Carbon Fiber Dash Panels
#1
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Thread Starter
Carbon Fiber Dash Panels
I am considering replacing 3 of the dash panels on my Cafe Racer with carbon fiber. Do you guys know of any one who manufactures these? My gauge panel has a bit of a curve to it, so I am also wondering if it needs to be molded. Lastly, I know that carbon fiber is expensive but any ideas on costs would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
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Sean-
My friend Bobby Shanblatt is the guy that hand fabricated most if not all of the one-off carbon fibre dash components for the Apache's and McManus boats.
I can hook you up with him if you want. He is located in Ft.Myers, FL.
You can e-mail me @ [email protected]
Later,
Hans
My friend Bobby Shanblatt is the guy that hand fabricated most if not all of the one-off carbon fibre dash components for the Apache's and McManus boats.
I can hook you up with him if you want. He is located in Ft.Myers, FL.
You can e-mail me @ [email protected]
Later,
Hans
#4
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Thread Starter
the gauge panel is roughly 18X24 the switch panelis 2X24 and the drive/tab switche panel is 6X6.
Are they felixible enough to bend? Can they be cut with a holesaw and drilled easily? Can the edges be cut and smoothed cleanly?
Believe it or not, I've never looked real close at carbon fiber, but I like it because it will look good no matter what color gauges, switches or boat you have.
Thanks again for your help...
Shane, can the guy sell me a sheet of it if it is flexible?
Sean
Are they felixible enough to bend? Can they be cut with a holesaw and drilled easily? Can the edges be cut and smoothed cleanly?
Believe it or not, I've never looked real close at carbon fiber, but I like it because it will look good no matter what color gauges, switches or boat you have.
Thanks again for your help...
Shane, can the guy sell me a sheet of it if it is flexible?
Sean
#5
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Sean let me know I have 4x8 sheets available in different colors of choice....I will fab them up if you like also. PM me for details.
Or call me @ 856 498-9606.....
Sean Stinson
Or call me @ 856 498-9606.....
Sean Stinson
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#6
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Sean,
he can do about anything you want. I was told by Mike Fiore (outerlimits) that carbon is actually more brittle than fiberglass, so i wouldnt count on bending it. I originally wanted to make the curve on my dash but Al (carbon Guy) talked me out of it. I do know he has made som tank skins for Harleys so getting the contours is not impossible. The reason we didn't do it is because if i wanted to change dash lay out i wouldnt have to remove, Steering, kill switches, vhf, etc.
My edges nare very smooth. I actually have a small piece (4x8) That is not permanetly affixed I would be happy to send it out to you. I had mine laid with the yellow stich left in (I wanted a racy hardcore look) Most of the other carbon i have seen does not have that, nor would you have noticed had i not said something.
The easiest way to work with the carbon ( I was told I had mine done elswhere) is to run the whole saw in reverse to scribe the carbon then go ahead and cut through.
I just left a message for Al to get a quote for your panels. If this gets 2nd or third paged just TTT and remind me.
Thanks
Shane
he can do about anything you want. I was told by Mike Fiore (outerlimits) that carbon is actually more brittle than fiberglass, so i wouldnt count on bending it. I originally wanted to make the curve on my dash but Al (carbon Guy) talked me out of it. I do know he has made som tank skins for Harleys so getting the contours is not impossible. The reason we didn't do it is because if i wanted to change dash lay out i wouldnt have to remove, Steering, kill switches, vhf, etc.
My edges nare very smooth. I actually have a small piece (4x8) That is not permanetly affixed I would be happy to send it out to you. I had mine laid with the yellow stich left in (I wanted a racy hardcore look) Most of the other carbon i have seen does not have that, nor would you have noticed had i not said something.
The easiest way to work with the carbon ( I was told I had mine done elswhere) is to run the whole saw in reverse to scribe the carbon then go ahead and cut through.
I just left a message for Al to get a quote for your panels. If this gets 2nd or third paged just TTT and remind me.
Thanks
Shane
#7
Charter Member #655
Charter Member
I covered my old panels with Carbon Look decal stock....they look great cost me $20
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#8
Charter Member #232
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One thing about carbon fiber that you all need to know about, is IT HATES THE SUN!!!! You have to clear coat it with a UV protective clear to make sure it does not get brittle and crack. You can bend it no problem, just not radically. The bends on your Cafe should be no proble. If you can not get what you need from Stinson then get in touch with me and let me know. I have a buddy that makes the keels for the America's Cup Boats. He can make you ANYTHING you want to.
Jon
Jon
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