Can i make the fenders on my kawasaki vn 1500cc classic out of fiberglass?

Question

will it be strong enough to witstand the vibrations ect..if i use the fenders i have to make the mould will the making of the mould damage the existing paint on the fenders.

Answer 1

If you wax/PVA your fenders really well, it should not harm your paint -- if it is a quality paint job ;)

You may need to make a 2-part mould. I had to do that for my cycle fenders because there would've been no way to pull the part out.

First thing you should do is watch this video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEa5_WHQZ...

Then watch other videos from this dude. Then read a book or get on a fiberglass forum like Werksberg http://www.compositeforum.werksberg.com/

Then try it out on some cheap stuff --- using cheap gel and fiberglass materials. Don't skimp on the PVA (and/or wax) or you'll never get the mold off.

I order all my stuff from www.fiberglasssupply.com. You can get your resin, catalyst, fiberglass, catalyst dispenser, chip brushes, PVA, gel coat, mould-release wedges, and anything else you need from them. Ask them for "end of roll specials" on the chopped strand mat (CSM). I got an 11 inch wide by 50 yard roll of CSM for $12.

As far as strength -- realize that strength in fiberglass comes from where the fibers cross and chemically bond. Also -- you want a high fiber-to-resin ratio.  So if you use a cheap CSM for your part, you will have a heavy/brittle part. CSM needs a lot of resin to wet-out. It's good for hot tubs and boats, but not for a cycle fender. So get some 8 oz fabric and use at least 3-4 layers.  You might have to do some extra stuff around your mounting holes for added strength. If you have tight corners, you might want to go to a lighter weight FG.

Since strength comes from the fibers bonding -- any air pockets will be a weak spot.

Answer 2

Heavily wax the fender you are making the mold from, to prevent damage and to allow for easy removal of the fender from the mold. Make sure you use at least three plys of fiber, and reinforce any mounting areas with some washers sandwiched in the layers.

When applying the resin make sure you don't have air caught between the layer, and make sure each layer is permeated, but not overly saturated. give it time to cure, and then scuff and paint.