hi all, a quick update... the carbon fabric used on the factory carbon dash (so I'm told) arrived so I've just done an ashtray lid to see what the match is like... heres the pics, anyone who has carbon trim will hppefully confirm its the same weave... One thing is apparent though, this weave is VERY dynamic, from every angle you see something different..





the fabric is a lot thicker and less flexible then what I normally ise, so intricate curves and tight bends wont be achievable,.. that said the effect is stunning...

I'm hoping to have the armrest finished soon, so the full effect can be seen in the car... then the seat backs and a couple of other bits will complete the interior, so I can start on the engine bay...

opinions as always welcome

Tony

 

Very cool work.

How much weight was saved by replacing the wood with the carbon fibre?

Nick

 

Hi Nick, no weight saved as I simply cover the original item.. its a lot easier as the fittings are not affected then and everything fits really well..

all the best

Tony

p.s. sorry about my blurry fotos lol

 

Ahh. Well it looks very good.
I have thought about this in the past, replacing wood with c/f would net some significant weight loss.

Nick

 

I've just completed an ashtray lid the same as is on my car, using the 2x2 twill diagonal weave...

I think I'm going to put it on ebay and see what the interest is like for it, and would happily post to the US if anyone is interested..

I'll pop the ebay link up when I list it

all the best

Tony

 

Tony your steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car!!! [sm=icon_rofl.gif]

Your work looks great.

 

Super nice

I`m going to paint my woodpanels will post pics of it when ready they are going to be painte like the bassbox look at the link below for pic`s

 

Tony, do you have any good sites that show the process of making replica parts with carbon fiber?

Nick

 

best place is youtube nick.. although a lot of it is rubbish some of it is very good..

a lot of it is trial and error, but if you stick at it you can do good stuff.

Tony

 

quick update... been doing a few more bits, the armrest included and a few bits for other people.. heres a couple of pics..









also done the door trims for an X type (these pics are before finishing)





all the best

Tony

p.s. currently doing my rear number plate plinth, slam panel and engine cover... more pics soon

 

Hi TonyT, great work. How large a piece can you work with? The was a discussion of a strut tower brace to stiffen the front end. If you could make one you might find a ready market to sell them.

 

WOW! You are doing a great job. Have you ever thought about making and selling your pieces?

 

TonyT has placed at least one of his items on ebay, but I don't know if it sold or not. I think it was an ashtray lid.

 

hi, i think the strut brace would be too much for me to take on, my stuff is usually just for cosmetic enhancement rather then function...

yes the ashtray sold, and am currently doing some work for a guy over there in the US, doing door inserts and an armrest to go with the ashtray lid he already has...

i have sourced the original carbon fabric used by jaguar, so can now pretty much match the standard carbon interior some cars came with, very useful when people want to add to their carbon dashes...

thanks for the kind words, a lot more to come which i will post up here

Tony

 

Great work!!! I am really impressed with the job you've done. I've got to ask....how muck total time do you think you have in producing all of these pieces?

 

hi govatos... on average i reckon theres between 5 and 10 hours work per piece, obviously the resining can be done to a few pieces at the same time, but in general thats about right...

i'm hoping to put an armrest and ashtray pair on ebay in a week or so so will post up here when it goes on, obviously posting to the US isnt a problem...

all the best, currently doing the rear plinth, engine cover and panel above the radiator, more pics soon

Tony

 

well yet another quick update, the latest additions, not on the car yet but will be soon... also got the bit above the radiator done and may do the corner covers from the engine bay also.. as always thought welcome





T

 

Tony, how much do you charge to do these pieces?

I am VERY interested in converting all wood trim in my X-Type to Carbon Fiber, how much for something like this? I am from the States.

 

Who is this guy! He is sitting on a gold mine all he needs is a production line.

 

TonyT,

You are an artisan, regardless of ease of process.
I skipped to the end of string but will read up on it. Thinking of replicating a removeable hardtop for an antique alfa romeo. I won't waste your time before reading recommended sources but will not doubt seek your advice later.

Impressed!

Steven (1avguy)