custom undertails

2_wheeled_slave · 08-31-2004, 08:08 PM

This a question fueled by the saying about "experts know, amateurs know that they don't know, and beginners don't know jack". Well I'm the extreme novice, but here goes.

I started a thread about aftermarket undertails for my F4i. The problem is that they almost all look the same with a couple exceptions with the one I like being the most expensive (naturally). Are there any materials that I would be able to work into a hand made undertail. It would be real trick to make my own, but like I said, I really have NO idea how or where to begin. I know that most undertails are made from either fiberglass or ABS, but I don't know how those are formed, simply out of molds maybe? I also might, and that's a big might, be able to access carbon fiber and the oven to make it solid. It is heated to make rigid isn't it?

Anyway, I'm probably getting in way over my head on this, but anybody with any knowledge on the subject would be extremely helpful. BTW, I'm fairly good with making things with my hands, and can be very patient with projects, so if it's something that would take me all winter, so be it. THanks in advance.

dennisred69 · 08-31-2004, 08:31 PM

You can make one out of fiber glass its hard to explain how to work with it but you can get a book on it. We use fiber glass at the shop all the time it fairly easy to use and mold with but like all things it takes pratice.

BuRn__ · 08-31-2004, 08:35 PM

fiberglassing looks easy on paper, but is a lot harder once u actually start doing it. just practice a lot. my first project ever working with fiberglass was a grille for my car. for a first project it came out fairly well. i used that green sculpting foam u can find at craft stores as my template and layed the glass over it. (not the ideal way, but thats how i did it. lol). in the pics u can see where some low spots are and rough texture. i bondo'd the best i could but its still far from perfect, but good enough for me.

hybrid · 09-02-2004, 02:37 PM

Carbon fiber is layed up exactly like fiberglass, you just use epoxy resin instead of polyester. I would suggest that if you dont like what you see then the easiest way would be to buy one and change it. Then build a mold around it and produce your own under tails. It will take some practice to get proficient at it but it took practice to get laid proficiently too. Practice if its important to you. Then you can make some $$$ selling what you make.