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CA Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Quarter protector Feeler

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JGO

Contributor
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Hi all,

I'm trying to gauge whether or not there is a market for these. These quarter panel protectors are hand laid carbon fiber with a Kevlar blend outer layer. These are STRONG, and weigh almost nothing. Obviously these will scar on the trail but my belief is that the Kevlar shell will prevent fraying. The only test I have been able to perform was a bench test where I put a scrap in the vice and struck it repeatedly with a hatchet. I was unable to damage it. I can email that video if interested. These will be expensive as they are hand laid, and the materials are not cheap. $800

Thoughts?
 

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camp9k

Sr. Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2013
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I would trade you 5/8th of a trailer project for a set...LOL! Seriously, they look awesome and fit super tight? I don't see any mounting bolts?

John
 
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JGO

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Joined
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Messages
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I would trade you 5/8th of a trailer project for a set...LOL! Seriously, they look awesome and fit super tight? I don't see any mounting bolts?

John

Thanks!

That trailer project is sweet, you'll have no trouble getting rid of it! They fit real tight. I used construction adhesive to mount.

Jim
 

302BRONC

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
85
Great idea! this is the innovation we're needing in the industry. I have a set of the BC Broncos steel pieces. They fit so-so, but i abuse them alot on the trail. Rocks, trees, other rig's fenders, you get the idea.

Couple issues i see in a real-life scenario.
1) Delamination of the layers while being abused
2) the most common areas for me to use mine is right on the corner by the tail-light. What is the material's ability to distribute that load?
3) Obviously, cost. the steel ones IIRC are on the order of $500-$600 a set.
4) Possible UV deterioration
5) Make sure you can install these on an uncut quarter for the LUBER boys. The steel ones come made for an uncut, you cut them
7) Strength around the taillight opening as the material gets pretty slim.
6) Integration of the rear tire carrier mounts

I've been looking for another set of the BC Broncos. I'd be interested to see a side-by-side comparison of the 3/16 steel to these.
 
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JGO

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May 22, 2013
Messages
736
Great idea! this is the innovation we're needing in the industry. I have a set of the BC Broncos steel pieces. They fit so-so, but i abuse them alot on the trail. Rocks, trees, other rig's fenders, you get the idea.

Couple issues i see in a real-life scenario.
1) Delamination of the layers while being abused
2) the most common areas for me to use mine is right on the corner by the tail-light. What is the material's ability to distribute that load?
3) Obviously, cost. the steel ones IIRC are on the order of $500-$600 a set.
4) Possible UV deterioration
5) Make sure you can install these on an uncut quarter for the LUBER boys. The steel ones come made for an uncut, you cut them
7) Strength around the taillight opening as the material gets pretty slim.
6) Integration of the rear tire carrier mounts

I've been looking for another set of the BC Broncos. I'd be interested to see a side-by-side comparison of the 3/16 steel to these.

Thanks for the feedback.

The only way to know all the answers is with some real world testing. I will say that this material is amazing! Even at 1/8" thick I am having a hard time damaging it. The lower taillight area will obviously be the crucial test on Bronco's that retain the stock metal down there. With more layers of material I would expect it to survive down there. I did shoot a urethane clear coat for UV protection.
 

302BRONC

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
85
Thanks for the feedback.

The only way to know all the answers is with some real world testing. I will say that this material is amazing! Even at 1/8" thick I am having a hard time damaging it. The lower taillight area will obviously be the crucial test on Bronco's that retain the stock metal down there. With more layers of material I would expect it to survive down there. I did shoot a urethane clear coat for UV protection.

I'd be happy to real-world test them out for ya! ;D I won't be back on the trails until spring, so the definitive test would be a bit delayed.

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marshall godron

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Those are awesome Tried to reply on NorCal. But something funky with my log in. The carbon fiber works great on the dirt bike skid plates so I think you're on to something The price is steep but I get why. Any chance of a mass buy lowering the cost a bit? How long does it take to produce them?
 
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JGO

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Those are awesome Tried to reply on NorCal. But something funky with my log in. The carbon fiber works great on the dirt bike skid plates so I think you're on to something The price is steep but I get why. Any chance of a mass buy lowering the cost a bit? How long does it take to produce them?

I'm gonna experiment with different materials to see if I can avoid many layers of expensive carbon fiber.Takes a few days to produce a set.
 

Broncitis

MEB Founder
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
5,267
Looks really cool, but they will get torn up if used for actual protection against rocks and will then not look near as nice once all scarred up and will not be able to be made to look good like metal ones with a bit of sanding and a can of paint (at least not to maintain the cool carbon look).

Having spent 5 years as an F-18 airframe mechaninc, I've seen damage to and repaired some top quality carbon fiber from much less abusive situations than these will see.

Certainly a neat piece for a cool look, but if someone expects them to stay looking that way when used for actual protection, they will be in for a surprise.

You may have a bigger market for thinner, cheaper ones just for the unique look on rigs that will not really be rubbing them on rocks (like much of the Jeep crowd buys).
 

Broncitis

MEB Founder
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
5,267
Yes, the steel ones from BC were pricey, but they also had something like $20K+ in custom hydroforming dies to make them (which has since been lost when shipped I heard, which is why they are no longer made).

The material and labor cost for composite parts is a bit more, but the tooling costs is not near that.
 

farmerjohn

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
124
Those look awesome! I have been thinking of making some myself. I have carbon fiber on my KTM's 2 stroke pipe and it works great. Does get boogered a little bit, but only about a 16th thick. Get some rocks and a sledge hammer and see how they hold up!;)
 
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JGO

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
May 22, 2013
Messages
736
Those look awesome! I have been thinking of making some myself. I have carbon fiber on my KTM's 2 stroke pipe and it works great. Does get boogered a little bit, but only about a 16th thick. Get some rocks and a sledge hammer and see how they hold up!;)

I've hit them pretty hard with a sledge hammer to show off, and have not damaged them yet. I cant say that I'm giving it 100%, but hitting pretty hard. I cant wait to drag them over the rocks! With the Kevlar in the outer shell I believe they will not degrade as much as you might think.
 

Joker11

Sr. Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2008
Messages
840
Loc.
Yuma, Arizona
They look kinda cool.

But I wouldn't pay more than maybe 75bucks for a set.

Not trashing your idea. You asked if there was a market. I think they are nice, but not 800bucks nice.
 
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