Hi guys, got the fibreglassing done on the console and A/C ducting panel. Posted a couple of pics of applying the material, it really does not matter what the back looks like because it gets cut off about 10 - 15mm in from the edge once the resin has set, main thing is to try and keep the material tight on the front side and reasonably flat on the back for the 10-15mm. I start by brushing the fibreglass resin on the back first until it is soaked through the material, then turn it over and do the main sections, it will need about 4-5 coats (two wet on wet, let it tack off then apply another fresh batch of resin wet on wet).
Once it has set (leave it until the next day) sand it smooth, orbital sander with 80-120 grit works good, be careful not to sand too much on the sharp edges, it the material "fluffs up" then just apply a bit more resin on that spot and re-sand. I will post pics when I trim and sand tomorrow
I will post up some pics when the fibreglassed parts are primed which will give a good idea of the contoured effects.
First cut the material to suit (go bigger than needed):
Staple in the middle first then stretch firmly to each end and staple, then work along the entire side with the stapler (I got a Stanley electric stapler from Mitre-10 for $50, works great).
Next stretch the material over the part firmly and staple, starting in the middle and work your way out stretching the material as you go:
A/C ducting panel ready for application of resin:
A/C ducting panel coated with resin, the areas for the A/C vents will be trimmed out and sanded when the resin has cured properly:
Console fibreglassed, light coloured areas are not glassed as they will be trimmed out:
. More work on the console........ I have recessed the centre panel down about 8mm, the red leather will be stiched at this joint and cover the recessed top panel, the sides will be contoured and fibreglassed (as per the door panels) and painted black, covering the join where the red leather and paint meet will be the "rear door trims" (spare ones I had) that I "reshaped" after removing some dents. The rear of the console will be cut to take 2 x A/C vents that will be ducted from the front. I have decided not to put the centre mount handbrake in, would look too cluttered. The section between the shifter and the arm rest/storage area will have the controls for the power windows. Curved section in front of shifter will house the sound system and two recessed polished alloy drink holders. The storage area has a large area for sunny's, wallet etc and a small shallow area for loose change.
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