Moveable Front Splitter (and introduction post)

[Bicycle Bob]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I dislike fiberglass. Consider Polymetal:



These samples were sheared, rolled and braked by hand. Only the braking failed. Fiberglass doesn't come pre-finished.

https://www.nudo.com/p_polymetal.php

Competitive products are Grimco Maxmetal and Alumapanel.

Fiberglass does come pre-finished, but not still formable. However, a very close compromise has been found: https://www.compositesworld.com/arti...ce-hang-glider

To make those parts in fiberglass with a class-A finish, you can just wax a fresh, shiny countertop and start laying down resin and cloth. After the first layer, you wait a bit or switch to slow-cure resin. Soon, you can peel off a limp sheet with one dry, shiny side, and lay it into any simple curve you like with really minimal tooling. You can trim the edges with scissors before the cure is far advanced. If you need to push on the wet side, as for that sharp flange edge, a layer of saran wrap will prevent sticking.
If you want top-grade work, the layup can be vacuum-bagged very easily and have the excess resin removed by a squeegee with no wasted absorbent layers. Soon, it becomes like a sheet of pre-preg, and can be handled as above.

[freebeard]

Well, you can get to a gloss finish by squeegeeing out resin under Mylar and then peeling it but that still doesn't get passed the fumes. I think they're toxic, based on the life of an artist that passed at 50.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=epoxy+polyester+resin+toxic+fumes

It's just what I said, not a fan. No big deal.

[gumby79]

Another consideration for your paneling is World War II eara aircraft skin with a modern twist. set up your shape glue the skin to the edges, hit it with the heat gun or even an iron for clothes and it's a finished product rated for a do not exceed 210 flight rating. Product is called Oratex. They have receved there US FFA approval for use on certified aircraft. So should be durable enough to withstand anything you throw at it including rocks. Super cheap and easy to make certified Aviation repairs. $55-75USD sq Meter
2 For cheap prototype testing you can use bed sheets and I believe my cousin said it was latex paint as a shrinking agent..25USD thrift stores have sheets and latex paint handy all the time
3 the route I went with my canopy is 12mil industrial shrink wrap. Has been on the truck for about three years out in the sun it only the places where I made mistakes and got it too hot using a grass torch to shrink it is it showing any signs of UV degradation. 12'×40' pice 170USD shiped ( truck Freight where it's going matters)$10 /lener foot '40'wide.
This project gets to my motto very well.
Dreem Big Chisle Down To Reality .