I am looking for info on how to build molds and use them to make simple fiberglass parts. Does anyone here know how or know where to get info on this.

I have seen articles on it in a cuple of old car magasines chek their websites hotrodder and street rodder:jeep3:

Depending on what you're planning to make fiberglass molds can get very expensive. It takes lots of layers of glass and reinforcement to make it strong enough so it doesn't warp while curing. What do you want to make?

Tass

I recommend this book by "Tex Smith" its pretty informative with lotsa good pics. :D

22$ at amazon

<img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1884089100.01.__PE_PIm.arrow,TopLeft,-2,-[/url] 19_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg" alt="I love my International IH Scout">

It really depends on what you want to make but I have made LOTS of glass and compsite parts over the years. Two things I use for "one off" parts is foam molds or glassed foam core.

You can make simple shapes by carving blue foam house insulation. Foam insulation is easy to carve using a sureform or sanding blocks with coarse paper. Once you have the shape you want put a thin skin of masking tape over and glass it. The tape will function as a release agent and keep the glass from adhering to the foam. Once its cured, but still a little green, take the foam out of the glass, you may have to pop it out in chunks with a screw driver. Once the foam is out you can peel most of the tape out as well. Whatever doesnt peel out can be sanded out. If the tape caused the outside to be ribbed, sand it and do another outside layer.

Foam core is good for things that need to be ptretty stiff, but without a complex compound curve kind of shape. Foam core is styrofoam laminated with poster board. It is available from art stores in a variety of thicknesses. Make the part you want out of foam core and glass both sides with at least 3 layer of glass and...bam! These pieces are unbelievably stiff and strong. I made my tranny tunnel this way and it is very beefy.

No matter what...YOU HAVE TO USE EPOXY RESIN. Regular polyester resin will turn your foam or foam core into a toxic soup.
GOT NAPALM? :eek:

Good luck!

Thanks for the help guys. I am hoping to make some flat body panels with a couple of curves at the corners for a buggy. My truck makes a good wheeler, but it is not very competitive. I am planning on making a landcruiser buggy to the extent that shaefers buggy is a samari:D