Carbon Fiber Restoration Project-PS100402

[thagops]

The Subject: Rear Carbon Fiber Wing on a Mazda RX-7
The Problem: Severe Deterioration of Resin due to UV Damage and Mineral Deposits from rain drying up on Carbon Fiber Wing.

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The prescribed solution was to sand the damage, then follow up with Compounding and Waxing.

First Step: Sanding with 320 grit, 400 grit, 600 grit, 1000grit then finally 1500grit sandpaper

Process of sanding using water with a mild APC as a lubricant

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/picture.php?albumid=1130&pictureid=4759

After Sanding

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Most of the defects had been removed.

Second Step: Compounding with 3M Rubbing Compound

After Compounding

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Final Step: Wax to protect against further UV damage

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/picture.php?albumid=1130&pictureid=4758

The rear wing if replaced would have cost way too much. The car owner was very happy with the results. That's important.

 

[phat7]

Great stuff. How long did it take to complete? Do you have a shop? i need some help with carbon parts. TIA

 

[thagops]

Because of the fact that we didn't know the extent of the damage, it was difficult to determine how far we needed to sand. So, We started with compounding and worked up to 320 grit sandpaper. There was observable progress with the 320 grit; so, we had to work ourselves back to the finer sandpaper. This whole process took 5 hours. The other reason why it took so long was because the work was manual; I was not using an orbital grinder to sand.

I have a shop where most of my work is done. It is located in Old Klang Road. PM me if you'd like to meet up. I'd be glad have a look at your carbon issue and see how I can assist.