Advice on fiberglass construction

[madvanman]

yes, im afraid im a bit like a kid with new toy at the moment
i only bought it for the engine and box but its in too good a condition to break.

[madmark]

2.9 not 2.8 never made one! picks please

[madvanman]

ive put a couple of pics in the gallery now

[AlanN]

I have just been going through some of the old postings and was intrigued with your rear lights. I have just spent £80 on some clear lamps, but I like these better.
Have you tried making your moulds from concrete like they do boat hulls!!!

[captain hook]

The lights are Land-Rover NAS Spec.....

Can be found at various prices!

I'd like to put my name down for a pair of your housings please!

Cash or swap some NAS Lights.....

[scratchy will]

Making a mould shouldn't be alot of work, i've done allsorts in GRP,

just shape the lights ensuring there are no undercuts which would stop it popping out of the mould, sand smooth and a coat of grey celly primer, smooth down with 1200 W&D, apply 3 coats of beeswax furniture wax with a cotton cloth allowing to dry between coats then buff off.

Build a small box around the lights so the outside surface it facing up and the back is joined to the base, i use plastercine for that. then cover in wax again, buff off, then Gel coat all over it followed by Mat and resin, allow to cure, break the box apart and pull the original out, then theres your mould! Just beeswax every time and in with the Gel, mat, and resin. Should be good for around 50 sets!!

Remember if you are using Polyester Resin then it will shrink ever so slightly! Epoxy doesn't but takes longet to air cure!

[AlanN]

The clear rear lamps have fallen through due to supply, so Im game on for your cool lamps

[cstars.van]

Alot of work you have put into getting the right shape etc for your lights.

Suggest if you are going to sell these to other interested parties you get your mould done by fibreglassers or an Engineers Patternmaker who will also setup mould for you.
I was a Patternmaker for 15 years so speaking from experience, if you want to look at marketing these
getting the mould perfect is a must.
They will make a 'master' of your finished product so once your mould starts showing sign of wear they can make another very cheaply without having to do it all over again.
You will make back in sales well more than the cost of a professionally made mould.
Sounds like you've got a few sales already !

suggest you contact a resin retail outlet and ask for PVA release agent for polyester resin.
heaps easier to use than beeswax. Just paint/spray it on let it dry then when you release the mould it just washes off.

[MrMPuk]

This topic is over 3 years old and I don't think they ever got finished.

[AlanN]

BUT, Im still interested, although I would like to run LED style lamps instead....