Questions on CF parts - Lateral-g Forums

70rs · #1 05-19-2009, 11:31 AM

Can anyone tell me about thier experiences with carbon fiber parts from Anvil?
The parts look great and I have only seen good things regarding customer service from them, that's not what i'm asking.
I want to know how the parts hold up with the weather. Do they fade in the sun? Will they look like crap by the end of next summer?
How has the fit been with hoods and trunk lids? How tough is the finish? Does it scratch easy? Can it be buffed or polished out?
If I didn't paint them, what kind of prep do they need out of the box or are they ready to bolt on?
Can they be painted if need be? What paint type or system would I need?
I want the front end for a second gen rs and also want the hood and close out panel over the radiator.
I am not too set on a paint color or design yet and may want to paint over some of the CF.
I am looking for everyones personal experiences with this.
I have never had anything made of CF so any help here would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric

Teetoe_Jones · #2 05-19-2009, 01:03 PM

This is going to be only slightly biased, but here is my take on all of it:

We have a clear coat that is 100% UV protected. The carbon will not fade or look ugly after a few months in the sun. Fitment has been surprisingly good. I have a 1968 Camaro that I owned while operating ATS and was a dealer for Anvil before I came to work for them. I have every panel we make on my car and it was really easy to make the new parts match the fitment of my old ones. The finish is as tough as any painted/clear coated surface- it scratches, it can be buffed, and it isn't as tough as a powdercoat or anodize type of finish. If you decide to leave the panels bare, bolt them on out of th box, adjust for panel gaps and call it a day.
I did this on my 68 Camaro with the header panel, hood, cowl panel, decklid, rear spoiler, A pillar trim , arm rests etc. in total it took less than 3 hours to install everything, align it and be on my way. Shed over 80 lbs too.
The panels can be painted just like any metal panel can be. You can use all the same products.
Hope that helps.

Tyler

coolwelder62 · #3 05-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Matt and his CF parts are really great. The man cares about his products & his customers. They fit great,they look great,There light wt.# They make your car stand out in a sea of good looking cars were ever you go. People ask is that real carbon fiber. You can smile and say yep.

70rs · #4 05-20-2009, 12:16 PM

Tyler,
Thanks a lot for the input on the parts. Now can I talk you into directing me to all of the available parts for a second gen camaro? I'd like some detail pics of the front end and pricing on all of the parts you have.
As for being biased, I totally understand. But you were a customer at some point and that you now work with Anvil says a lot. Thanks again.

coolwelder62,
Thanks for your input too. I have heard very good things about Matt and Anvil in general. I never had any concerns about his commitment to his customers.

Ok, now that I have cruised the web site and made my wish list, I didn't see anything on the flat stock hood, front end, door trim,radiator close out panel. I know they are new parts and maybe just have not had the time to update the site, no problem.

But it did leave me with a couple more questions. Other than cost and weight is there any difference with the 100% CF parts and the parts with CF on top and fiberglass underside? Has there been any problems with the parts separating at the joint between the two materials? Any warping issues with having two different kinds of materials bonded together?

Again, Thak you very much for any input here. I am a CF rookie.

**XcYZ** · #5 05-20-2009, 12:28 PM

I installed a set of A-pillar covers in my car and was really impressed with how well they fit. They made the stock A-pillar covers look like a joke. I have to believe that Anvil invested a lot of time into the fitment.

Teetoe_Jones · #6 05-20-2009, 01:29 PM

The difference in the Carbon and CF panels (CF being carbon Fiberglass mix) is the underside. On the pure 100% carbon, the bottom is just as nice as the top. On the CF panel, the underside is black painted fiberglass and has a great smooth finish, just no bare weave showing. The panels will be just fine on all aspects as far as bonding, warping etc. They really aren't that dissimilar to cause problems. It is typically a show aspect for going 100% carbon to show off the underside if the top gets painted.

Tyler