Carbon roof

[Kelv]

Just a random one really.

I'm going in to see my carbon man in a couple of hours, a guy that has made many carbon roofs and panels for many Ford RS cars over the years, including mine.

I'm going to speak to him about making one for the Clio, but I was just curious if anyone else would be tempted with one if they became available.
Obviously at this time I don't know prices, lead times or even how long it would take for him to make a mould, or even if it would be cost effective for him to even do one.

Plus I'd have to go in search of a good condition Clio roof to use as a donor.

So at this stage it's just finding out the relevant info and I thought I'd ask if anyone liked the idea aswell.


Cheers.

 

[DannyR]

Yes also have a scrap Clio shell if you want a roof mould

 

[adamf92]

wrap it?

 

[DannyR]

It then weighs more than a standard roof, carbon fibre is to make it weigh less! It's a fairly big bit of metal there

 

[Kelv]

It won't be wrapped, this will be a full on carbon replacement.

Talks are in motion, he's happy to look at it more in-depth, going to be going over dimensions and options over the coming few days.
Possibly have a honeycomb filling within the inner and outer skins.

For me, this excercise isn't just about saving weight, but lowering the centre of gravity


I'll report back as we progress.

 

[DannyR]

I was gonna write that too but was unsure if I was right, I've PMd you too by the way

Single skin is the best way and then keeping the interior restraints for the roof

 

[JLister]

wrap it?

Wrapping is just a cheap and tacky version of the real thing

 

[nick.greenwood]

Certainly watching this thread with interest, keep us updated as you get an idea regards potentials prices and how these may fall with numbers?

 

[Jonny1*2]

how do you do this on a clio. Is it just a case of take the angle grinder to the roof, and slot in the CF one? How would you fix it in place? Plus would it be structurally sound?

 

[Kelv]

When we have done them on the Escort the original roof has been spotwelded in place.
160 spotwelds to be exact
Which appears to be exactly the same on the Clio's.

It was only really advised for those running with a cage, and cages that were braced to the pillars before hand, it gives the car a much stronger fighting chance of structural rigidity!

The roof was then bonded back on around the seams where the 2 original panels overlapped.

Those within the world of bodyshops will know that using the right bonding agent will be as strong as spot welding!


So far we have done this to 2 Time Attack Escos's, 2 road going Escos's, a Sierra 3dr and a Saphire Cosworth with no drama's what-so-ever over the past 2-3 years.

Obviously this is only going to be ideal for the fully dedicated amongst us

 

[Jonny1*2]

sounds good :approve:

 

[SamP]

Ive looked into it on my Rover, considering the minimal weight loss its really not worth it imo. Might as well spend time ditching rotating mass/unsprung mass.

 

[Kelv]

Already done/doing that!

Each to there own, obviously