Paper mache and fiberglass = ?

[Vertigo]

hi there

been looking for a way to make my own bodykit for a while now, when my flatmate randomly thought "what about paper mache for the mould?". brilliant!

now, if i make a mould from my existing bumpers, and just extend it with some artistic freedom, would this make an acceptable fiberglass mould? i dont particularly care if its not a perfect finish, but will it work??

cheers muchly!

[Mr.Phreak]

I'd think Paper mache would flex....but theres one way to find out

[Ae92typeX]

it would probably be 'ok' for small alterations (as above, anything larger will flex), but anything with any length/depth, it would be better to use a compatable polystyrene foam- much easier to shape, mold and finish then paper'm- and lots quicker as well
will cost a little more than the newspaper, but not much & if you are going to the effort/expense, you may as well do it closer to properly

[Vertigo]

cheers guys. where can i get that?

[MOLLY]

but if you do use paper mache for anything...mix in some pva with the paste...it gives it a little bit harder finish!

[RomanV]

Or perhaps form the basic shape with some chicken wire.

[Ae92typeX]

try some boat builders or similar- may even have offcuts you can have for free or really cheap. Both the pva and mesh will help, but I still think its quicker to use foam, both to shape and get a good finish. With the other method its much harder to get flat finishes etc, and you end up using a lot more bog than with a nicely made foam mould.
Are you intending to make the old bumper just into the plug and make a whole new piece, or just add to the existing one?

[Vertigo]

Or perhaps form the basic shape with some chicken wire.

this was the original plan actually!


i am using the old bumper as a mould mould, but will end up replacing it with the new part (when its done). i have those big black plastic bumpers :/

[barryogen]

Or perhaps form the basic shape with some chicken wire.

this was the original plan actually!


i am using the old bumper as a mould mould, but will end up replacing it with the new part (when its done). i have those big black plastic bumpers :/

I've done this is the past, and yes it works, but it is a lot heavier than getting one made with F/Glass etc, however it is a lot free-er, well, clost to it.

Originally I used standard chicken wire, but I found that it was too soft, so ended up using stuff like they sell at Repco for grills etc, it made it heaps easier to attach to the existing mounts etc(something firm to screw through), and I needed much less paper to cover the wire and get it hard.

once it was in about the right shape, I got it f/glassed over the top(by a mate) for strength, painted roughly by another mate, it looked good.

I still see it driving around from time to time, but I don't have pics sorry.