KEVLAR OR FIBREGLASS

[GQ4.8coilcab]

I dont noe if this topic has been brought up yet before but i wanna noe what is better, kvlar or fibreglass. At the moment i like the flexability of kevlar. What do u guys reckon. Does anyone noe prices. I heard they are cheaper then genuine panels?

Cheers julian

[adam.s]

Kevlar would obviously cost a mint, isn't that shit used for bullet proof vests?

Fiberglass would be cheap as if someone has already made the mold, and or you know a fiberglasser who will do it cheap.

It really doesn't take them long to make a mold, but it takes time for them to fit/shape the fiberglassed resulting panel as it won't be perfect.

Either way, it doesn't cost a lot to do so you if you can find someone who will do mates rates for you then that is a cheap way out. They can keep the mold and make a bit off it if there is enough demand.

Genuine panels always cost a bit.

If you have the coin, carbon fiber will cost a bit but would lighter then fiberglass and stronger then steel.

I know a guy who does carbon fiber panels, but even if you does you mates rates its still rediculously expensive just for materials.

So: fiberglass if you can be fucked replacing them everytime you have an accident (they will crack if stressed). Metal if you don't want to do this.

How bad are your metal panels, unless they are totally fucked from a smash why don't you just fix them (weld new metal in if rusted, and fiberglass filler over the top) ?

[bogged]

Haydon at Alpine Offroad has moulds for guards and bonnets etc for GQs...

You could use them for making up either Glass or Kevlar parts.

I doubt Kevlar would be cheaper than genuine, that shits worth more than Unobtainium... But it is easy to work with.. watched a mate make some bike mufflers ~10 yrs ago for his RGV, by wrappin the shit round his stockies then sliding them off. Wanted to make some for the KR1S, but never got round to it.

[GQ4.8coilcab]

Glen Binskin quotes kevlar panels are cheaper then non genuine panels, i would prefer kevler because it can flex. nd sorry bout the poll, i stuffed it up.

[r0ck_m0nkey]

Not a body panel, but my kayak is made with a kevlar hull, and it wasn't that much more expensive to have made then it would have if had been made of fibreglass.

It's flexibility and strength is good and the amount of rocks i have smashed into i am sure a fibreglass hull would have cracked and broken more then once. Fibreglass also has different strengths and flexibility dependant on the way it is put on aswell, wether it is hand layed or sprayed on through a chopper gun.

[kram]

The only problem with binskins is that you have to drill out all holes for mounting inside and out 'And they dont just bolt on u have to make up a bit off bracketry.and you also have a few probs cause the fibreglass is thicker than the genuine metal so locks and handles are hard to bolt in.

[morkz]

i'd say go kevlar if your going to use it as comp truck or you go hard in the bush.

kevlar for a gu is around 2.5k i think for all the panels not fitted i believe.

most people put the kevlar pannels as they keep dinting the steel panels you dont save that much weight and also you can flare out kevlar panels easier than steel.

[AFeral]

If your changing panels best to go for something better. Fibre glass is to brittle. Where as kevlar can flex. So gets my vote. Just got a new guy started at work that makes stuff out of kevlar keep telling him it would be a good idea to make some GQ bits see what happens.

[bigpat]

Mate,
Kevlar or carbon fibre is THE GO!!

Both are surprisingly cheap when bought by metre length. ($15 or so p/mtr) MUCH, much easier to work with than f/glass, as it doesn't have hairs n' s%#t goin everywhere....Works out lighter than glass due to less resin & material.

Kevlar is has a ot or give, where as carbon is stiffer.

When laying up, spray the carbon cloth with hairspray, this makes it stiff, easier to cut and handle. Use carbon along the edges and where you'll bolt trough for stiffness, then lay kevlar over this, and for the majority of panel area.

Make sure you use epoxy resin, and not polyester resin, and have a SHARP pair of scissors in order to cut the kevlar neatly. If moulding compound curves etc, use a light weave carbon, like 210 gpm (grams per metre)

You'll find lay up info on the web, or technical book shops....

[vn15]

I dont noe if this topic has been brought up yet before but i wanna noe what is better, kvlar or fibreglass. At the moment i like the flexability of kevlar. What do u guys reckon. Does anyone noe prices. I heard they are cheaper then genuine panels?

Cheers julian

Bought a kevlar bonnet from Binskins a couple of years ago, very light, and very cheap. The fit is also very good.

Put a layer of carbon on top of it , and four layers of clear coat.

[GQ4.8coilcab]

that looks F#$KIN sik vn15, especially with anodised blue bonnet pins. I luv it. Great job m8. so wat do u guys reckon, should i get kevlar, it sounds way betta. Wat does glen do about the doors?. You noe where there is a cavity between the skin and the inside trim. Can i ask u vn15 wat the total cost was nd did the layer of carbon make it more rigid, even though some people may think it is the WANK factor it is bloody kool m8. Has nyone got an official price on some panels, i havent got the time during the day to call. Also, how would i go bout doing it myself, wat if i go havies with a m8 in a fibre glass mould then we start making panels, then make our money back and flog the moulds off and it is a profit.

[TUFFRANGIE]

This is from the Patrol board

JT.Fibreglass Products.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all, JT.Fibreglass now manufactures fibreglass guards and bonnets for GQ Patrols. Our guards come in 3 different wheel arch sizes from standard to extreme (as on CHEEZYS Mav). Our mid size is perfect for 35 inch tyres. We can also do them in Aramid fibre (kevlar) or Carbon fibre or an Aramid fibre Carbon fibre combination. The fibreglass bonnets are re-enforced with high quality core materials and are very rigid. They are a very light option for your recreation or competition vehicle. They simply bolt to your original hinges and use pins to hold the front down.We can suply the pins or you can use your own.
We also offer a complete fibreglass fabrication, repair and mould manufacturing service.
Please feel free to drop in or give me a call even if you just need some advise, I will be more than happy to help.
You can contact me (Jason) on (03)9738-0444 or call in at 36 Industry Place, Bayswater, Victoria.

[GQ4.8coilcab]

thanks, i certainly like cheezy's guards they look cool.

[extra niss]

my brother got a pair of the binskins 2 " wide gaurds for his and he was up fraser cupal of weeks ago and was playing on same rocks and hit the gaurd on a rock. the gaurd flexed like it is meant to but gaurd is cover in same sort of jell coat for a better finsh witch cracked badly and cheeped the paint and jell coat off.
to repair u could bog it and re spray the gaurd but next time the gaurd bends it is all going to fall back out

[JemmyBubbles]

Gleen Marshman(t)???... The owner of Binskins as Glen Binskin sold it over a year ago ---just clarrifying this important factor... Sells the kevlar panels but aint that cheap yes a few dollars cheaper than GENUINE replacements but still wallet hurting ie; roughly 350 per gaurd and bonnet is about 700 from memory when I was looking at it.

That is not finished either you would still have to sand and get rid of the imperfections and get the thing painted....

Just get brush gaurds..or an exo... Probably the same cost after you have fully kitted the truck with flexy panels.

Jeremy

[dieseldude]

my brother got a pair of the binskins 2 " wide gaurds for his and he was up fraser cupal of weeks ago and was playing on same rocks and hit the gaurd on a rock. the gaurd flexed like it is meant to but gaurd is cover in same sort of jell coat for a better finsh witch cracked badly and cheeped the paint and jell coat off.
to repair u could bog it and re spray the gaurd but next time the gaurd bends it is all going to fall back out

Mate, does your brothers ute have Binskin mudflaps on it? If so, I was up there and saw him ripping around Fraser. Also saw it at Happy Valley. The front guards looked flared and liek they had been cut out.

Is it a white GQ ute and it had what looked like undersized wheels for the amount of lift.

If that's him, the guards looked pretty good!

Cheers

[GQ4.8coilcab]

its not really a comp truck, but i am thinking of doing little comps like the Nav Run. I dont noe yet. Is it worth it. There is only a couple of dents. I might hold off put the money to extend the 4 point in it to a 6 point in my shorty as they can tip easy. I dont noe yet. Thanx for all ypur help guys