Carbon Fiber spare tire cover

[Dead91silvia]

Ok, know most of you are thinking I'm a moron for doing this, but read on, you might like it and also the fact that I didnt spend a dime on this project... Feel free to move if this is posted in the wrong place, didnt know if this should have been in interior....

So I have had a bad truck leak in my BD GT since I have had it. I just found it this winter and since we are in the rainy season here in Seattle now, I have to wait till summer to fix it (some seam sealer went bad and needs to be striped and then re done and repainted...)

Since I have had water sitting in the truck for the last few years, it's taken it's toll on the spare tire cover. It's soaked with water, mold, and is now deformed beyond repair. I was thinking I ight need to hit one of you guys up for one or fine one in the wrecking yard, but I had a better idea...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/IMG_8237-1.jpg

I used to work for a shop that re-built insurance totals and we would get some odd parts with some of the cars. One of them was this Carbon Fiber hood from a 99 Civic 4-door. It was junk, it had flipped up on the highway and was not usable, but I too it home thinking I could fix it or something. It's been sitting behind my shop for almost 2 years....
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/IMG_8238-1.jpg

So incomes the idea.... :grin:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/IMG_8240-1.jpg

And this is what I came up with... I now have a Carbon Fiber cover for the spare tire! How cool is that!!! And didnt cast a dime! It's not done, but it's in there working great and my carpet now sits smooth for the first time in years! All I have left to do is cut a hole for for my hand to put it up and rivet the keepers that are in the cardboard part... It's also light as a feather!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/IMG_8242-1.jpg

Whats left of the hood.... What else could I make...???
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/01/IMG_8243-1.jpg

So if you get the chance and this looks like something you might want to try, look for a trashed CF hood. I'm gonna look for some more and make some more for my other care I have just for the fun of it!

Let me know what you guys think.... :smile:

[YVK]

haha thats awesome! recycling a civics hood haha

[Reason]

Different, good thinking.

[Okin DaVanh]

Whats left of the hood.... What else could I make...???

I did the same thing with another civic hood, but not a spare cover. We cut it up and made mudguards, an airfoil for a wiper (I know, minor.... but looked good) and various interior trim pieces.




Always Recycle. :smt023

[jey]

How do you cut carbon fiber without it splintering? I was thinking about doing the same with my trashed hood but it I threw it away.

[Huffer]

How about a fuel flap?

[Dead91silvia]

How do you cut carbon fiber without it splintering? I was thinking about doing the same with my trashed hood but it I threw it away.

I used an air cut off wheel... Works well!

Thanks for the other ideas! I'm saving every peace I can. I might look into the fuel door, that might work...

[d1giPhux]

You can also make special panels for cd decks.. switches.. etc.

Thats a great way to recycle a hood.. wish i had one laying around to do the same. I actually would LOVE a more stiff cover. That is one of the great flaws of the stock one.. once it gets wet.. its never as sturdy as it previously was.

[Okin DaVanh]

yeah, I used a cutting wheel at a moderate speed too. Dash panels are popular too. You can also lightly wetsand the parts and re-clear for a new look or use the same Gel/hardener used on helmets for durability.


I've also seen:


Interior light base
power window/door lock trim
back of a cig lighter
and a friend made a switch box for hydraulics out of a Focus hood. Got extremely innovative with hardener.

[Dead91silvia]

I got it finished yesterday. Got the mounting clips and finger hole all done. I'll post pics later :grin:

I'm going to try and make an Ash try face for my '66 Volvo and see how that turns out... :smt023

[d1giPhux]

Wish i could pick up a junked hood somewhere for cheap.. i would definitely do this!

[Huffer]

Battery tie down!
Horn button overlay!
Wheel center cap!

[99gtlimited]

better be wearing a mask when you cut this stuff!! it's a possible carcinogen and does horrible things to your lungs! be safe

[Grafton]

ooh i want one!

[Dead91silvia]

I guess I need to get some pics of it all finished... lol...

Thanks for the ideas guys! I've been busy so I have not had the chance, but I'll get on it soon... More stuff to come...

I hold my breath when I'm cutting it... I'm a bodyman, we are invincible to any and all autoshop dust ;)..... hahhahahha

[chuckthefuk]

i like. a+

[B's Legacy Wagon]

oh i was thinking some kind of cover for your front core like over the radiator the part that your head lights mount into something like this: viewtopic.php?f=39&t=12634 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=12634)

[Dead91silvia]

I forgot to post the pics of the finished product!

So her ya'll go....

the only thing I might do is build and rivet a brace in the middle since my tool box is a bit heavy for it, but it dose well with anything else...

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/06/IMG_9821-1.jpg

I even used the factory Subaru clips at the rear and cut out a hand hole....
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/06/IMG_9822-1.jpg

Inside the car with the carpet out...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/06/IMG_9824-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

Fancy. Time to sand the clear off and re-spray.
-Chuck

[Dead91silvia]

I thought about it, but no one see's it and I have way too much other crap to get done.