fibreglass experts Options

[scotty b]

I have to make a custom bumper for a car. I am familiar with the mold process but what I do not know is what type of expandable foam I should buy. I am planning to make a wooden box ( form) to pour the foam in, then attatch it to the car and start cutting and sanding to get the desired shape. What I need is something that will expand and still be closed cell enough to handle cutting, sanding and shaping, then can handle bondo being applied to get that oh so smooth ready to be painted, finished buck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[scotty b]

The sheets and particularly spray foam just isn;t going to cut it. I'm talking about a whole front bumper. That stuff may be great for a small project or a home doer, butI have to keep this within a reasonable budget. Surfboard blanks crossed my mind but the amount I would need would be $$$$ plus shipping got to be even more $$$$$$. I am looking for expandables because they are smaller to ship, they will fill a large box fairly quick and easily, and it looks so cool when it starts to grow (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif) I'll check out the sites Paul and Jim posted (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Mike, I hadn;t thought about florist foam, I know I can get that locally in large chunks but will it hold up to the ibeglass resin ? A lot of foams will disolve. I will be making a female mold off of the buck, but will keep the buck just in case. If this turns out well I am going to try and sell them. Under wraps for now so dont ax (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) not for a 914 though, but it is in la familia (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[URY914]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sunglasses.gif)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scotty b @ Jan 5 2011, 08:08 PM) </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
The sheets and particularly spray foam just isn;t going to cut it. I'm talking about a whole front bumper. That stuff may be great for a small project or a home doer, butI have to keep this within a reasonable budget. Surfboard blanks crossed my mind but the amount I would need would be $$$$ plus shipping got to be even more $$$$$$. [/quote]

You're not going to find anything cheaper than foam sheet and the spray can foams. Here is a shot of a ricer that had his front bumper using the only stuff from Home Depot, so it can be done on the cheap. Fill in the voids with the spray foam and make your female mold. It will take some work to get the mold perfect.

[buhs914]

[quote name='URY914' date='Jan 6 2011, 05:01 AM' post='1414236']
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sunglasses.gif)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scotty b @ Jan 5 2011, 08:08 PM) </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
The sheets and particularly spray foam just isn;t going to cut it. I'm talking about a whole front bumper. That stuff may be great for a small project or a home doer, butI have to keep this within a reasonable budget. Surfboard blanks crossed my mind but the amount I would need would be $$$$ plus shipping got to be even more $$$$$$. [/quote]

You're not going to find anything cheaper than foam sheet and the spray can foams. Here is a shot of a ricer that had his front bumper using the only stuff from Home Depot, so it can be done on the cheap. Fill in the voids with the spray foam and make your female mold. It will take some work to get the mold perfect.


[/quote]

I like that fancy holding device. As for the foam I would have to agree with using the pink stuff and just layering it to get the size you need. I've noticed that the florist foam stuff costs a little more per volume than the pink stuff..