Fiberglass

[GMracer]

So I've done some research around, and well since the cars on here are so high end I figured I would post up for opinions. The truck I'm building is going to have a one off front end, nothing drastic just a twist on chevys concept ideas. So basically the hood has never been produced, so my plan was to make a plug and then a fiberglass mold off it, I have seen a few fiberglass hoods and noticed how wavy they look, but my question is is that strictly from not prepping it properly? I don't want to put all this work into it if its just going look like crap. So any of these high end guys running fiberglass panels, or hoods?

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Fiberglass is wavy because it's not solid like metal. Check out the streetrod market like a 32 roadster for example. Alot of fiberglass bodies out there, but most have steel hoods, hood sides and grill shells.

If you can make a jig and mold to make the hood and then hold it while your bodyworking, sanding, polishing it should be pretty flat and straight. Good luck sounds like a fun project!

[GMracer]

yea I planned on making a jig and mold, two pieces then glass them together. I was told once to use a 300* resin and that would also help. I guess I'm just looking for someone to tell me it's a bad idea, but as long as if I do it right and it doesn't come out wavy I should be fine?

[ProTouring442]

Corvettes have pretty straight and flat hoods, so it must be doable. I would think that bracing and support would be a good part of making a fiberglass hood nice and flat. On my own 442 project, I used an aftermarket hood and, after a good deal of work, I believe it is pretty flat.

As for fiberglassing in general, have a look at West Systems epoxy based products. Very nice stuff, and in my opinion much easier to work with as compared to the polyester based products.

http://westsystem.com/

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[GMracer]

thanks for the support, and I'm sure with patience it will turn out fine.