How to make DIY carbon fiber parts at home with wet lay

Our first successful Carbon Fibre part. The Subaru Impreza has a gap at the top of the radiator which allows air to shoot out the top rather than flowing through the radiator. This panel closes that gap to force more air to cool the rad. A practical upgrade which weighs almost nothing because it's now in carbon fiber.
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[@seanmcfarland7058]

just a tip, use masking tape on both sides along your cut lines before cutting the carbon fiber to minimize fraying.

[@benyt9187]

Don’t give up the channel by any means, content is superb

[@mvlad7402]

Great Job! Very nice explanation!

[@dimsuminab0x]

You need more layers I’d say 4 layers with opposite fiber orientation and you’ll have a stiffer and stronger part

[@Thecrowmotorsports]

Exactly!!! At school we would fill in with fiber glass, and it was pretty strong

[@juanesteban8827]

The piece turned out well but I'm wondering if the dimensions will be off which could cause issues with fit. Sanding and then adding additional layers would improve strength and possibly help negate difference with size & fit

[@azzmomootr]

Some nice carbon fibreing fella :D

[@greenstig9889]

How is your hoodscoop coming along?

[@rogernakada8727]

I have a abs plastic piece that’s used as a canard for my front bumper. I want to make a carbon piece off of it. Can I do the same procedure you did on that plastic? Great video. Thank you sir

[@nickwhitney1534]

Nice truthful video. Thanks for sharing. I have been educated.👍

[@vPerformance]

Glad it was useful!

[@sammillidine2421]

smashing it 👍👍👍

[@vPerformance]

Thanks!

[@cwmotorsports4497]

Do I use a release agent

[@irvingsucedo3949]

What products did u used?

[@nthk4u]

No releasing agent?

[@802Garage]

Alright I'm actually impressed now! I assume the aluminum had the release agent wax on it? This is something you could sell pretty easily too.

[@vPerformance]

Yeah it was mega coated in wax this time. I'll make another one and see if I can get a better result again

[@802Garage]

@@vPerformance It came out awesome though!

[@ThePerson444]

Can you apply more carbon on the back in retrospect for rigidity or is it too late?

[@vPerformance]

I think I could, but I don't really need this part to be solid. It's just an air cover really. I like the idea though, if in future I need to add strength after the initial layers

[@mauriziobernales9521]

Best part of the video is when the Guinness are shown.

[@vPerformance]

And the part where the idiot stopped talking

[@jons6125]

Fantastic I know Iv not been that supportive but I’m feeling proud 😂

[@vPerformance]

Supportive lol - you're our professional consultant!

[@MrInfinityjak]

1 more layer of cross carbon and a bit more epoxy will solve your problems

[@jons6125]

You want to lay your third layer on at 45deg

[@vPerformance]

45 not 90?

[@jons6125]

vPerformance You already have the same amount fibres running across the piece as along it, unless Iv miss identified the weave your using. 45 or diagonal wound have stiffened up the surface more effectively as well as a third layer making it physically thicker therefore stiffer. With 3 layers I’d have put the 45 deg layer in the middle too for evenness. One reason your previous test panels were so stiff was excess resin making them thicker. You’ll be doing foam core panels soon. 👍 Your scoop will be naturally stiff as it’s full of compound curves not flat panels, fibre direction will be more of a cosmetic concern.

[@802Garage]

@@jons6125 👏

[@SwarangiKale-uh2pr]

@@jons6125 what percent of resin and hardner will be perfect to make the part stiff?

[@jons6125]

@@SwarangiKale-uh2pr with epoxy you always want the correct mix of resin and hardener as shown on the packet. For polyester resin the “Hardener” (better called the catalyst) is usually 1 to 2.5% ish? Less will just give you longer working time more will compensate for colder conditions. Generally better to use an amount in the middle like 1.5% mix very well and make sure you keep the part warm so it cures correctly.

[@wutthedutch]

where do you buy your supplies to do this? (cf and resin)

[@vPerformance]

Easy composites, or a local place called Allscot

[@vicsrt1098]

Quick question so the resin doesn’t strongly stick to the metal? Or did you apply something to the metal to make it easier to come off once the resin dried?

[@vPerformance]

Many many layers of wax

[@vicsrt1098]

@@vPerformance what wax exactly you use ?

[@tristanlackpat2207]

How did your cut off the excess carbon fiber?

[@zachbochek]

If its soft enough you can use scissors/ razor blade on the edges. For the hard parts a dremel cuttoff wheel

[@wasp_2k389]

Looks great how did you cut it out ?

[@vPerformance]

I used a drill for the holes, and an angle grinder to trim round all the edges.

[@wasp_2k389]

Ok thank you looks nice

[@builditbreakitrepeat2020]

Does this technique work with cardboard?

[@vPerformance]

I think as long as you can a) stop it from sticking and b) it's stiff enough. I don't see why not.

[@sofiaeolabernabe8027]

I hope someone would notice the direction of the white thread , He puts it horizontally, and that what makes it bendy horizontally. (i don't have an experience about this thing so i watched it) thanks anyway, i have learn.

[@vPerformance]

I now know that laying it at 45º angles is the best way for strength if I have multiple layers of fiber

[@princemaurya3493]

plz sir tell me

[@CmwSpeedrunUk]

💪🏽🇬🇧👍🏽

[@princemaurya3493]

what does carbon fiber do

[@vPerformance]

It's like plastic but much stronger.

[@adrianrey2150]

What if I lay 1 more carbon fibre

[@vPerformance]

Then it would be 1 more stronger. The layers make it tougher but heavier

[@adrianrey2150]

@@vPerformance if I use 5 layers then It will become stronger but not flexible for body parts

[@vPerformance]

It'll be plenty flexible for body panels, and tough too!

[@adrianrey2150]

@@vPerformance how many carbon fiber layer can I use to make it solid I want to make my dream car

[@vPerformance]

I couldn't say. You'll have to do some testing