DIY Body kit moulding

[drift kid]

Hey, i have never made anything with fibreglass, but would like to start, im just trying to get some info on making the mould that i will eventually lay the fibreglass over, i know the basics of laying down the fibreglass, but i have no idea about making the mould, so what are some appropriate materials, steps to take, precautions etc.
thanx.

[45aken]

talk to mfxae86,
but from my understanding fiberglass moulds are made from fiberglass.
you lay it over the top of what you want to mould (with releasing agent etc) then take it off and beef it up with alot more fiberglass.

[drift kid]

ive heard that you can use anything from paper mache to bolsa wood, but i would like to clear up some things and find out what is the best way to go.

[AEA-386]

i would also like to know cause i have a massive piece in the middle part of my front bar missing want to fill it in
i know the materials needed etc just need to know how to get started ie what do i use as a mould??

[SR AE86]

Correct, I made a body kit from a chicken wire mould as long a you lay down a foundation such as glad wrap or wax to stop the fibreglass resin sticking to the mold you'll be right! so do that before you lay the fibre sheets

[drift kid]

so what would be the best/cheapest/proffesional material to use? i have been thinking of balsa wood as its easy to shape etc, what preparations would i need to do so that i can apply the fibreglass to it?
thnx.

[freddo__1]

You usually make a "pattern" or "plug" out of something like wood, plaster, foam, etc. you just need to be able to create a solid, smooth surface on it, which you can then wax, then layup a fibreglass mould on the pattern, release, tidy up the mould, wax it, layup your part!

Balsa would be good. MDF is also good. Make the bulk of it with ur wood of choice, then use some bog (body filler) to smooth it out, spray it with some decent primer filler, then spray it with automotive primer, get it really smooth!! If you want a really good finish, spray it with 2pac top coat, and get it super shiny with sanding, and then cut it with a buffer.

You can skip the fibreglass mould bit, if you're confident you can make the reverse of what you want out of wood to start with.

Remember, the better your pattern, the better your mould and hence your part. It's much easier to make bog and wood tidy than to fix up resin and glass later on!

[Sam-Q]

try your local library to score a book on the subject, there's some really good books on it

[Chrisso]

If you're looking for a forum try