Dear collective brain,

I am currently using carbon fibre bodywork on my car.
There are some cracks in the side pods that need repairing, also the nose.


I have no experience of repairing carbon
Any suggestions, ;inks, pointers gratefully received.


Thanks
Jack

Are you talking surface cracks in the resin, right through the carbon itself, or "I can see sunlight through the damage" ? Pictures might help!

Not worked with CF before, but have repaired cracked plastic bumpers. Access to both sides is necessary to glue an internal patch on. However the exterior is then filled, sanded and painted to finish - maybe not what you want though if it's naked CF?

If it's a simple repair, requiring a simple fix:

Abrade, place carbon over affected/abraded area, work epoxy into the carbon (a flex edge spreader/roller), then stretch a piece of plastic film over the top. Peel off when set.

Repeat on the other side if required.

Anything else, I go back to the mould, wet lay or vacuum bag....

Good places to start, look up West systems, loads of info and good place to buy.
also look up http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1284&Itemid=610
free resource, covering finishing as well

[Edited on 8/6/17 by dave36]

Thanks Chaps

Be careful, a lot of carbon mouldings are polyester resin, not epoxy. Although, epoxy shopuld do the job with repairs, but not necessarily so.

Ask the makers what resin they used, then get some matching resin from them or a supplier.

Only talking from many years of experience and balls ups...and believing the internet and forums.

I agree that most resins used are polyester - but even when you key up the surface for preparation, there's no guarantee of adhesion between the "new" and "old" polyester. Epoxy resin will offer a better adhesion to the original polyester.

quote:

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Originally posted by Neville Jones
Be careful, a lot of carbon mouldings are polyester resin, not epoxy. Although, epoxy shopuld do the job with repairs, but not necessarily so.

Ask the makers what resin they used, then get some matching resin from them or a supplier.

Only talking from many years of experience and balls ups...and believing the internet and forums.

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Thanks chaps