This is the first part out of the new mold...a sample unit that is in the curing locker.
From a previous attempt this one here is a reject due to a gelcoat issue. Excessive catalyst caused rapid shrinking & pre-release from mold. Not easy to see in this photo but upper area is completely caved in. Abandoned after 1st layer of lamination.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 07-20-2011).]
Are those three images of the same kit, or are the bottom two images a second pull from you mold that didn't work out? Kind of hard to tell by looking at them...
Are those three images of the same kit, or are the bottom two images a second pull from you mold that didn't work out? Kind of hard to tell by looking at them...
Designing the mountings for the lights. I will be standardizing on the 03-04 Ford Expedition foglights & 95-96 Nissan Maxima turn signals, same ones used on the Fi355, which have the right curve & most ideal mounting tabs for this application.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 07-28-2011).]
Models for the light mountings were made of cardboard, plastic & stir sticks. They'll be furthur worked on & prepped for new molds as well. The mountings will need to be bondend into place after you do the trimming & drilling tasks first.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 08-06-2011).]
Correction on the choice of fog lights: Needed are the 03-04 Ford Expedition lights, NOT the Explorer. They cost about $75/pair for the housings...don't know if bulbs are included.
New finished molds of the pockets for the lighting mounts. This will provide mountings for both fog lights & turn signals making for an easier installation.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 07-30-2011).]
I love how you kept the side moulding, I think it makes the front end look natrual on the car. I have mine laid into my Norms Flipper for the same reason.
I love how you kept the side moulding, I think it makes the front end look natrual on the car. I have mine laid into my Norms Flipper for the same reason.
Everything looks boss man.
Gotta have the side moldings if the rest of the car still has it.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 07-28-2011).]
Thank you again, Rob, for the time invested in documenting your progress. I've learned a ton and it really does look fantastic.
quote
Originally posted by Amida:
"All that work" is right on...anyone thinking about doing this better think twice. It's an investment which may only return to breakeven at best.
Let me add from firsthand experience, this is not the type of project for the novice. You'd better be an expert if you wish to make some money at it. Me, I'm doing it to try something I've never done and to have something different.
More test fitting of the demo unit. Lighting installed into the new mounts for the first time. The mounts will be shipped with the nose as separate pieces so that you can first complete the trimming, and drilling tasks. Then you'll need to bond them in with a caulk adhesive. The ABS plastic grill is optional.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 07-30-2011).]
Thank you again, Rob, for the time invested in documenting your progress. I've learned a ton and it really does look fantastic.
Let me add from firsthand experience, this is not the type of project for the novice. You'd better be an expert if you wish to make some money at it. Me, I'm doing it to try something I've never done and to have something different.
Bob
It's probably better to dedicate the effort to a larger, more active import/domestic tuner markets, but I still have to finish my F6 Fiero project.
Originally posted by Amida: "All that work" is right on...anyone thinking about doing this better think twice. It's an investment which may only return to breakeven at best.
It's that fine line between doing it for love and doing it for profit really. With the attention to detail and sheer workmanship present in your end product though Amida, it's clear that you're not just creating these items for profit. Not that there's a lot to be had in Fiero circles... it's a tight market. The import scene might produce more cashflow, but is there as much satisfaction in it?
Just waiting on larger shipping boxes from the box company...wouldn't you know it, the Fi512 nose wouldn't fit into the Fi355 box because of the larger 1-piece design. Meanwhile just stacking onto the Formula/shelf.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 08-22-2011).]
These are the mounts for the lighting. After you have finished the trimming & drilling you will need to bond them into the backside of the nose. I used a fast drying polyurethane adhesive applied with a caulking gun. It's a thick adhesive which doesn't run. I might add a couple of pop rivets just as an added measure.
Turn signal & fog light installed into the mount. A bushing & screw ( included) are used to secure the turn signal to the mount. Notice the vertical adjuster on the back of the fog light, used to adjust the light beam.
[This message has been edited by Amida (edited 08-22-2011).]
Amida, Just thought I would pop in here and tell you that is looking FANTASTIC.... best looking fiero nosecone I have ever seen. I especially like the way you made it work with the lights and fogs and whatnot. I sure hope you sell a bunch because it looks like a bunch of work. I think you will because it looks amazing. I cannot wait to see one completed on a car and painted to match. Should make for a really beautiful comin' atcha shot... Nice work man.... peace
