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2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Just another dumb idea. Procrastinating on moving my power steering pump to get my last SAI tube out. Looking at my engine bay, with everything else carbon the sprayed black engine cover was bothering me, miss my old Carbonio cover. Tried hydro dipping it in carbon print a few weeks ago and it looked TERRIBLE - not even close, if you’re thinking about it just don’t. So I decided to teach myself how to skin parts in real carbon fiber over the long weekend. So far it’s coming out nicely for a first try. Just done with first couple of epoxy coats, probably won’t be finished for another week or so. Now I’m looking around for other parts to do... coolant overflow tank next maybe...
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by Phil1305
Looks good, it's always nerve wracking trying a new skill.
As for the bubthing wouldn't using a propane torch help clean up the finish?
You’re just trying to get me to turn it blue, I’m onto your tricks Phil
Exactly right though. Using a heat gun on low between coats to get rid of bubbles. Third coat turned out great, starting to think it might actually look reasonably nice when done...
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Thanks guys. It’s a little tricky to work with, especially the epoxy. Getting the mix perfect isn’t as straightforward as you’d think, cure time is hugely temperature dependent, and I can already tell that getting the finish bubble/defect free is going to take a lot of sanding and recoating.
With that said, I need more practice. Wonder if there’s a market for me to make these - any interest?
Will post up more progress as I get closer. Any suggestions on what to skin next? Wish I had my intake manifold off, that would look so sweet in carbon...
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by Phil1305
Looks good, it's always nerve wracking trying a new skill.
As for the bubthing wouldn't using a propane torch help clean up the finish?
You’re just trying to get me to turn it blue, I’m onto your tricks Phil
Exactly right though. Using a heat gun on low between coats to get rid of bubbles. Third coat turned out great, starting to think it might actually look reasonably nice when done...
Thanks guys. It’s a little tricky to work with, especially the epoxy. Getting the mix perfect isn’t as straightforward as you’d think, cure time is hugely temperature dependent, and I can already tell that getting the finish bubble/defect free is going to take a lot of sanding and recoating.
With that said, I need more practice. Wonder if there’s a market for me to make these - any interest?
Will post up more progress as I get closer. Any suggestions on what to skin next? Wish I had my intake manifold off, that would look so sweet in carbon...
Epoxy clear coat 3 of 5 going on now...
I would love this... sign me up. And without paying 2,000 for Renntech intakes for not much performance, I wonder just for looks you can do this with the row airboxes lids? I would love that look under my engine bay.
You’re just trying to get me to turn it blue, I’m onto your tricks Phil
Exactly right though. Using a heat gun on low between coats to get rid of bubbles. Third coat turned out great, starting to think it might actually look reasonably nice when done...
lololol, of course blue all the things!!!!
That's good, yea I always see when guys do epoxy clear stuff they use a propane torch or heat gun. Glad the 3rd coat came out nice.
Now I’m looking around for other parts to do... coolant overflow tank next maybe...
To get some practice in, you could always make some Radiator Block Off Plates. Start with a super cheap base then practice the carbon fiber/epoxy on top. Also if they aren't perfect, who cares. Since they are in a sort of hidden area. I bet you could get 20+ people who would buy one.....I'm also really lazy and this seemed like two birds one stone thing lol.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by INS1GNIA
To get some practice in, you could always make some Radiator Block Off Plates. Start with a super cheap base then practice the carbon fiber/epoxy on top. Also if they aren't perfect, who cares. Since they are in a sort of hidden area. I bet you could get 20+ people who would buy one.....I'm also really lazy and this seemed like two birds one stone thing lol.
That’s a good idea bud, thanks. The small issue is that the rad support structures are a little different in PFL vs FL, and even coupe vs sedan. All I have is my coupe template to go off of.
Started skinning some parts for my Ultima. Haven't got down to this level of proficiency yet. I do use a digital scale to weight the amounts of resin and hardener in order to get the exact % mix as prescribed by the manufacturer. Works well and hardening indeed is temperature related. Doing it with in-door "normal" temperatures helps.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by Silversun262
Could have made me an offer to sell it back to you....haha, nah, looks good though! Also learned a thing. ++
Haha. Yeah I only sold it because I couldn’t bear to cut it up to fit on with the RENNtech intake. This is gonna turn out about 75% as good which is fine for me. Glad the Carbonio cover found a good home!
Haha. Yeah I only sold it because I couldn’t bear to cut it up to fit on with the RENNtech intake. This is gonna turn out about 75% as good which is fine for me. Glad the Carbonio cover found a good home!
I can totally understand. If I remember correctly, I had to send you my OE cover as part of the deal. So, looks like that one found new life covered in CF.
04-04-2021, 03:57 PM
