Custom modular JK hardtop
#1601
The Body Color fenders follows through on the Classic theme , great look and Function.
The only thing I worry about is that the fiberglass is unyielding, any hit on it will be to the body panels. The current material flexes and gives enough to escape damage.
If they go to production, would they be fiberglass, or maybe both ? Choice
The only thing I worry about is that the fiberglass is unyielding, any hit on it will be to the body panels. The current material flexes and gives enough to escape damage.
If they go to production, would they be fiberglass, or maybe both ? Choice
BTW there are a number of ways to build/install fiberglass fenders to minimize any transfer of energy to the body. Earlier in this project I wrote about two mounting methods for the fenders, one of which was a breakaway mount so there could be minimal damage to the fender and to the body under impact. It would be up to a manufacturer to implement a breakway mounting if they thought it was worthwhile.
Last edited by jscherb; 06-09-2017 at 07:18 PM.
#1602
I love this look. Of all the fender trims, A is my favorite because the consistent profile on front, top, and back makes it match the style of the front flares. Kinda ties it all together.
But being able to choose the trim type is a nice option too. Keep it up! I have given up thinking of replacing my flares until these get released.
But being able to choose the trim type is a nice option too. Keep it up! I have given up thinking of replacing my flares until these get released.
#1603
I like A as well, but I figured some people might not like it because the front of the bumper is forward of the back of the fender.
I haven't quite decided how I'll trim them when I install the first set on my Jeep. Maybe I'll start with E, drive with that a while to decide if that's really what I want, and possibly trim them to A or something else after a while.
At this point there is no "until" . I don't know if these will get to market - right now I'm just focused on getting the design of the rear fenders exactly right, making the molds and molding a set for my Jeep. What happens after than I don't know at this point. If a company (or person) is interested in bringing them to market I'll be happy to explore that with them.
#1604
Even if they don't go to Market ( my bet is that they will, like all your Innovations),
you've inspired the DIY people by showing it can be done, and providing detailed instructions.
Thank You !
you've inspired the DIY people by showing it can be done, and providing detailed instructions.
Thank You !
#1605
Yep, and I don't mean to act like it's a given, but I've followed enough of your work to have seen how much of it does make it to market. Some of it's already on my Jeep
The learning experience is part of it too. Your explanation of how to make the mounting flange molds is really helpful.
The learning experience is part of it too. Your explanation of how to make the mounting flange molds is really helpful.
#1606
#1607
One place I've posted very detailed step-by-step instructions recently is about the conversion of a factory hardtop to modular (Converting a factory JK/JKU hardtop to modular - Expedition Portal). I've heard from one person that followed those instructions and converted his hardtop.
Thanks. Looking forward to the day when someone tackles their own custom fiberglass project, I'm here to help...
#1608
I had to put some factory rear fenders back on for a weekend trip to Boston to do some cycling. The factory ones will come off as soon as I get home so I can begin work on the rear fender mold masters.
#1609
I do have a fiberglass project on the horizon- I damaged my hard top backing into a low-hanging cedar branch. It buckled the rear left corner, cracked in a few places on the exterior edge of the corner and separated the lamination right where the left side of the tailgate glass meets the hard top. No water leaks into the cabin, so I've let myself ignore the problem. At some point I'll need to patch the corner to clean up the exposed fiber, glue back the delaminated parts (where the interior and exterior shell separated), and then sand and repaint the thing. I would never have considered this until I saw what you've achieved. It's still low on my list though...
Hell, I only recently learned that it's not fiberglass, it's SMC used in the Jeep's hard top. I know some people have used fiberglass repair kits, but I've heard SMC on SMC is the best way to achieve a long term fix. It just seems far out of what I know and I can see me making it a lot worse. On the other hand, I only intend to bedline the thing when I'm done, and from painting my own bumpers I know how much bedliner forgives bad sanding/tool marks.
#1610
Thank you, sir.
I do have a fiberglass project on the horizon- I damaged my hard top backing into a low-hanging cedar branch. It buckled the rear left corner, cracked in a few places on the exterior edge of the corner and separated the lamination right where the left side of the tailgate glass meets the hard top. No water leaks into the cabin, so I've let myself ignore the problem. At some point I'll need to patch the corner to clean up the exposed fiber, glue back the delaminated parts (where the interior and exterior shell separated), and then sand and repaint the thing. I would never have considered this until I saw what you've achieved. It's still low on my list though...
Hell, I only recently learned that it's not fiberglass, it's SMC used in the Jeep's hard top. I know some people have used fiberglass repair kits, but I've heard SMC on SMC is the best way to achieve a long term fix. It just seems far out of what I know and I can see me making it a lot worse. On the other hand, I only intend to bedline the thing when I'm done, and from painting my own bumpers I know how much bedliner forgives bad sanding/tool marks.
I do have a fiberglass project on the horizon- I damaged my hard top backing into a low-hanging cedar branch. It buckled the rear left corner, cracked in a few places on the exterior edge of the corner and separated the lamination right where the left side of the tailgate glass meets the hard top. No water leaks into the cabin, so I've let myself ignore the problem. At some point I'll need to patch the corner to clean up the exposed fiber, glue back the delaminated parts (where the interior and exterior shell separated), and then sand and repaint the thing. I would never have considered this until I saw what you've achieved. It's still low on my list though...
Hell, I only recently learned that it's not fiberglass, it's SMC used in the Jeep's hard top. I know some people have used fiberglass repair kits, but I've heard SMC on SMC is the best way to achieve a long term fix. It just seems far out of what I know and I can see me making it a lot worse. On the other hand, I only intend to bedline the thing when I'm done, and from painting my own bumpers I know how much bedliner forgives bad sanding/tool marks.
Last edited by jscherb; 06-12-2017 at 09:13 AM.