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.

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Here are some examples of their work

 

What kind of CF are we talking? 1x1, 2x2, twill....?

 

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.

 

What kind would you like?

 

$100 is expensive? I thought it sounded like a pretty good deal. This is the same process used to make parts for F1 cars. Overkill? Maybe. Top quality and excellent fitment? Definately. I would rather pay a little more for something I know will be done right. Plus with the lack of other options available for those who have anything besides a base unless you want to order the ones from Evo-R and cut them yourself

 

Here are some examples of their work

 

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.

 

Anything is possible. They have done diffusers, doors, hoods, tons of stuff for cars as well as aircraft, and many other industrial uses.

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?

 

I have a friend who builds experimental airplanes. I know he throws out insane amounts of CF. I can ask him and see what he has to say.

 

"...hours later after falling asleep on the couch..."
2x2 twill would be my preference. From the photos, their stuff does look nice.

 

I would be in for cheaper.

 

I agree with Jetpilot, the parts are pricy but I respect you wanting a good quality pieces.

How about CF door handles to replace the ones on the outside? just an idea!!

 

Woah, now that's a baller idea!

 

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.

 

$50 shipped

 

Materials cost more than that. Sorry.

 

haha, you only asked a question about a fair price.

 

Yeah, fair, not absurd. If you can find a place that will make a mold and create replacement carbon pieces and still charge less than it costs for materials and labor let me know, cause I want in.........

 

The ones Evo-R sells are $80. Lower quality, not replacements, and don't have holes already cut out for the controls.

I think $100 is a deal. Nobody is interested?!?!

 

Would they be interested in doing the different formats? Meaning with (1) all of the holes like you have stated and with (2) only cruise control holes (right) and (3) no holes.