Not liking what is available out there on the market as far as 1/4 Shields and the like and not being able to afford the full fairing kits (EVEN THOUGH I LOVE THEM) and probably most importantly, not wanting to remount headlight, mirrors and turn indicators I decided to make my own.
1. The idea is to one have fun with it and let you guys make fun of my mistakes and misfortunes as the project progresses.
2. Get ideas and suggestions from those who know
3. And for those that want to undertake something like this themselves..show them what not to do!
So the general idea is (some may have seen this from my helmet project all ready so humor me) to turn this....
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/GS500E033.jpg)
Into something like this..but in two pieces....
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/gs500_carenada.jpg)
I have a couple of things in mind for this project.
1. Be as similar to this "Carenada" as possible, especially the paint scheme...:) you know I love red, white and black all ready.
2. Use all original parts and don't reposition the head light, mirrors, or turn signals, yes that means it will be 2 distinct pieces, fairing and cowling independently mounted.
3. Keep the materials as cheap as possible while maintaining a quality end result.
4. Yes, this will be 100% fiberglass
5. Improve cooling and comfort while riding
6. Be able to reproduce it on a limited basis (if it turns out nice :) )
7. There's more but I think you get the point.
So like I said don't laugh, I have a good start on the templates...
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/GS500E053.jpg)
I have started the project and have made some progress....
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing032.jpg)
This is the prototype for what I had in mind, I don't like any shield half fairings for the GS500 on the market at all! I had the "Targa" shield before and threw it away. No offense to those that have it and like it but I, personally, think it looks goofier then hell from too many angles. Mine needs lot's of work but this is a work in progress.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing051-1.jpg)
Keeping cooling in mind, this is the prototype for the cowling.
And then there was fiberglass....
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing058.jpg)
Having some left over from a repair job I decided to use what I had...Bad Idea! I will explain later.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing060.jpg)
It didn't turn out too bad but I had way too many imperfections!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing061.jpg)
Knowing there is a lot of sanding to do and this is just the first layer!
Some are probably wondering how did I get the first layer? Well not knowing any better and not having any other ideas I decided to make a paper mache molding of the inside of my cardboard template...
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing056-1.jpg)
Why? Because I wanted the first layer to be the same size as the template not the size of the outside. Great idea and cheap, but very time consuming letting it dry before I started. Yes, I used tinfoil between the cardboard and paper mache for easy separation when dry. I tired plastic wrap but it turned out to be a pain in the arse. Got a better idea?
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing057-1.jpg)
The only mistakes I made during this process was not making it thick enough and not making the outside (the layer for the fiberglass) more smooth.
While I was waiting for the mache to dry I was getting bored so I decided to put all my templates on the bike and take some pictures to motivate myself thinking this is what it will look like when your done. Not doing anything special this is what came out to my surprise!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject053.jpg)
I thought Wow man I can't wait until this really is finished!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject052.jpg)
If I can get from cardboard to fiberglass to paint I have a chance to achieve the look I was trying for?
A thought comes to mind, " Well it looked good on paper". I know I know!
great project!!
I know exactly what you are going through!! I am in the process of making my own solo seat cowl from fiberglass! Not as big project as yours but time consuming as well.
I am almost done though :thumb: (lil' more sanding is necessary though)
good luck!
Quote from: JB848 on June 16, 2009, 10:52:02 AM
Got a better idea?
...
not making the outside (the layer for the fiberglass) more smooth.
Both clay and plaster make nice molds that are more easily worked smooth.
Looking good man... Nice work so far. I think it will look great when you are done :cheers:
Thanks for the words of encouragement I need them at this point :)
Having the first layer done and repairing all of the air bubbles caused by using fiberglass "cloth" instead of "mat" I start sanding and sanding and sanding...
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing062.jpg)
What do I mean cloth and mat? Cloth is very fine like "cloth" and is great for small or relatively flat surfaces.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing063.jpg)
Mat is very coarse and molds nicely in any direction and takes very little effort to not bubble and cause weakening air pockets and separation between layers.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing064.jpg)\
Next to the shield is a couple of pieces of the "mat" vs the first pictures showing the cloth. As I start "repairing" all of my mistakes from the cloth!
looking good there bro. :cheers:
Good stuff, man.
Looking forward to seeing your progress
Different weaves & weights of cloth also drape differently - it's not really a "mat good, cloth bad" simple situation.
There are tricks to getting cloth to cover curves with minimum fuss (or cutting). I don't claim to be all that great at doing so, mind you, having only started playing with it last year. Certainly whatever you are using for cloth looks stiff as heck compared to the stuff I've used recently (mostly on boring rotting truck repairs); and softer equates to better able to take compound curves.
exactly. you can work the cloth to make it contore much nicer, all you do is pull the loose strings of cloth because they are not woven tightly like your shirt but anyways, lay the cloth down cut close to the shape your covering lay some resin on top then work the fibers, Ie pullin strings to make it contore better also another trick that I use when making contoured speaker enclosures is fleece, kinda like sweat shirt material, you can buy it by the yard at walmart or fabric stores. pull the fleece tightly over the piece secure it in place then soak it down with resin. once hardened in the shape of your desire add chop mat to the back side of it for strength. Also if you want to make multiple pieces make your first piece, sand prep and paint it to be perfect. the wax the hell out of it, I'm talking 10 15 coats of a good wax buffing out each time you put a new coat then cover the thing in chop mat and resin build up till about 1/4 inch to 3/8ths inch thick, add in some pieces of strategically placed wood for bracing and let cure. Once hardened, pry them apart GENTLY then sand, prep and paint the inside of the thick piece, then you guessed it start waxing. once done this is your mold now you can throw down some carbon fiber mat or regular fiberglass coat with resin slip it in a vacuum bag then suck the air out and let cure if your impatient you can put it in an air dryer to cure, now your pieces are damn near perfect and ultra thin while maintaining strength. I know I left out a few steps but this is just a quick run down of the process.
Also I forgot there is some special tools to work the fiberglass that can be had pretty cheap, one is a small metal roller that is used to push out air bubbles from under the layers. This one is a must it will keep you from having to go back and use alot of body filler to smooth out where you broke through other layers.
looking good so far, cant wait to see some more progress!
Thanks a bunch for all of the tips. I am way ahead of the posting as far as the project goes and am learning tricks quite fast. One thing I learned last night as I was repairing yet another fricking hole! I placed the mat material in the hole and had a lot of resin left over so I had a wild idea of using what was left with a flexible plastic trowl for bondo and spread the resin out like I was using bondo. This morning the results were really good. It filled all of the minor little holes and added material to some annoying minor low spots. May save lots of sanding.
So any way back to the project. Having repaired 95% of the mistakes I moved forward and carefully cut out the final shape of the 1/4 fairing.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing076-1.jpg)
Once again the use of cloth caused some problems. as you can see on the right side of the headlight enclosure it was so thin from sanding it chipped away. I have since fixed so no harm no foul. While it was drying I took my cardboard template and started work on the mounts. Having limited tools, no welder, small bench grinder, dull hack saw I started fabricating some brackets and looked for the most unobtrusive slightly hidden ways to mount the 1/4 fairing. You might notice I increases the size of the window from the original plan also.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing078.jpg)
I decided to use the bolts that mount the speedometer tree for the upper mounts and the headlight bolt for the lower mount.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing080.jpg)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing083.jpg)
I was kind of worried about the strength of the top but after mounting I feel confident that this mounting will be solid enough. I test mounted the fiberglass just to see how strong it will be.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing101.jpg)
And after mounting it and tightening everything down I was really surprised how strong it is now. I have plans on reinforcing the upper area that will hold the Plexiglas further but it's pretty solid. Also it was dark but I had to take it for a test ride as is (probably a good idea in the dark until it's finished LOL) and it was as solid as I could have hoped for. It also brought up another issue...black or chrome screws? I'm going with black cause the sheild will be red with white stripe.
Oh yeah I almost forgot..I did get this last night too!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing094.jpg)
Thanks to Pandy I now have a brat tat! It's not in it's final location but I had to post it like I told her I would :thumb: Thank you PANDY!
just a little note dont use to much resin otherwise your part will become brittle. if you need to fill low spots or pin holes use bondo. you dont want your parts brittle since there is a chance of taking a stone at speed it could just shatter instead of deflecting it.
Roger that I don't want the damn thing to shatter! :nono: I've only done it once and it was a very thin layer in a couple of places so hopefully I didn't break that rule.
So far its looking pretty good :thumb:
After reinforcing the upper portion, more sanding and a little glazing here and there I decided to put a coat of paint on it and see how it looked.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing112.jpg)
There are lot's of little imperfections that popped out the weren't visible before.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing113.jpg)
Which was good because they were easier to find and fix.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing114.jpg)
I think it's time for some new newspaper :thumb: Back to sanding and I can't wait to mount the thing!
Very nice! Geeze I want a garage soooo bad!
Mary
great progress mate!
I am going back to my own project :thumb:
Paint is dry enough to test fit the 1/4 fairing and see how she rides! :D
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing119.jpg)
Not real happy with dead on front profile but the side I like! :thumb:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing118.jpg)
Needs a little mounting adjustment and more glazing.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing124.jpg)
Good enough to ride to work and make improvements when I get home. Forcast is for rain this weekend.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing128.jpg)
Side Profile with "GSTwins Brat Tat" too, Sure would look good with a rear hugger ;) , I guess I'll have to wait on that for now and save my money. I hate this New Jersey weather! Summer is passing us by and we haven't had one yet.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing121.jpg)
I guess it is time to start on the sides this weekend. With what I have learned on the 1/4 fairing they should be a lot easier and quicker to make. (Famous Last Words)
One easy way to find low and high spots in body work is to use grey primer, then mist (speckle black paint over the top) then do a light sanding with sanding blocks to reveal the low spots shown as left over black speckles, or high spots that eat through the grey primer..
also you can contour your plexiglass windshield by making a mold of the wanted shape. MAKE IT HEAT RESISTANT. then place the plexglass over the top of it and place it in the oven. I dont remember the exact temp, just start at about 175 then bump it up in 20 to 25 degree increments, I believe its about 225, dont quote me on that though. after the plastic starts to droop turn off the heat and let it stand in the oven until it takes the form then remove and let cool. we used to use a similar method with lexan at a sign shop.
I might try that in the future, for now I just want to ride when the weather is nice. I have to start molding my side cowlings when the weather is bad, don't want to waste any riding time. But thank you very much for the advice. My shield is made of lexan and I purposely bought extra in case I decided to change the windshield or modify it. This is my first adventure with fiberglass and the learning curve has been sharp and steep. After this project I think my imagination will be my only limit :thumb:
Also if you get into fiberglass making as a side job, lol, you can buy an oven to bake the resin. Good for carbon fiber... You mix the resin cold which means it will take longer to set up, that way you can have more workable time with it, then when your set you pop the piece in the oven, usually in a vacume bag to minimize the resin to fiber ratio, which makes a stronger part. The more resin the more brittle the part. If you want it stronger use more layers, also very helpful to have a vacume bag. Also another tool Im trying to find mostly for making molds but also for really thick parts is a chop gun, its a gun that uses a 55 gallon drum of fiberglass and a small drum of resin and hardner, and sprays the chop mat and resin together to make thick strong parts kinda like a fiberglass tub if you ever flip one over. Anyways Im sure you can find more info if you do a google search... Have fun and welcome to the world of fiberglassing.
looking good!
MAN I MUST SAY YOU ARE PRETTY CREATIVE.YOU JUST MOTIVATED ME TO GET STARTED WORKING ON MY OWN FAIRINGS.THANKS
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb248/dietje-bucket/smiley/shhh.gif)
Now accepting donations to buy my own equipment. PM me for paypal info... lol :D
Mexiacns using internal mix chop gun :thumb:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGfdvGIhtqY
I'd love to have a few of these items in my garage. :cool:
http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product_Catalog/Vacuum_Bagging/vacuum_bagging.html
Yeahp this is a used one. :icon_eek:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/tls/880983341.html
Sorry for the long delay between posts. I had a family tragedy, my Father passed away on Fathers day. Gives a new meaning to that day. I have been working on the project off and on and was actually working on it when I received the phone call about him. This project has a whole new meaning for me.
Well that aside, to catch up to date..I developed a crack on the right side of the 1/4 fairing and I probably could have covered it up but I decided to grind out the area and reglass that entire side. It turned out to be easier then I thought. So at this point it is in the rough again and I am slowly fixing all of the small imperfections.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/pictures071.jpg)
Here it is hanging on the wall next to the template drying and waiting for paint (Again!)
As for the cowling I started it and now have both sides in the rough and I am sanding them down for final prep.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/pictures070.jpg)
I tried a new method this time and put the fiberglass on the inside of the template and it seems to have paid off.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/pictures072.jpg)
It did destroy the template but there is enough left I could make another.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/pictures073.jpg)
I took these pictures to show my Father but he passed before I got there. So the project lives on and so does he through me. Thanks.
I am very sorry about your father :cry:
may he rest in peace!
the fairings look great
Bravo on the continuation of the fairing and cowl. I to am sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about your dad's death, too. I have experienced that as well.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Yours,
Trwhouse
P.S. The fairing work is looking great. My cousin and I built a 1/8-scale radio-controlled model airplane from a kit. It took us three years. While building it his dad died. My dad had died while I was in college. In their honors, we named it for them -- the Morwin -- for my Uncle Morty and my dad, Irwin. Perhaps you could name your fairings in honor of your dad as well.
:)
Quote from: Trwhouse on July 06, 2009, 03:25:45 PM
Perhaps you could name your fairings in honor of your dad as well.
:)
Maybe the "Father's Day Special"?!?!? I am not making fun either. That would be cool in my book.
First, Thank you very much for the kind words it means a lot.
As far as the "Fathers Day Special" (Thanks for the Idea), I have my work cut out for me. As I said before my new method for the template kind of destroyed the template!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject075.jpg)
As you can see there are many pieces of the template now :) But it's only cardboard and I can make it again. The two sides are coming along though.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject074.jpg)
Here is the right side 2nd layer and the left side in close to finished condition!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject079.jpg)
I also have the first coat of paint on the 1/4 fairing. Really in no hurry now with both side pieces in the rough. I have plenty to do at this point.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject078.jpg)
If you compare this picture to the early pictures it is in much better shape. No more flaws or low spots. 2nd coat will go on tomorrow if it is dry enough to wet sand. This baby is going to be perfect before it goes on the bike again! These pictures look horrible compared to the real thing. I think the lighting is playing tricks on my camera again!
Well I finally got the quarter fairing on and still need to adjust the mounts. I fabricated some new mounts out of some considerably heavier pieces of metal.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing129.jpg)
They are pieces out of a heavy duty filing cabinet that I took apart and salvaged the wood and metal from.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing130.jpg)
I am quite happy with the outcome..almost no vibration and there is no flex in the wind any more! And yes I know speedo is quite dusty. Been doing a lot of sanding and no cleaning.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing133.jpg)
Here is a good view from behind. If you look closely at the previous pictures you'll notice that I added reinforcement to the fiberglass where the fairing bolts on.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing132.jpg)
And this is a view of the side that cracked! All re glassed, sanded and painted. I am going to wet sand and add another coat in a few days, but I want the paint to bake in first. Besides I have lot's of sanding to do on the cowling yet, and still have to fabricate the mounts for them. I'll have to admit I am not overly happy with the front profile still.. I am hoping it will grow on me :thumb:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing131.jpg)
It took me a while to notice but my design seems to be the only one that is flush with the headlight? I am hoping that it will cut through the air better and cause less drag better MPG! But so far I have to say it sure shines good in the sun and the 1/4 fairing is as smooth as a babies bottom and there is only one in the world like it ;). Hey Mom look I can see myself!
I dig it 100% for originality and simply doing it. No one else has a fairing like that. Great job!
So I had some free time last night and didn't really feel like making a mess so I decided to start fabricating the mounts for the side cowling. Having the Targa Lower Scoop really made things easy. While I think I am creative on my own, I can copy almost any other idea with relative ease.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject086.jpg)
Here is the mount that I made off of the Targa existing mount. I put it on backwards the first time but you get the idea.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject080.jpg)
This is how I made it...I took my daughter "Jules" with me one day to Home Depot and had an idea of what I was looking for. We looked all over the store and I just couldn't find what I wanted. I wanted the same width, thickness, and flexability as the (Broken)original that I was copying. I found it in a $1.12 hardware piece called a concrete 2x4 hanger. I cut the flat ends off, drilled the first hole, bent it to the same size, drilled the second hole, cut some rubber from an old bicycle tube for padding and added the same exact bolt's, washers and spacer as the original.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject088.jpg)
Having made one with relative ease I made two and put them on the frame for a test fit for the side cowling. I had thoughts of gluing the rubber to itself but after a test fit I deemed it really not necessary. And below is the first test fit.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject090.jpg)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject092.jpg)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/FairingProject091.jpg)
Needs a little more adjustment and I still have to fabricate the rear mount for the cowling but, both sides are made.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing154.jpg)
Here is the right side, in the rough 2 layers, no mounting. Just had to see what it would look like with both of them on. :woohoo:
Great project, I like the way this is coming together. I also liked how you adapted something unrelated to make the mounting bracket you needed. Do you think that a piece of shrink tube could be used instead of tire tube? It would not be as thick but it should form to the mount tightly.
Absolutely I think it would work. I am just being anal about not scratching the frame so I added a little more then necessary also I had the tube so why not use it. The way I cut it along the fold worked perfectly. It naturally fit into the shape I wanted.
So with the fairing tight against the engine like it is do you think the engine will stay as cool as it should. I figured the reason the fairing on the F was wide was to allow max airflow in and out. Maybe you can cut some slots to help it breath or put a engine temp guage to check. Just a thought, dont know if you thought of it as a possible problem or not.
Very good question Joker! I had cooling in mind that is why it is flared inward in front and follows the lower scoop as close as possible and in the back it is flared out. I am not an engineer but I think this configuration will actually channel more air to and through the cooling fins.
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing052-1.jpg)
This is the template, notice the large area open behind the fins?
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/rtarpley/Fairing146.jpg)
And here is the fiberglass piece. The front should push air in and the rear should cause a vacuum to pull air out? Not only that, at high speed when cooling is probably at the most efficient? The front 1/4 fairing is angled down and in on the bottom and should increase air flow.
I am not 100% sure so I will have to see and yes I have plans for some sort of cal induction vents if necessary. :thumb:
Another thing is the F models have the oil cooler so i don't know if that is directly related to adding the fairings as cooling became more of an issue with the fairings. Just another thing to think about.
Yeah I forgot about that the F model does have the oil cooler. I have seen lot's of fairings that are very similar to my idea that don't have oil coolers so I hope I figured right. But then again I never got lost in Trenton either... :D bassmechanicsz ! LMAO!
haha Trenton isn't the best place to get lost in either. I used to go to school in Newark and thought it was bad there but for some reason where i was in Trenton just didn't feel right.
Well no new pictures to post yet but I was in Trenton today and I was amazed!!!! They actually have road signs and everything. How some one could get lost is beyond me. :technical:
haha yeah part of trenton is well marked with signs and directions and then their is the other half of the city.
Any update on your work?
awsome work! :cheers:
Wow, great job so far! Any chance I can ride up to NJ and borrow some of your talent? I'll give it back once I build a few things...
Well last night I added some more layers to the right and left side. I've kind of had this project on hold for a while just enjoying the weather and being able to ride. This week I will begin again in earnest and will post some more pictures when there is more progress.
So for now bundle up when you ride and keep your knees in the breeze! :thumb:
Ok...I'm way late to the party, but this thread is worth nudging to the top again.....the work you've done is incredible... :bowdown:
Well late is better then never. I put this project on hold until I find a better way for fitting and testing the molds. My 1990 is a classic and I found that my fitting and testing of fitting was scratching the original paint. As I always said in this project I would never alter this bike other then a bolt on addition.
I know I'm not alone in looking forward to future updates! :thumb:
Quote from: pandy on February 26, 2010, 10:57:47 PM
I know I'm not alone in looking forward to future updates! :thumb:
ditto on that.
it's really easy to sit back and fall into the critiquing mindset from my couch about the final shape of the fairing... so i won't. :) it looks great ! we usually take 3 times to get anything right here, so you're definitely a faster study.
excellent job man, and please do update us with any other fiber/resin projects you get to. really nice work. enjoy the ride !
my sympathies on losing your father.
Any updates on this? Looks awesome!
Um you have seen the end of the Upper Fairing in other posts as far as the sides no. I may start it again. I am little sentimental about it so we'll see?
And seeing what Mr. Knopf, O.C.D. , Seamax, and so many others like Zeurskning My god. This was a project for myself that became may Dads.
Dude, the only thing I knew about you was that you were kind to my posts and you seemed to know what you were talking about, after seeing this thread I know also know you are a true Craftsman with the very special talent of having a vision, having the will, and having the fortitude to complete a totally original, and kick ass project, cheers to you. You have now reached an entirely different echelon of respect and place on this board with me.
Also, although late, sorry to hear about your Dad passing, bet your ass he's smiling down on you and your project....
Cool project man. Very clean looking results. You have one more person in your audience now. :bowdown:
Quote from: JB848 on November 01, 2010, 12:17:47 AM
And seeing what Mr. Knopf, O.C.D. , Seamax, and so many others like Zeurskning My god.
servus,
very nice work and very good idea. respect.
can i have two of the covers?
This faring looks awesome! :bowdown: You're inspiring me.
I've got a dumb question. How would someone begin to learn 'glassin'? Does anyone have any beginner sites that explain the basics? Seems like YouTube + trial and error would be a good way to learn.
I'm thinking about trying to make a little cafe tail for my (t)Rusty GS this winter, but I really don't know where to start. Carving up pink foam, then foil then glass... Seems reasonable.
If you read this whole thread there are many great suggestions on how to by others and how not to by me. It's kind of easy to get started..the hard part is reaching the expectations you have for yourself. When you make it yourself you see every flaw. Be patient and you might actually have a lot of fun doing it. I know I did and I learned a lot! :thumb:
Quote from: norcalbarney on November 08, 2010, 10:50:33 AM
I've got a dumb question. How would someone begin to learn 'glassin'? Does anyone have any beginner sites that explain the basics? Seems like YouTube + trial and error would be a good way to learn.
I'm thinking about trying to make a little cafe tail for my (t)Rusty GS this winter, but I really don't know where to start. Carving up pink foam, then foil then glass... Seems reasonable.
While I actually don't go with "there are no dumb questions" (having been asked some), this isn't one. Do it. Just don't do it with the expectation that the first one will be perfect. Set your expectations at making at least 3 - not at once, one after the other so you can apply what you learn each time and make the next one better. If you can think of other things to make that will be less annoying to you if they are not perfect, start with them. Homebuilt aircraft and/or boat/canoe/surfboard sites/books are a good read for general glass (and/or carbon, kevlar) techniques. But the main thing is to do it enough that you can learn by doing and figure out what doesn't work the way you want it to, so that you can learn more about those parts and try it differently the next time.
Trying to make the first and only (whatever) perfect is a common failing and a common route to frustration. Take Guitars: Folks will buy fancy expensive sets of wood to build their dream guitar from, and fuup it duuck after spending more on tools than it would have cost to have their fancy wood turned into a good guitar by someone who has made 100 or more - yet few will grasp that they would do far better to build 3 or so from the cheapest wood they can get and throw them on a bonfire before they touch tools to fancy wood for the "keeper." They just want to make one "perfect" but ignore the truth in "practice makes perfect."
Couldn't have said it better myself my friend.