Carbon Fiber Interior Trm

[1quickTA]

I've always loved carbon fiber and decided to attempt to wrap some of my interior trim. I actually did this last fall, but never got around to sharing it on this forum. I re-shaped the center console first, then wrapped the console, door trim, and radio bezel. What do you guys think? I think it turned out great!

Decided to re-shape the console, basically extending the ashtray lid and making the cup holder functional:
Console Progress 2.jpgConsole Progress 3.jpg

Time to start with the carbon fiber:
Carbon Layout.jpgConsole Wrap.jpg

After A LOT of manual labor, finally done. Notice the shift gate pattern - I had it cut in brushed aluminum and applied it before the final coats of resin so it is perfectly smooth over top.
Console - Before&After.JPGDoor Trim - Before&After.JPGBezel.jpg

In car pics:
In Car - low.jpgin car - high.jpgIn Car - console close up.jpg

[OIF1VET]

You did a nice job! Looks good!

[2EVUL4U]

Looks good ... Especially with the attention to detail

[BP_Z28]

Not my cup if tea...but nice work..wrapped pretty good.

[TylerT/AZ28]

that looks good. so is carbon fiber basically used or put on for lack of a better word the same way fiberglass is? or are there more steps to it?

[98blackbeauty]

Nice job, great attention to detail, I like the way you kept the pattern on the ash tray cover to match the console

[meissen]

Wow - you did a great job on the wrap! Did you use surfboard resin or UV resistant resin? You definitely overcame the problem most people have - getting the resin smooth over the carbon weave. I tried doing carbon fiber myself but it got yellow after awhile and mine was no where near the quality job as yours. Good job dude!

PS if you need more carbon fiber, I have a roll a few yards long.

[1quickTA]

that looks good. so is carbon fiber basically used or put on for lack of a better word the same way fiberglass is? or are there more steps to it?

Yes, the basic concept is the same. The only difference is that since you aren't painting it, you need to be precise with how your weave lays and do WAY more sanding of the resin since you won't be covering it with filler, primer, and paint to cover up defects.

[1quickTA]

Nice job, great attention to detail, I like the way you kept the pattern on the ash tray cover to match the console

Glad you noticed that! I tried to cover all the little details like that. Even the bottom of the cup holder has the weave at the same angle

[1quickTA]

Wow - you did a great job on the wrap! Did you use surfboard resin or UV resistant resin? You definitely overcame the problem most people have - getting the resin smooth over the carbon weave. I tried doing carbon fiber myself but it got yellow after awhile and mine was no where near the quality job as yours. Good job dude!

Thanks! I used a resin that is supposed to have very high UV resistance (I talked to some companies that specialize in composite products), and then also followed up with a UV resistant clearcoat so hopefully I won't have any issues with yellowing. How long did yours take to yellow and what materials did you use to try and guard against that?

And as far as getting the resin smooth, I NEVER SANDING SO MUCH IN MY LIFE!!! Carbon work is so expensive because of all the labor, that's for sure!

[meissen]

Thanks! I used a resin that is supposed to have very high UV resistance (I talked to some companies that specialize in composite products), and then also followed up with a UV resistant clearcoat so hopefully I won't have any issues with yellowing. How long did yours take to yellow and what materials did you use to try and guard against that?

And as far as getting the resin smooth, I NEVER SANDING SO MUCH IN MY LIFE!!! Carbon work is so expensive because of all the labor, that's for sure!

Haha yeah I hear ya - I didn't have the patience for all the sanding so I ended up with some of the pieces having bumps following the weave, but it was a fun learning experience either way. I bought my products from USComposites.com I believe, including the resin. I had a gallon of the resin and so much of the activator. It was supposed to be UV resistant surfboard resin, but after about a year or two it started to get a little yellow. Might have been the clear coat that I used, though... But mine was no where near the quality as yours - yours definitely looks like it was done to last.

[1quickTA]

Got my resin from US Composites too! Now you've got me worried. It used their Silmar 429 resin. That what you used??? *panic*

[MP81]

Wow, gorgeous wrap job!!!

[meissen]

Got my resin from US Composites too! Now you've got me worried. It used their Silmar 429 resin. That what you used??? *panic*

Actually now that you mention it I think I bought my resin off e-bay, just the CF from USComposites.

[BlackBirdDaddy]

Not that's a carbon fiber look as opposed to hydrographics! The depth you get with the real stuff can't be beat. You did a great painstaking job and it is well worth it. I especially like the cupholder, I know what a pain in the ass that must have been.

Now that your fingerprints are back after all that sanding, what is next!