carbon fiber hoods

[Bryce]

I am currently working on a partnership with a carbon fiber manufacturing company. I will have the capabilities to make any carbon fiber shape. I am thinking of starting with hoods as that is a huge weight savings on our cars. I may expand to other components; trunk, fenders ....

My question for everyone is i have to make the molds for him, so I want to know what the market is out there. What hoods do people want?

to give an idea of pricing im thinking a full carbon for about $1000 and a fiberglass underside and a carbon top for about $600. These will all have the option for stock mounting and will have a UV clear coat on them.

I can make a mold of anything so let me know any of your ideas. If it is a one-off custom i would prefer to have 10 people to justify the making of a mold.

[Lowend]

I guarentee that you will sell 2nd Gen Camaro hoods. Being that the same hood fits 70-81 (the stockers weigh a ton), they are a good bet. Do a small Cowl and you'll sell em like hotcakes
The 68-82 Corvette's are all the same fitment, so doing an L88 style hood for those would also be a good bet.

[wolf28]

I'll take one for a 65 GTO/Lemans/Tempest.

[JayBird]

Having hoods for 2nd gen camaros and C3 vettes would definitely sell. Having CF fenders for 1st gen camaros would be awesome.

[BonzoHansen]

Keith @ www.customworksproducts.com is already all over the 2nd gen hood. Looks nice.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC00338-1.jpg

[FULMNTE]

70-72 First Gen Monte Carlos have the longest and heaviest hood that Chevy ever put on a passenger car and would benefit the most from the weight savings!

[PonchoJohn]

70-76 Firebird flat hood. This will easily morph into a T/A hood w/ a hole added (removed ;) ) to the center.
The 70-75 Formula hood will fir 70-76 Firebird models.
The 77-81 Firebird flat hood will do the same for the T/A as the early model hood will.
The 77-81 Formula is sort of a low volume piece.

68-70 GTO hood.
65-67 GTO hood.

[PonchoJohn]

D'uh... 67-69 Firebird 400 hood.
Of course, the 69 Trans Am is unique, but highly prized.
There's a guy on Performance Years that is attempting a 69 T/A CF hood. Maybe get w/ him and see if you can be mutually beneficial.

[JayBird]

Carbon Fiber inner fender wells for 1st gen would sell. Reduce weight and wow factor.

[vyking67]

i have two questions..

1. why of all the carbon fiber pieces that are being made out there has no one made front fenders yet?

2. what would the actual weight savings be from set a steel fender to a carbon fiber fender or fiberglass for that matter.. what do the front fenders actually weight a piece 20-25 pounds??

[Mark68]

I would love to have a cf 'SS' hood for my '68 RS/SS Camaro. There are ones out there available for the 1st gen camaros but they're either the flat standard hoods or cowl hoods. I think that the 'SS' hoods would definitely be a good seller.

[slowcamaro]

82-92 Camaro. Do it.

[LateNight72]

1. why of all the carbon fiber pieces that are being made out there has no one made front fenders yet?
Are you willing to pay $5000+ for a set of front fenders? I've toyed with the idea, and even gotten quotes from composite production companies. Its not very cost effective, unless the company selling them is able to do it in house, and even then, it would be pricey. I can see at least 8 or more molds per fender. That's 16 molds for just a pair of fenders, add in carbon costs (which are ever rising), overhead, etc. and it gets pricey.

Not saying someone won't do them, but expect them to be pricey.


A carbon fender would be in the 10-15lb range.

[BADNBLK]

82-92 Camaro. Do it.

I agree!!

[PonchoJohn]

Here's the 69 T/A hood link...
http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591863

[1badchevelle]

I would like to see a 70-72 chevelle hood with a l-88 scoop like the one I have right now. to bad it weighs a ton.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/10/Picture091-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/Picture536-1.jpg

[Bryce]

wow, I have received more feedback than I expected.

My plan was to try and fill in where other companies have skipped other cars. I think most camaros have been covered by other companies out there. I really dont want to step on there toes and compete with them. I would like to make custom hoods with different scoops or heat extractors or what ever else people want. I wanted to start with fords but doesnt seam too popular. Since I have a 65 mustang and 65 falcon. I will be making a carbon fiber teardrop hood for my mustang to match the one on my falcon. Then i will focus on the most popular responce on this post.

the mold process will start from an excellent fitting hood or whatever other part that is needed. Because i dont own every car that people want a hood for, I will need to source a hood but preferably a car that i can test fit on. So when the time comes to start the mold I would like to give a discount on the CF hood to the person that lets me use there hood to make a mold. Again im in san diego, so local would be easier.

too give full disclosure, I am a mechanical engineer working for an aerospace company. I currently design carbon fiber parts for airplanes and want to share my knowledge with the car world. I have a every resource about CF available to me. this would be a side business for me and still need to get a business liscence and talk with a lawyer for liability reasons. My partnership will be with a local CF manufacturer and another colleague. This is just starting and i didnt expect this much responce.

keep the ideas coming!!!

[Bryce]

carbon fiber, if built correctly, can be half the weight of fiberglass. Since CF is stiffer than fiberglass it can be made thinner without worry of warping.

to give an idea, I have fiberglass hood and fenders on my falcon. i saved 50lbs compared to steel, 23lbs for the hood (steel weighs 39lbs) and 13.5lbs for each fender (steel weighs 23lbs). I think this will be lighter in CF.

as for camaro fenders, I am unfamiliar with their complex shape needing multiple molds. I do know a falcon has a simple enough shape to make this a one piece mold for CF.

[LateNight72]

as for camaro fenders, I am unfamiliar with their complex shape needing multiple molds. I do know a falcon has a simple enough shape to make this a one piece mold for CF.
Well, It depends on how you build the mold to be honest. There's 100 different ways to skin a cat, and how I'd do it, is probably different than how you do it.

I would do the inner structure and mounting structure separately, also based on the exterior shape of the fenders, you'd need a couple mold breaks. I was considering each portion of the overall mold a seperate mold. So one exterior mold, and problem 2-3 inner bracing/mounting molds.

Here's a decent shot of the bracing.
http://www.speedliner.com/Websites/bearcat/Images/Fender%20sprayed%20with%20speedliner.JPG

You'll need a break across the top, since the Camaro fenders have a concave shape, you'll also need a break at the the front head lights, and a break along the rear edge of the fender.

That's if you are going to do all the inner structure. If you're not, and just going to do an exterior shell without the bracing (similar to what Glasstek does (http://www.glasstek.com/NewGallery.htm)), it would be alot simpler.

[Nessumsar]

3rd Gen Nova w/2" cowl.

Lots of guys getting into Novas now a days.

[slownova73]

i would like to see 82-92 camaro parts
68-72,73,74 nova stuff
73-74 nova inner fenders! ( i want some of those!)

[1badchevelle]

pm sent

[Bryce]

Todd,

Thanks for the references, I will look into this. and see if i can do camaro fenders with a budget in mind. Maybe with light weight in mind, only an outer skin will be made.

i agree, with all the bracing multiple molds will need to be made and the time to produce each piece will increase the price.

[TitoJones]

Um guys?
You do realize that we at Anvil Auto have been producing at least 80% of what you are talking about with the remaining 20% of requested items in the works? We are a site sponsor as well. The 2nd gen hood shown earlier in this thread is actually made by us at Anvil, Keith provided the hood to tool off of and is one of our distributors.

We've been doing this for well over 2 years now, we have the factory to produce the highest quality parts in the industry, all vacuum bagged and ready to bolt on.

We have the following items coming:

Inner fenders for 1st gen
3rd gen Nova hook and trunk
2nd Gen Firebird items
1st gen T/A items
Early model Mustang items
Chevelle items

And yes, we are looking into front fenders for the 1st gen as well. The issue there is that the hood hinges need some serious strength to support that force, but we have a solution. ;)

We listen to your feedback, and we respond with product. Be paitent, you are going to love what we have in the pipeline. We have a very large inventory on hand and are distributed and used by the best of the best.

Tyler

[wolf28]

Um guys?
You do realize that we at Anvil Auto have been producing at least 80% of what you are talking about with the remaining 20% of requested items in the works? We are a site sponsor as well. The 2nd gen hood shown earlier in this thread is actually made by us at Anvil, Keith provided the hood to tool off of and is one of our distributors.

We've been doing this for well over 2 years now, we have the factory to produce the highest quality parts in the industry, all vacuum bagged and ready to bolt on.

We have the following items coming:

Inner fenders for 1st gen
3rd gen Nova hook and trunk
2nd Gen Firebird items
1st gen T/A items
Early model Mustang items
Chevelle items

And yes, we are looking into front fenders for the 1st gen as well. The issue there is that the hood hinges need some serious strength to support that force, but we have a solution. ;)

We listen to your feedback, and we respond with product. Be paitent, you are going to love what we have in the pipeline. We have a very large inventory on hand and are distributed and used by the best of the best.

Tyler

Anything in the works for the Pontiac A-Bodies?

[Bryce]

tyler,

i know you guys make that stuff. i just am trying to fill in where there is a gap. i know you guys are working on a 69 or 67 mustang. but i am going to be making stuff for myself. and realized if i can make 10 of one item i can cover my costs. so i want to find out what is wanted and not produced

[LateNight72]

Um guys?
You do realize that we at Anvil Auto have been producing at least 80% of what you are talking about with the remaining 20% of requested items in the works? We are a site sponsor as well. The 2nd gen hood shown earlier in this thread is actually made by us at Anvil, Keith provided the hood to tool off of and is one of our distributors.

We've been doing this for well over 2 years now, we have the factory to produce the highest quality parts in the industry, all vacuum bagged and ready to bolt on.

We have the following items coming:

Inner fenders for 1st gen
3rd gen Nova hook and trunk
2nd Gen Firebird items
1st gen T/A items
Early model Mustang items
Chevelle items

And yes, we are looking into front fenders for the 1st gen as well. The issue there is that the hood hinges need some serious strength to support that force, but we have a solution. ;)

We listen to your feedback, and we respond with product. Be paitent, you are going to love what we have in the pipeline. We have a very large inventory on hand and are distributed and used by the best of the best.

Tyler
Whats wrong with some competition? :)

[bpizzuto]

you would actually be a god to me if you could make a hood and deck lid for a 70 ss chevelle. ive thrown the idea around with a couple guys i go to shows with and they are all about the idea as well.

[John510]

Tyler,
How long before the68 camaro inner fenders are ready? I want to order a pair ASAP

[progoat]

I'll take one for a 65 GTO/Lemans/Tempest.


That would be sweet! 65-67 use the same hood also.

[1badchevelle]

you would actually be a god to me if you could make a hood and deck lid for a 70 ss chevelle. ive thrown the idea around with a couple guys i go to shows with and they are all about the idea as well.


x2 more people maybe some inner fenders?

[BADNBLK]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/31-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/HoodOnCar03-1.jpg

Make this hood for the 3rd gens, and I will buy one!

[slowcamaro]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/31-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/HoodOnCar03-1.jpg

Make this hood for the 3rd gens, and I will buy one!

That a flat hood, and a 82-84 Z28 and I wouldn't know which to buy.

[IndyNova]

def a 4" cowl hood for 70 chevelles, a decklid would be awesome also. What about doing a dash insert or dash assembly, because the oe dashes look, well, old and dated!!

[srh3trinity]

That a flat hood, and a 82-84 Z28 and I wouldn't know which to buy.

One of each and change it with your mood. I have always liked that third gen Camaro hood.

[MrQuick]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/31-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/08/HoodOnCar03-1.jpg

Make this hood for the 3rd gens, and I will buy one!
Hell, make that hood for a 69 Firebird and I'll buy too.

I'll throw an idea out there. Look to the future. Start making stuff for 2010,11 Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs.

[Steve1968LS2]

Tyler,
How long before the68 camaro inner fenders are ready? I want to order a pair ASAP

I saw the prototypes and these should be SWEET.. and they have more tire room.

[Steve1968LS2]

Whats wrong with some competition? :)

The point is that Anvil is a board sponsor and as such they make this place possible for you to post on. I think Tyler was just pointing out that they offer much of these products and have more on the way.

:shrug:

[LateNight72]

The point is that Anvil is a board sponsor and as such they make this place possible for you to post on. I think Tyler was just pointing out that they offer much of these products and have more on the way.

:shrug:
I understand they are a sponsor, but what exactly does that matter? Heck, I could become a sponsor tomorrow if I wanted to. (I am actually looking to become one, but that is a different discussion...)

Competition is a necessity of a strong industry. If the guy wants to make some carbon parts, why not? Who's to say he isn't going to produce something that Anvil never will? He's looking to "fill the gaps" as to whats available and whats not. If he does make something that overlaps Anvil's turf, and he can make a better quality part at a better price, more power to him. I'd certainly hope he'd become a sponsor here before promoting his product. But it seems like he's throwing an abstract idea out there, instead of actually selling anything. IMHO, there's no reason for someone to come into his thread and promote their products, considering he's going to make something different than they are.

Anyhow, that's my take on it.


-Todd

[Damn True]

Two thoughts:

Competition is good. Provided the market is broad enough for both entities to achieve economies of scale enough to cover R&D, tooling and operating costs. If the market will handle it, rock on. If it wont....one of the players...possibly both...are going to wind up out of business with a whole lot of expensive tooling on their hands.

The second bit is that a lot of people fail to realize that this PT community is small. Really freakin small. If you are a minority within that already small community you have to ask yourself if it makes sense for someone to make an L-88 carbon fiber hood for your '68 Rambler. You may really really want one, but are there enough people like you to justify the cost of making the first one?

In a lot of cases demonstrated in this thread the answer is no.

[MonzaRacer]

I would like carbon fiber hood,hatch and fenders for my 77 Monza 2+2 hatchback, maybe even nose/bumper and rear "bumper". But probably will never happen unless I figure out how to do it my self.

[1badchevelle]

pm sent

[BMF Machine]

Um guys?
You do realize that we at Anvil Auto have been producing at least 80% of what you are talking about with the remaining 20% of requested items in the works? We are a site sponsor as well. The 2nd gen hood shown earlier in this thread is actually made by us at Anvil, Keith provided the hood to tool off of and is one of our distributors.

We've been doing this for well over 2 years now, we have the factory to produce the highest quality parts in the industry, all vacuum bagged and ready to bolt on.

We have the following items coming:

Inner fenders for 1st gen
3rd gen Nova hook and trunk
2nd Gen Firebird items
1st gen T/A items
Early model Mustang items
Chevelle items

And yes, we are looking into front fenders for the 1st gen as well. The issue there is that the hood hinges need some serious strength to support that force, but we have a solution. ;)

We listen to your feedback, and we respond with product. Be paitent, you are going to love what we have in the pipeline. We have a very large inventory on hand and are distributed and used by the best of the best.

Tyler


AmeN TyleR! AnviL RockS!

[noobwrench]

+1 on the late model stuff. You should make hoods for 5th gen camaros and the new mustangs, so that when I buy a new camaro a hood is easy to source :D Market for that kinda stuff is just starting. And for the love of god, will SOMEONE give me pricing on a flat 2nd gen camaro hood? not that ugly "power bulge" one.

[wrkcar]

Tyler,
How long before the68 camaro inner fenders are ready? I want to order a pair ASAP

I would like to order a pair asap also.

[GetMore]

If Anvil doesn't actually have a flat hood, then talk to Keith. I know they are working together and that Keith does have one.

[1badchevelle]

HMMM, when did this become a Anvil thread?

[Dayton]

Just picked up 2 68/69 Camaro chin spoilers from keith. Beautiful products!

[go-fish]

im in san diego, so local would be easier.



You aren't the same guy that was supposed to do the 'cuda AAR CF hoods in San Diego a year ago? How's that comming along if you are?

[thedodgeboys]

You aren't the same guy that was supposed to do the 'cuda AAR CF hoods in San Diego a year ago? How's that comming along if you are?

:drive2::postpics:


I would like a dodge challenger hood and wing :1st:

[Bryce]

different guy. that would be interesting if this guy is around still i may want to contact him and join forces.



to keep everyone posted.....

Im still working on my partnership. And i will keep this thread active with updates as they come.

to give background i am really just trying to get some products out there and make some stuff for my cars. After all is said and done there will be very minimal profit on these hoods after molds and tooling is done.

Tyler, I know anvil makes a great product. i talked with the owner at goodguys in san diego. keep up the great products.

[JYD]

different guy. that would be interesting if this guy is around still i may want to contact him and join forces.



to keep everyone posted.....

Im still working on my partnership. And i will keep this thread active with updates as they come.

to give background i am really just trying to get some products out there and make some stuff for my cars. After all is said and done there will be very minimal profit on these hoods after molds and tooling is done.

Tyler, I know anvil makes a great product. i talked with the owner at goodguys in san diego. keep up the great products.


dont let the haters, or the competition keep you down man. All you can do is put out a good product, at a fair price, and people will buy your stuff.

i know its off the path a bit for this site, but if you were to make a bumper, HD hood, and fenders for 99-02 silverado trucks, they would sell like mad. no one makes them. the only fiberglass hoods have so many scoops and crap on them, they look like they belong on a mexican spaceship.

good luck.

[70chevelle406]

We need a 70-72 Hood as well! no flapper needed!

[69sleeper]

I will take one for a 69 Nova 2" cowl.

[JKYoder]

How about a hood for the 70-71 Torino guys?

[trex1270]

Someone, don't care who, needs to produce carbon fiber front and rear bumbers for the 69 camaro

[Gtrpunk23]

If you did a raised r/t hood for a challenger you'd sell plenty. Maybe 2-3" raise for added clearance since it's pretty low stock. I would order the first one ha

[1badchevelle]

Any update on if/when you will start on these?

[Bryce]

I guess i should make this official. I still had hope in my heart but now its time to be realistic. This is just not in my cards at the moment. The guy i was partnering with is flakey. So i will wait on this one. sorry to get your hopes up.

[1badchevelle]

I guess us A body guys will have to sit on the bench until someone comes out with parts for a 70-72 chevelle

[formula]

If anyone ever makes a 77-81 formula hood, I'll marry their daughter.

[Scooby]

If you produced a first gen one for 600 with fiber underside I'd take two, one for my car and one for my girlfriends. Also want carbon front spoiler that has braces. No point in a front spoiler if it doesn't have braces to support over 150 or 160. Also would do carbon cowl panels. No one has made them, but if someone made little rectangular mirrors with billet attachment posts I'd be all over them in a heartbeat.

[67goatman455]

I would be all over a 65-67 GTO hood.

[Bryce]

i just picked up the carbon fiber tear drop hood for my dads 65 mustang. the car is black and the hood looks great on there.

also this week a buddy of mine and i are going to try and work on some C5 corvette parts. his car is going to sema, he wants to see if he can have some CF parts by then. Hood, trunk and fenders.

i will post some pics and keep you posted.

[1badchevelle]

Does this mean you may be back on to doing the hoods and cf parts?

[Bryce]

possibly. I will have to see how this works out. It may just end up being a quick one off. I dont know yet.

[cheapthrillz]

This is interesting..... '65 Galaxie 500 Flat hood?

I know, I know.... I will end up making my own.

Could you possibly start another thread (or on here) and explain what you would have to do make your own? I have no clue where I would start on this, but I have been thinking about a hood and trunk for my car and knew I would have to do it myself. What kind of costs are involved if I were to make a one-off for myself? PM me if necessary... And Thanks.

[Bryce]

to make your own carbon fiber hood.

first of all you need a good fitting hood. now make a mold of the top and bottom seperately. the mold needs to perfectly smooth where it contacts the hood. as that is now your tool surface. For CF you need to know about CF. what harness you want, prepreg or dry cloth. You need to be able to vaccuum bag it so you can create a good contact with the tool surface. Depending on the resin you use or the prepreg you let it cure or you have to cook it.

now you have a upper hood and lower hood (the frame of the hood), you could change your underhood looks as the CF will have different properties than steel. Bond these two CF parts together this will give you a CF hood. Trim to fit. and spray a UV protective clear.

there are many tricks. if you want to ask specific questions I can help answer.

[cheapthrillz]

to make your own carbon fiber hood.

first of all you need a good fitting hood. now make a mold of the top and bottom seperately. the mold needs to perfectly smooth where it contacts the hood. as that is now your tool surface. For CF you need to know about CF. what harness you want, prepreg or dry cloth. You need to be able to vaccuum bag it so you can create a good contact with the tool surface. Depending on the resin you use or the prepreg you let it cure or you have to cook it.

now you have a upper hood and lower hood (the frame of the hood), you could change your underhood looks as the CF will have different properties than steel. Bond these two CF parts together this will give you a CF hood. Trim to fit. and spray a UV protective clear.

there are many tricks. if you want to ask specific questions I can help answer.

I did a little research after I posted and learned most of what you just said (not sure about prepreg though). It seems simple enough, but I'm sure it is a learning process just like body work.... I know that no one will ever make a CF '65 Galaxie hood, but I was thinking about trying my hand at it when it comes time to do all of the body work.

What kind of costs are involved (just a general total estimate idea) for a DIY at home job? I'm guessing it would be a lot cheaper than paying someone else to build a one off...

[sniper]

Check out these pics of what happened to a carbonf fibre hood when doing 170+MPH. I am not saying this will happen to all of them, but this was supposed to be a top quality hood, made by Seibon. That sucker peeled like an onion.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/pmsuprahoodlift-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/pmsuprahoodlift2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/pmsuprahoodlift3-1.jpg
And here is a video of it as it happened. It starts at 1:24.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5qL22iB29U&feature=player_embedded:lurk:

[Procharmo]

Just saw the vid, true street car with a dedicated enthusiast. Further more it shows that there's a practical limit to this lightening craze for street cars and the limit is not that far from stock!!!!!

[apossiblehybrid]

any updates? would you still willing to first gen monte carlos?

[Bjkadron]

Couldn't you just make a skin (of the outside) then design a better(stronger) structure?

[Bryce]

yes you could, That would be the correct way to do it. The original steel hood was designed to be made from steel. If you just make a copy of the design out of carbon fiber, then it might not be optimized for the strengths and weaknesses of CF.

[Bjkadron]

Ok.. That's what I was planning on doing.