Honda Insight Tail Extension Project

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by eMax

So how's the car looking these days? I just read through this whole thread and I'm craving more updates!!

Hi,

The latest pictures from last fall are here...

Enjoy.

https://picasaweb.google.com/threewh...04201986179906

Jim.

[jimepting]

Looking good Jim. Your materials development continues to improve.

Jim E.

[Sven7]

Dang, that looks really good. Hopefully it will hold up better! Are you getting some matched red paint?

[CigaR007]

Send a photo of the final result to Honda !

Pretty sure they will like it and consider such a design for their upcoming vehicles.

[jimepting]

Jim,

Do you yet know what the impact on the foam will be when you get the inevitable rock ding hole? Is infused water going to cause any problem with the foam?

[euromodder]

Shame the original version didn't withstand the weather after all that hard work.

But the tail looks even better now.
I'm surprised at how tight the gap is

[HydroJim]

Once the weather warms up in here in cleveland, I'm looking to get started on my boat tail. Your thread has a been a great inspiration for my design.

I'm going to be using a foam/fiberglass sandwich on a metal frame and I have a few questions.

What did you use as a filler to smooth the fiberglass? I read about an epoxy/glass sphere mix and was wondering exactly what that was?

Also, how much do you think a full sized boat tail would cost to do. including foam. fiberglass, body filler, primer, paint, etc.?

[Weather Spotter]

From my tail building experience it costs between $200-400 do make one from foam and fiberglass. Metal would be about half that cost.

[eMax]

Wow, Jim! That is an incredible looking Insight. I drive an '07 Civic Hybrid but have been contemplating selling it just so I can afford to buy a 1st gen Insight. If I did, making a boat tail like yours would be a dream! The way you designed and built it makes it look nearly OEM. I can't wait to see it after it's been painted!

Cheers,
eMax

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by jimepting

Jim,

Do you yet know what the impact on the foam will be when you get the inevitable rock ding hole? Is infused water going to cause any problem with the foam?

Jim,

As for a "ding-hole" in the foam, that should not be an issue if you use materials that are not affected by water, such as the foam.

The light-weight spackling *is* affected by water, and I will not use this product on other body parts for the car in the future.

The foam, which is closed cell, is not affected by water.

Jim, are you thinking of any "foam" projects, per chance?? I get the impression something is brewing.

Jim.