Centre console Mould making and prototype
So basically I wassnt happy with not having a center panel in the car. So mocked up some ply panels to fit in its place. (this made the dash SOLID)
From this I turned it into a model to make a mould from
Covered this item in release wax and liquid wax…a release agent.
Then covered in gel coat.
This was left to harden over night
Then covered in resin and talc filler and then fiberglass matting
Left to harden overnight then another layer of the same
Then left to harden overnight again 3 layers later its about this thick.
Then “simply” pop the mould off the model…
Screwdriver and hammer required! Leaves you with this.
Run it through the band saw and trim off the rough edges….leaving excess… And then sand with 320grit and 400grit
Then add back plate and add a few layers of wax and liwuid wax (i did 4 but the more the bettrr) layer of gel coat and leave to go tacky… The layer in some material
Happened to have some carbon laying about… not enough but will do on the prototype
Layered it in as I’ve never used it in mould making… So had enough for first layer… Then used low weight fiberglass as replacement (use this normally)
I’ve done 3 layers of fiberglass on top…
Left for a day between layers.
Then simply demould….again…screwdriver required…more wax next time
Removed back plate
And trimmed fiberglass overlap with very sharp chisel
Then popped out of mould
You can see the carbon weave. But I’ve been inconsistent with my gel coat so I have some milkyness… and a few air bubbles...Will be more vigilant with mk2…
But fairly chuffed if this was flocked or painted you would never know.
an All carbon Mk2 coming soon!....