Fiberglass dash, subs in center console, window'd dog house

[astronut74]

but work quickly before the resin sets...you have 3-5 minutes

3-5 minutes?! You should be able to get longer work times out of your resin than that! What kind of resin are you using? Or perhaps maybe you're adding a little too much MEKP? I know you said your in Mesa AZ, with the heat there, I would guess you don't need very much MEKP for your resin to kick. I live in Florida, When I first started fiberglassing, I would only get about 5 minutes before it started to setup on me. After switching to a better quality resin and dropping the amount of MEKP I use, I can get about 20 minutes work time now. I have heard that folks who use US Composites resin, can get 45 minute work times, which is awesome, I've never bought from them though. Maybe one day..

I'm in the process of building my center console as well, but it might be a long time before it's completed-- Folks in my apartment complex tend to frown on me when I use the table saw and router on the balcony. And the downstairs neighbor really hates it when I'm fiberglassing!
Here's a quick peak of what it will look like from the side view. The sub is a 10" infinity and will be downfiring
(the green square is the rough dimensions of th sub box)

[zombie{[six]}]

Then do it. lol
Its really not hard. it definitely takes practice. ive been doing it for a year and a 1/2 and im still perfecting my technique.
go get some fiberglass resin, glass mat, some cheap paint brushes, fleece, staple gun and nail gun, some MDF wood and make something
dont forget the kitty hair and bondo and lots of sand paper

[zombie{[six]}]

i set my mix HOT
i usually glass in the vehicle where quick dry times are necessary. Plus i work fast enough to get alot done within the small time window

[astronut74]

i wish i could do that kindda stuff

You can do this kinda stuff! Trust me, fiberglassing is easy, it can be a little pricey getting started if you don't have the tools, but it's easy! The hardest part in my opinion, is coming up with an idea, and a work process and design. After that's figured out, fiberglassing is the easy part.

[Cobra]

know of any books to help on design and process i know what i want how to get there is the problem hell someone even handed me fiberglass mat and resin and paints since they sold their project car

[Kabey's Van]

I like the window in the dog house. Dress up the engine, some lights and that's going to look awesome.
Your working time with your resin should be longer than a couple of minutes though.
If your mix has too much catalist in it will make for a brittle end product and it will have a tendency to crack and shatter. Using less catalist will give you more working time and it will make the end product more plyable and more resistant to shattering.
Humidity is your enemy with curing, not temperature. The lower the humidity the better.
Post some pics when your done, I would like to see how that window looks with some light behind it.

[Jinmajay]

Do you mind if I copy that window idea? Thats great idea.

[mattblackratbus]

I don't want to go too far off topic, but its amazing what you can do with fibre glass, this is my 1st attempt at a rear bumper. I used the same method as Zombie{[six]} using a frame of mdf and fleece stapled to it etc.. i cant wait for summer so i can have another go.....Johnny

[Kabey's Van]

Just a thought.....if you do put in lights inside the engine well, hook them up to a 2 or 3 stage NO2 switch. Then as your engine revs increase you could have the lights get brighter or have them change colour or both.
With a fully dressed engine that would look cool.

[zombie{[six]}]

that sounds like a cool idea!!!

[zombie{[six]}]

Do you mind if I copy that window idea? Thats great idea.

only if you post pictures and promise you will use glass or lexan.
Plexi will crack, fog, and let off toxic fumes when it gets hot and i dont want any of that for you my friend

[Jinmajay]

I see the condition of your seats. Let's say you come up and help be with the body work on mine and I inturn will give you the seats out of my van. Look on my site and go to the bottom album. You will see them there. I plan on using racing seats.

[zombie{[six]}]

i plan on bucket seats too

[Jboy2]

but its amazing what you can do with fibre glass

Agreed! All you need is a good imagination, and alot of patience

[zombie{[six]}]

but its amazing what you can do with fibre glass

Agreed! All you need is a good imagination, and alot of patience

Agreed 2...but very much understated