and got it shipped right out... very fast turn around, all was well... only that I did request plain weave and not sure where the "twill" weave conversation started. No big deal, as I actually like the twill better now seeing it in person....

Long story short, I get the hood and its got this:

Need some thoughts on this as it stood out to be a pretty big defect to me right smack in the middle of the hood (in front of the scoop between the headlights).

Now, again -I think Shine is wonderful for offering these hard to find parts and would still recommend them to anyone. The hood had no damage in shipping and was quick to get here once it was shipped. Considering some things I've seen from other vendors, Shine is still a good group of guys.

I will be bringing this to Ken's attention to see what we can work out though as I feel that I've been more than flexible and patient and expected better from them...

What do you all think, I'll try to get some better pics of it (hard to do w/ the clear coat)? I'm limited experience with large CF parts as this is only my second CF hood and most other CF products have been fairly small....

WE3RX7 · 01-19-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by need RX7

Yessssssss

I don't know how I missed this thread before. I read through the whole thing last night, I love it. Very impressed so far, and it looks like it's about to get even awesomer

. if I could travel 3 or 4 days back in time, I'd vote for you instead of myself in ROTM

.

Lol - Thanks man.. this thread gets burried easily since I'm a slacker at updates

So many little things go on that dont really justify an update and then sometimes weeks go by that I dont get time to work on it at all. I did however manage to build an addition to my workbench and get my new benchgrinder/buffer installed

WE3RX7 · 01-19-2010, 10:55 PM

Another angle of the hood.

I'll take some more pics shortly. I need to weigh the individual parts too (an OCD thing I do with all parts). The hood/bumper/light covers/packaging only weighed 40#s though, so I'm already really happy!

Also, need to make new brackets to replace these:

I will probably integrate a new brace/mounting bracket for the FMOC system that ducks under the headlight buckets. Still working on hashing out the intercooler and getting the rear pulled apart (been really procrastinating on that one, it was a PIA the last time I did it, but practice is perfect I guess)

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-19-2010, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WE3RX7

I want to preface this next bit ... with ... given the nature of our community

What, you mean tightwads???!?!!???

Quote:

Originally Posted by WE3RX7

Need some thoughts on this as it stood out to be a pretty big defect to me right smack in the middle of the hood (in front of the scoop between the headlights).

What do you all think, I'll try to get some better pics of it (hard to do w/ the clear coat)? I'm limited experience with large CF parts as this is only my second CF hood and most other CF products have been fairly small....

Impossible to repair. They rushed and when the layed the CF didn't roll it out enough. Now, having never built a carbon fiber piece in my life I could be wrong, BUT I do have DECADES of experience working with fiberglass, I'd imagine the process is the same.

Here's how you build from a mold

Wax the EVER LIVING SHIT out of the mold. Spray your gelcoat. They probably didn't spray the gel, I wouldn't, I would go strait to the next step. Roll on a coat of of epoxy, wait for it to start to kick then roll on another coat, once that starts to kick you lay down the matte, or in this case, CF, then roll on another coat of epoxy. Repeat as necessary to get the strength that you want. Once it's fully kicked, break it free from the mold and you have your part. Hoods and other pieces need to be done in two different sections and epoxied together. Once that's kicked is when I would clear coat it. HOWEVER, it may not be an automotive clear coat, it could be just strait epoxy. I would've done the clear though for UV protection.

I'm curious as to what the backside looks like though.

So, I'm sorry to say, there is no repairing that. Now, I would go through the list and talk to a few other guys that have this hood in the CF and see if they have anydefects in that area. Two things could have happened. The hood was moved and the CF sagged, OR, the material didn't stretch and move enough in that area becuase of the contours. I'm inclined to say they rushed and didn't see it, or saw it after it was too late.

Sorry Bill, other than that, the hood looks MUCH better than I would've expected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WE3RX7

Also, need to make new brackets to replace these:

I will probably integrate a new brace/mounting bracket for the FMOC system that ducks under the headlight buckets. Still working on hashing out the intercooler and getting the rear pulled apart (been really procrastinating on that one, it was a PIA the last time I did it, but practice is perfect I guess)

I'd be VERY curious as to how you're going to do that, I want pics and designs, like now.

WE3RX7 · 01-20-2010, 09:11 AM

I didnt think they would be able to repair that one at all, lol.. I just wanted another set of eyes to say "yup.. that aint right" lol. I'll talk to Ken shortly and see what we can work out though since I do plan to order more stuff from him. Unfortunately, I believe I may be only one of two or three people who have this hood in CF. It goes back to the "tightwads" comment.

I do love the hood though overall... its PERFECT for a custom part with only that little exception. The hood will get recleared with the rest of the car, so I'm not too concerned just yet with their clear.

WE3RX7 · 01-20-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2gslse

Do you think the radiator will cool the car? I don't think that is enough airflow

Nope - need a bigger hole

Actually the design is pretty tasteful, and it should be functional compared to the other reverse vent hoods I've seen.

Now the question is... do I stick with my FMIC plans and try to wedge the FMIC, FMOC, ducts and all in the front end, or go VMIC?

I really wanted the reverse hood for the radiator moreso than the intercooler, but now its got me thinking....

***TitaniumTT*** · 01-20-2010, 10:25 AM

Reverse VMIC. Mount the rad and duct it to take advantage of the hood and use the bumper for the intercooler.

Only problem would be potential coolant flow. People who know how WP's work will understand. might be a cool experiment though.

WE3RX7 · 01-20-2010, 02:00 PM

I'm not sure I'll want to play guinea pig on that one... Although I still may end up running an electric WP setup, who knows. I havent fully hashed out all the engine details just yet... All I know is I'm using an RE half bridge single turbo

WE3RX7 · 01-20-2010, 09:05 PM

Got in the garage tonight to button up some items on the steering system, get the car on the ground, etc so I could work on the interior easier.

Long story short I snapped some extra pics of the car....

First thing, the second vent over the exhaust: not a real vent (for now).

This will be modified to be functional when the rest of the body work is done.

The main vent:

The underside (sorry its not a great shot):

All together back on the ground:

WE3RX7 · 01-20-2010, 09:14 PM

Additional details on the parts:

Hood weighs 17lbs
Front bumper weighs 10.5lbs

My total front end body parts (hood, bumper, fenders) now weigh 34lbs. The stock steel hood the SE came equipped with is 57lbs alone. I'm on the right track to my goal of under 2600lbs total!

MaczPayne · 01-21-2010, 01:30 PM

Nice, keep up the good work

12-17-2009, 08:54 AM	#106
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Hey Bill, I just used the Herculiner on the plastic molding on my XJ and found some interesting shit out about it. The supplied brush leaves the most amount of texture. Too much for my fender flares. A standard short nap paint roller leaves much less. An Epoxy roller - something that you'd find at a hardware store if you're lucky or a marine store for sure will give you the least amount of texture. You can actually roll out most of the texture with that type of brush. A shutz gun gives alot of texture but the coverage isn't as good as with the roller. The Lizard skin doesn't really suffer from the covereage problem as much as the Herculiner. It seems to want to run and pool more so be careful with that. After all that's been said I plan on rolling both on my FC and spraying both on the FD. Reason being is that the paint onthe FC is done and if it strays, I'll have to kill someone. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-19-2010, 10:42 PM	#108
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI iTrader: (0) Posts: 485 Rep Power: 17	Yessssssss I don't know how I missed this thread before. I read through the whole thing last night, I love it. Very impressed so far, and it looks like it's about to get even awesomer . if I could travel 3 or 4 days back in time, I'd vote for you instead of myself in ROTM . __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.

01-20-2010, 10:25 AM	#116
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Reverse VMIC. Mount the rad and duct it to take advantage of the hood and use the bumper for the intercooler. Only problem would be potential coolant flow. People who know how WP's work will understand. might be a cool experiment though. __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

01-21-2010, 01:30 PM	#120
MaczPayne Bah! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Riverside, SoCal iTrader: (1) Posts: 442 Rep Power: 17	Nice, keep up the good work __________________ Johnson TA FC in the works!

01-19-2010, 10:33 PM	#107
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	I guess since my car is in the January ROTM contest, it calls for an update. I still have not fixed my good digi cam's lens, but I dug out the old school one for some quick pics. These are some teasers, but sorry Brian - you'll have to wait for the "good" ones, lol. Got really side tracked the last few weeks.... lots of back and forth and waiting and research some things. No further adue... Single handily, the largest package ever received for my FC: It has all finally arrived, the new bumper: Quickie hood shot... more on this in a second:

01-19-2010, 10:44 PM	#109
2gslse Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: front royal va iTrader: (0) Posts: 440 Rep Power: 17	Do you think the radiator will cool the car? I don't think that is enough airflow

01-19-2010, 10:48 PM	#110
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	I want to preface this next bit really quick with a disclaimer... I am in NO way trying to create a flame war or cause Shine Auto any harm, Ken has been easy to work with and given the nature of our community and in general, most shops, his customer service is still good. Now, as most of you know I was early on the list for their CF Panspeed hood and have been waiting for quite a while on it. When making my full payment, I was notified that they had my package all ready to go and it would ship immediately - no receipt and no tracking number within 24 hours so I was a little concerned as Ken is usually really great at getting me these things (had no trouble getting my fenders from him). He notified me the next day that their billing system was down and that I needed to replace the order. Done. 7-10 days for delivery, cool... a week goes by, nothing, another week and I email looking for a tracking number since I was having it delivered to a warehouse and wanted to give the guys some sort of heads up. No response to email, so I call on a Friday to see whats up. Ken answers, very polite and eager to help - said he'd check on it and get back to me in 5 minutes or so... no call back. Following Monday I email again following up only to find out that there was some "miscommunication" and they didnt have the twill weave hood but in fact the plain weave and that they went ahead and made a new hood for me and got it shipped right out... very fast turn around, all was well... only that I did request plain weave and not sure where the "twill" weave conversation started. No big deal, as I actually like the twill better now seeing it in person.... Long story short, I get the hood and its got this: Need some thoughts on this as it stood out to be a pretty big defect to me right smack in the middle of the hood (in front of the scoop between the headlights). Now, again -I think Shine is wonderful for offering these hard to find parts and would still recommend them to anyone. The hood had no damage in shipping and was quick to get here once it was shipped. Considering some things I've seen from other vendors, Shine is still a good group of guys. I will be bringing this to Ken's attention to see what we can work out though as I feel that I've been more than flexible and patient and expected better from them... What do you all think, I'll try to get some better pics of it (hard to do w/ the clear coat)? I'm limited experience with large CF parts as this is only my second CF hood and most other CF products have been fairly small....

01-19-2010, 10:55 PM	#112
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Another angle of the hood. I'll take some more pics shortly. I need to weigh the individual parts too (an OCD thing I do with all parts). The hood/bumper/light covers/packaging only weighed 40#s though, so I'm already really happy! Also, need to make new brackets to replace these: I will probably integrate a new brace/mounting bracket for the FMOC system that ducks under the headlight buckets. Still working on hashing out the intercooler and getting the rear pulled apart (been really procrastinating on that one, it was a PIA the last time I did it, but practice is perfect I guess)

01-20-2010, 09:11 AM	#114
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	I didnt think they would be able to repair that one at all, lol.. I just wanted another set of eyes to say "yup.. that aint right" lol. I'll talk to Ken shortly and see what we can work out though since I do plan to order more stuff from him. Unfortunately, I believe I may be only one of two or three people who have this hood in CF. It goes back to the "tightwads" comment. I do love the hood though overall... its PERFECT for a custom part with only that little exception. The hood will get recleared with the rest of the car, so I'm not too concerned just yet with their clear.

01-20-2010, 02:00 PM	#117
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	I'm not sure I'll want to play guinea pig on that one... Although I still may end up running an electric WP setup, who knows. I havent fully hashed out all the engine details just yet... All I know is I'm using an RE half bridge single turbo

01-20-2010, 09:05 PM	#118
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Got in the garage tonight to button up some items on the steering system, get the car on the ground, etc so I could work on the interior easier. Long story short I snapped some extra pics of the car.... First thing, the second vent over the exhaust: not a real vent (for now). This will be modified to be functional when the rest of the body work is done. The main vent: The underside (sorry its not a great shot): All together back on the ground:

01-20-2010, 09:14 PM	#119
WE3RX7 RCC Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,812 Rep Power: 18	Additional details on the parts: Hood weighs 17lbs Front bumper weighs 10.5lbs My total front end body parts (hood, bumper, fenders) now weigh 34lbs. The stock steel hood the SE came equipped with is 57lbs alone. I'm on the right track to my goal of under 2600lbs total!