Poll: Custom Body Kit Material

[Matt]

I am thinking about doing a custom kit, dont want to get into too much details but some may already have a sense, I am wondering what your opinions are about the material. On one hand I can do fiberglass, fairly easy compared to the other option but then it may crack, scrape ground, etc and chip.

Other hand, I was thinking about using 1/8" sheet metal. More time consuming to construct, yet more durable.

Thanks also throw in some feedback

-Matt

[EGR]

carbon fiber

[huntingking01]

well fiberglass is less weight then sheet metal but it is less durable too but unlike metal it dose not rust so i hope that helps in you decision making

[wytbishop]

1/8" steel plate weighs 5.1lbs per sqft.

Sheet metal comes in standard thicknesses by nominal weight per sqft. You want something like .0209" thickness which is .875lbs/sqft. (I'm not a body guy so I'm not sure if that's standard for body panels). But even that is still way heavier than glass.

[Matt]

True enough regarding the weight, I just threw that thickness off the top my head, havnt done any research yet for that just wanted a feel really. Im looking for durability, weight isnt an issue really

[wytbishop]

I figured as much just thought I would point out the obvious.

I think the thing with steel is it's a LOT harder to work with and requires a LOT more skill. Glass is pretty easy to mold and easy to repair.

[Coadt]

I was also thinking about making a custom kit. Was thinking about carbon way too expensive and not being a pro not an option. Metal in the atlantic provinces of canada, rusts way too fast. I am working on how to make the mold for a fiberglass skirts first then move on to the bumper covers. Fiberglass looks like the way to go unless you have a way to mold plastics.

[hotsiit]

Adamantium...That stuff never breaks

[eyezpinned]

banging a kit out of sheet metal would be difficult even for an expert. your design would have to be pretty basic too. go glass. also, the bike shop down the street from me wraps stuff in carbon fiber. an oem cf wrapped spoiler would compliment a hood really nice.

[Matt]

It wouldn't be like a 7 piece kit, many smaller pieces together but im looking for something long lasting. I understand fiberglass would be easiest too do and for repairs, but im not looking at making repairs often:P

[s1zzl3]

i would suggest fiberglass all the way its much easier to work with
for sum custom work ur best option would be to take an existing kit for the mx3 an mod it to ur liking or use it as a base
why make it harder for urself?
think about it a large company has already done all the hard work. theyve already worked out the dimensions and fitted the kit
use an existing kit as a base and enhance it... make it ur own.
itll save u all the stress trust me ull thank me later.