tell me what you think of this, need feedback.

Unknown

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this is posted on the general forum also, but being this is a subject on reproduction fiberglass parts I figured i'd post it here as well.



Okay folks, I called Walter Mason (waltla), with an idea I had and this is how it went down with the guy wanting to do it. After I grinded the paint off my rear quarter panel that I have posted on "started tearing it apart thread".....I had the idea what if.......what if I could duplicate these in fiberglass??.....I then called up a reknowned fiberglass man In my town and discussed what I wanted to attempt. His reply was "I can do that no problem" I went to his shop and discussed it a little more and settled on him doing my hood and both rear quarters as reproductions. First he wants to make a permanent mold or "pig" as he says, then reproduce a handful of the hoods and sedan rear quarters as complete bolt on units, That is If I thought he could possibly see a future in interest. I told him it would be strictly supply and demand of course, but I could foresee SOMEONE needing a reproduction glass hood or quarter panels. He says if he could get a hold of a few different year quarter panels he would be able to reproduce them as that is what his main goal is here I think. We are both just getting into this project and prices have not been discussed yet at all. I can say he will CHEAP!!!!!.......SO, what does everyone think?.....would anyone be interested in reproduction glass quarter panels??......so far I have only my quarters to make molds from and they would be for my 1949 sedan but more years and models could be had!......give me some feed back!

rambos_ride

Smasher O'Brannan wrote:

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this is posted on the general forum also, but being this is a subject on reproduction fiberglass parts I figured i'd post it here as well.

Okay folks, I called Walter Mason (waltla), with an idea I had and this is how it went down with the guy wanting to do it. After I grinded the paint off my rear quarter panel that I have posted on "started tearing it apart thread".....I had the idea what if.......what if I could duplicate these in fiberglass??.....I then called up a reknowned fiberglass man In my town and discussed what I wanted to attempt. His reply was "I can do that no problem" I went to his shop and discussed it a little more and settled on him doing my hood and both rear quarters as reproductions. First he wants to make a permanent mold or "pig" as he says, then reproduce a handful of the hoods and sedan rear quarters as complete bolt on units, That is If I thought he could possibly see a future in interest. I told him it would be strictly supply and demand of course, but I could foresee SOMEONE needing a reproduction glass hood or quarter panels. He says if he could get a hold of a few different year quarter panels he would be able to reproduce them as that is what his main goal is here I think. We are both just getting into this project and prices have not been discussed yet at all. I can say he will CHEAP!!!!!.......SO, what does everyone think?.....would anyone be interested in reproduction glass quarter panels??......so far I have only my quarters to make molds from and they would be for my 1949 sedan but more years and models could be had!......give me some feed back!

I'm not sure it would be a good idea if you plan on driving the car more than a couple of times a year. This early unibody construction relies on the rear quarters being bolted to the car at a minimum to help.

The later model stepdowns rear quarters were welded on which was a evolutionary construction process to strengthen the entire unibody shell as all modern unibody cars are built now.

I also believe the mounting would be a problem on the perimeter rail, in fact you'd probably have to glue it on all the way around. as bolting a fiberglass replacement would crack due to the stress of the body flexing - gluing would at least allow for some flex.

I also think the needed thickness of a fiberglass panel would cause issues with door alignment as well.

I know they made a fiberglass Doc Hudson, and I think I've seen at least 1 fiberglass front end on a Hudson. but the front end is not part of the unibody tub and Doc Hudson doesn't get driven daily !

Personally, I think if you like working with fiberglass - get a Corvette

These cars are AMERICAN Iron and Steel beauties...they don't make em' like this anymore.

bent metal

I would think if your going to have something made in fiberglass, try rockers. It's probably the most needed piece and it would be easier for you to store. Just in case it takes twenty years to sell your inventory.;):)

Unknown

bent metal wrote:

I would think if your going to have something made in fiberglass, try rockers. It's probably the most needed piece and it would be easier for you to store. Just in case it takes twenty years to sell your inventory.;):)

good idea!......probably easier to produce also!....One said something about glueing them on......but most fiberglass panels have a strip of metal embedded in the glass for the simple task of bolting on so I would see that working out really well. Bolt on like the originals I would think

Unknown

rambos_ride wrote:

I'm not sure it would be a good idea if you plan on driving the car more than a couple of times a year. This early unibody construction relies on the rear quarters being bolted to the car at a minimum to help.



The later model stepdowns rear quarters were welded on which was a evolutionary construction process to strengthen the entire unibody shell as all modern unibody cars are built now.



I also believe the mounting would be a problem on the perimeter rail, in fact you'd probably have to glue it on all the way around. as bolting a fiberglass replacement would crack due to the stress of the body flexing - gluing would at least allow for some flex.



I also think the needed thickness of a fiberglass panel would cause issues with door alignment as well.



I know they made a fiberglass Doc Hudson, and I think I've seen at least 1 fiberglass front end on a Hudson. but the front end is not part of the unibody tub and Doc Hudson doesn't get driven daily !



Personally, I think if you like working with fiberglass - get a Corvette



These cars are AMERICAN Iron and Steel beauties...they don't make em' like this anymore.

Metal embedded in the glass like they are on glass street hoods and parts would solve the problem of cracking. You do have a point about the thickness and door alignment however..........hmmmmm.... As far as the structural integrity of the unitbody.....I didn't think it had that much of an effect but you may be onto something there too........I have to ponder some more lol!!!!......Thanks for the replies and suggestions!

[Deleted User]

they have been making fiberglass reproduction quarter panels on "49-51 Mercurys for a number of years with no problems, there is no reason that a quality fiberglass quarter for a Hudson would not work out well also, The hood on the other hand is a different story, they will not hold up over the long haul because of the flexing of the hood when opening/raising/and closing, stress cracks in the gel coat will occur pretty quickly.



I think the rocker panels would work out OK as well.

[Deleted User]

Smasher O'Brannan wrote:

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this is posted on the general forum also, but being this is a subject on reproduction fiberglass parts I figured i'd post it here as well.



Okay folks, I called Walter Mason (waltla), with an idea I had and this is how it went down with the guy wanting to do it. After I grinded the paint off my rear quarter panel that I have posted on "started tearing it apart thread".....I had the idea what if.......what if I could duplicate these in fiberglass??.....I then called up a reknowned fiberglass man In my town and discussed what I wanted to attempt. His reply was "I can do that no problem" I went to his shop and discussed it a little more and settled on him doing my hood and both rear quarters as reproductions. First he wants to make a permanent mold or "pig" as he says, then reproduce a handful of the hoods and sedan rear quarters as complete bolt on units, That is If I thought he could possibly see a future in interest. I told him it would be strictly supply and demand of course, but I could foresee SOMEONE needing a reproduction glass hood or quarter panels. He says if he could get a hold of a few different year quarter panels he would be able to reproduce them as that is what his main goal is here I think. We are both just getting into this project and prices have not been discussed yet at all. I can say he will CHEAP!!!!!.......SO, what does everyone think?.....would anyone be interested in reproduction glass quarter panels??......so far I have only my quarters to make molds from and they would be for my 1949 sedan but more years and models could be had!......give me some feed back!

I'd love to see a fiberglass hood and front fenders! Get a little weight off the front of Dads car! I think there would be great interest in the Hudson drag racing community:D

RL Chilton

Smasher-



I think it's a grand idea. There are certainly pros and cons to the idea, as well.



Firstly, not all Hudson quarters are the same. '48-'51 are the same, with the exception of trim holes (no big deal). '52-'53 is a different quarter panel, with the bumper "notch" being lower than on earlier models. Unless, you had two different molds, then picking the fender with the most amount of years gives you the biggest possible market, i.e., '48-'51. All of this makes your market somewhat smaller (less years, less customers).



Secondly, the structural issue as previously mentioned: Hudsons are quite strong, comparatively speaking. Hudson engineers did one heck of a job with the whole monobilt construction, in my opinion. I would think that on the closed cars with the exception of the HLWYD (Hudson's hardtop body style), loss of any structural integrity would be minimal if the quarters were re-inforced as you earlier stated. HLWYD's and Convertibles are a different story, perhaps. Convertibles, in particular need to be very structurally sound to eliminate shell movement like body and cowl shake. Also, that integrity needs to be absolute or moving panels like doors, hood, decklid will NEVER function properly. Eliminating some models might make your market somewhat smaller.



Thirdly, and strictly my opinion, mind you, it's FIBERGLASS. I tend to agree with Dan that most Hudson folks would rather have good old American tin on their cars . . .I know I would. IF that is the general consensus, it might make your market somewhat smaller.



Lastly, you need to determine what your "break-even" point would be. Do you have to sell 5-10 sets to break even? GO FOR IT!! 30-50 sets? If that is the case, you might well be sitting on inventory for a long time.



Front fenders and/or hood reproductions might possibly be a better alternative. Certainly the Hudson drag guys might be interested as well as the regular driver looking to save more weight. Still, I think the market is somewhat small in that regards.

rambos_ride

OK - I gotta chime back in on this one...

There is a HUGE myth that all fiberglass panels are created equal - in that they are a "weight saver" this is outright Total Hogwash!

The construction techniques, panel length size, and end thickness of the panels more often than not make the fiberglass replacements actually weight more.

Fiberglass panels made for RACE CARS are notoriously thin (think weight savings) whereas the fiberglass panels made for "daily" drivers are quite a bit thicker - just look at any kit car for a reference.

Bottom line IMO - If you tried to re-create a Hood or front fender, I'd bet it will weigh nearly the same if not more than the original steel panel.

Unknown

harcoequip wrote:

I'd love to see a fiberglass hood and front fenders! Get a little weight off the front of Dads car! I think there would be great interest in the Hudson drag racing community:D

AND your the dude I want to talk to!........about your rollcage and suspension that is!

Unknown

thanks Russel, I'm definately going to attempt the hood and qrtrs for my own car, and definately post the results. I'm not really trying to market anything. I had in mind to sort of have another option for trying to find these as a simple bolt on replacement for those like myself who has rusted out qrtrs. I might have to try the front fenders as well!......seems the racing world likes the idea! lol!......Thanks for the reply

Unknown

rambos_ride wrote:

OK - I gotta chime back in on this one...



There is a HUGE myth that all fiberglass panels are created equal - in that they are a "weight saver" this is outright Total Hogwash!



The construction techniques, panel length size, and end thickness of the panels more often than not make the fiberglass replacements actually weight more.



Fiberglass panels made for RACE CARS are notoriously thin (think weight savings) whereas the fiberglass panels made for "daily" drivers are quite a bit thicker - just look at any kit car for a reference.



Bottom line IMO - If you tried to re-create a Hood or front fender, I'd bet it will weigh nearly the same if not more than the original steel panel.

In my experience......Your absolutely right. I never said different anyway!......Its true street parts are definately thicker and heavier. Race parts are lighter, but also thinner and prone to cracking. Most race hoods are only offered in the "pin-on" style, Even the street hoods mostly use low tension hood springs. So, yes I agree At the same time, Being a 1/4 mile fan myself I have no problem with pin on parts!

rambos_ride

Smasher O'Brannan wrote:

In my experience......Your absolutely right. I never said different anyway!......Its true street parts are definately thicker and heavier. Race parts are lighter, but also thinner and prone to cracking. Most race hoods are only offered in the "pin-on" style, Even the street hoods mostly use low tension hood springs. So, yes I agree At the same time, Being a 1/4 mile fan myself I have no problem with pin on parts!

I figured you already knew the difference because of your racing background!

I had just I noted quite a few others were thinking about the Fiberglass panels as being a possible weight saver and thought I'd better squash that rumor

Carbon fiber? Now that's a whole 'nother story...;)

RL Chilton

rambos_ride wrote:

I figured you already knew the difference because of your racing background!



I had just I noted quite a few others were thinking about the Fiberglass panels as being a possible weight saver and thought I'd better squash that rumor



Carbon fiber? Now that's a whole 'nother story...;)

I had heard that fiberglass is often as heavy as metal, myself, but don't have the background to back it up. Very interesting.



Carbon Fiber, however, I do have some experience with that. Much more expensive to produce, but WAYYYY lighter. I have a buddy that has a cobra reproduction body (one of the later models that had the big blocks in them) that is made out of carbon fiber. The entire body, doors, decklid, hood weigh in at 80 pounds. That's astonishing! The entire body weighs less than a driver will.

Unknown

rambos_ride wrote:

I figured you already knew the difference because of your racing background!



I had just I noted quite a few others were thinking about the Fiberglass panels as being a possible weight saver and thought I'd better squash that rumor



Carbon fiber? Now that's a whole 'nother story...;)

What I meant was I Agree!......That was worded wrong sorry!......I was referring to the others as well!......(your the mentor, remember!)

[Deleted User]

Ok as far as the whole weight issue I have to disagree with the idea that fiberglass panels have to be "race panels" to be lighter. I know the fiberglass hood on my 69 Camaro is much lighter than the steel version, it is not a race panel and uses the stock hinges with lighter springs and the stock latch. Go and pick up the stock decklid off my buddy's 66 coronet vs. the fiberglass unit he installed and you'll see a huge difference! There are different types of glass panels and I know some are lighter than others but you dont have to have race panels to get lighter weight. That being said a panel such as a quarter on a Hudson would possibly be heavy due to its contruction and the amout of reinforcing that would need to be done around all the mounting points. Send me a hood and front fenders for Dads 49 coupe so I can take some weight off the front end!