2IS :: 2009 Lexus IS250

Tried my hand at real carbon fiber skinning and started off with a small piece (plastic cover behind interior door handles). The process is a PITA and takes practice for a flawless finish. First piece was a 5 out of 10 so not going to bother posting that. This is my second piece, a lot better than the first but could still use some work. Debating on whether or not to making bigger CF pieces, but it is way too time consuming.

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KyTy3OFF said:
How are you doing this, Pat?
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Hey Mike,

I used this tutorial as a high level guide and then some learning as you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rTWaV1imzs

Basically in a nutshell, you sand the piece down, apply resin/hardener, apply carbon, more resin, more sanding, resin, sanding, resin, sanding, finish.

The hardest part is timing and waiting as its about 4-5 hours wait time between each layer. Also, the carbon cloth is a bit hard to work with since you can easily loose the pattern when applying (the cloth "unweaves" itself). If you have an itch, i recommend picking up a starter kit on ebay for $20-$25 bucks and giving it a go :smile (2):
 
That's a good piece. the weave pattern looks nice and straight. :good:
 
By summer time, I want to place a bulk order of Gen1 FX rear diffusers in CF.
 
Group buy for the rear diffuser or hood? Any which one, if it comes from pman, I'm in. :laugh: :laugh:
 
soonster said:
By summer time, I want to place a bulk order of Gen1 FX rear diffusers in CF.
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This needs its own thread, because if this is going where I think it might, I am in as well.

Pat, I don't know what you are talking about from the photo that piece looks amazing. This is probably one of those cases where because you DIY'ed it you are being way harder on yourself. I had a friend that tried doing this and trust me his pieces were terrible, not even useable compared to your piece.

Keep at it. :good:
 
Thanks guys! Rear diffuser would be sweet. All we need is a design and a mold (*pinging handy andy*)

There's a new carbon fiber vinyl (4d carbon) that is supposed to look a lot more realistic than the 3m stuff. 4d also claims that you can clear coat the vinyl afterwards to give it additional depth and gloss. Waiting on some more reviews but will check it out too. Much easier and cleaner than mixing resin on the dining table.

---------- Post added at 04:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:51 PM ----------

On a different topic, finally starting looking at some body work since the interior is done (for now). Please let me know which kits you like best for the front and rear, or other suggestions :smile (2):. The 09-10 IS has a very limited selection for the front.

Front

1. Lexus GFX Kit
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2. Wald Rep Front Lip
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3. IS-F Front Bumper Conversion
IMG_0584_2.jpg


Rear

1. Lexus GFX Rear
f998b62a-1.jpg

2. Myride Rear
2-PU-LXIS3506RL-FSP-2.jpg

3. Type J Rear
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Your lex is coming along very nicely.

For the front I like
1.Lexus GFX kit

rear, in order
2. Myride rear
3. Type J rear
 
wow i love the my ride nice!. i wonder how much modification it wold need to fit on the fx
 
Thanks all for your input! Looks like i'll go ahead with the IS-F front and Myride rear (most likely in a semi-matte black). :smile (2): Going to order the parts soon and once the weather warms up, have them painted. Woohoo!
 
I have some 4D vinyl samples, not that different from standard 3M. It's just a little shinier, still not going to be as good as real thing. And your CF piece looks good. For a second attempt, that's really good. I messed up flat surfaces so you did great work wrapping and interior curve like that.
 
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