Gauging Interest: Carbon Fiber steering wheel covers
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Gauging Interest: Carbon Fiber steering wheel covers
After no success in finding a company that makes carbon fiber steering wheel covers for the Z that already have cruise control and radio controls cut out, I have made alternative arrangements.
I have been in contact with a composite company that is willing to make the pieces and charge $100 for the set. These pieces will be pre-pegged, vacuum bagged and autoclaved. Not overlaid by some kid in china with a bucket and a brush. I mean top quality stuff. I have arranged to send my covers to them for the molds to be made.
These will replace just the silver aluminum trim piece, the black plastic piece behind them will remain. The aluminum piece would be removed and the carbon pieces would adhere to the black plastic backing in their place.
I need to see if there would be interest for parts such as these.
Mods: I have emailed IB as I know Jason is no longer in charge on vendor accounts. If need arises for me to open one, I will do so (provided they respond).
If at least 10 people commit, deposits included the price will be $100 for both pieces, left and right. If 25 people commit, the price will be reduced to $90 for the set.
Any questions can be PM'd or emailed to me (crg914@gmail.com) I have a busy schedule so please be patient, I will respond as promptly as possible.
1. crg914
2. bodhicitta7
3. SCARECROW BEATS
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Here are some examples of their work
I have been in contact with a composite company that is willing to make the pieces and charge $100 for the set. These pieces will be pre-pegged, vacuum bagged and autoclaved. Not overlaid by some kid in china with a bucket and a brush. I mean top quality stuff. I have arranged to send my covers to them for the molds to be made.
These will replace just the silver aluminum trim piece, the black plastic piece behind them will remain. The aluminum piece would be removed and the carbon pieces would adhere to the black plastic backing in their place.
I need to see if there would be interest for parts such as these.
Mods: I have emailed IB as I know Jason is no longer in charge on vendor accounts. If need arises for me to open one, I will do so (provided they respond).
If at least 10 people commit, deposits included the price will be $100 for both pieces, left and right. If 25 people commit, the price will be reduced to $90 for the set.
Any questions can be PM'd or emailed to me (crg914@gmail.com) I have a busy schedule so please be patient, I will respond as promptly as possible.
1. crg914
2. bodhicitta7
3. SCARECROW BEATS
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Here are some examples of their work
Last edited by crg914; 06-20-2008 at 02:38 PM.
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Originally Posted by JETPILOT
Pre-preg, autoclaved, and vacuum bagged is so over kill for a decorative applique. $100? That is really expensive. CF engine covers for example are $135.
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I'm schooled in CF and the different processes. Prepreg carbon is for the ultimate in weight savings and structural rigidity and is extremely expensive due to it's limited shelf life. Prepreg is great for structure where you need lightweight and stregnth. For a steering wheel applique it's not warranted. Don't forget prepreg does not have a gloss finish so it's not really attractive. It would be less expensive and more attractive to use sheet CF and a clearcoat resin. You could make these out of sheet CF and resin for a few dollars.
I would however love to see if we could get something like a dry carbon hood, hatch and doors made. Put that prepreg to good use.
I would however love to see if we could get something like a dry carbon hood, hatch and doors made. Put that prepreg to good use.
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Originally Posted by JETPILOT
I'm schooled in CF and the different processes. Prepreg carbon is for the ultimate in weight savings and structural rigidity and is extremely expensive due to it's limited shelf life. Prepreg is great for structure where you need lightweight and stregnth. For a steering wheel applique it's not warranted. Don't forget prepreg does not have a gloss finish so it's not really attractive. It would be less expensive and more attractive to use sheet CF and a clearcoat resin. You could make these out of sheet CF and resin for a few dollars.
I would however love to see if we could get something like a dry carbon hood, hatch and doors made. Put that prepreg to good use.
I would however love to see if we could get something like a dry carbon hood, hatch and doors made. Put that prepreg to good use.
I don't have access to the simple cloth and resin approach, but this I do. However, there would be a gloss finish, as you can see in the pics I posted of other pieces they have made.
These are pieces I personally want to have made, so I have volunteered to send my stock pieces for the mold process and be the 'donor'. I would like to get more input on this idea before suggestions for other ideas at least.
If you are schooled in carbon fiber, do you also have contacts that could make the pieces I am talking about for a more frugal price?
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I'll ask about the door handles. Back on topic though.
How much does everyone think is a fair price for the steering wheel covers? I could talk to him about pricing and maybe he would come down a little if there was enough interest.
How much does everyone think is a fair price for the steering wheel covers? I could talk to him about pricing and maybe he would come down a little if there was enough interest.
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Originally Posted by russ713
haha, you only asked a question about a fair price.