Urethane or Fiberglass???
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Hartland, Michigan, US
Rep Power: 0 
Urethane or Fiberglass???
Ok im looking for a body kit, so far i like the black widow kit which i think only comes in fiberglass, and the skyline r33 kit. I think urethane is better but can i get the advantages and disadvantages of Urethane and Fiberglass???
It would be a big help Thanks.
It would be a big help Thanks.
Registered!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Urethane is stonger, doesn't gets spider cracks as easily as fiberglass also I heard fiberglass might crack easily if it's cold out (wether that effects you or not). With fiberglass ppl say you have to be more careful when driving since it's easier to break. All this is what ppl have discussed in previous threads not from my experience I'm buying a kit in the spring. One thing fiberglass is good for is molding to the body I heard it's easier to mold to the body than urethane but urethane can be molded on as well but just a bit harder.
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Markham, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0 Fiberglass:
Chopper Gun- Chopper gun fiberglass is heavier, weaker, uneven, brittle, and can be very wavy. The only advantage of chopper gun fiberglass is the cost, and speed of the maufacturing. It is almost impossible to find a chopper gun fiberglass component that fits well. The first thing to do is look for waves on the finished side. If there are waves in the finish, it's chopper gun. On the underside you can see pieces of fiberglass throughout. It will look like it was shot out of a gun. and alot of the times you can still see raw pieces of fiberglass sticking out like hairs. The reason why fiberglass has such a bad rep is because most replica body kits use this method of production.
Hand Laid- Hand laid fiberglass will be lighter yet sturdy. Never brittle. If you look from the side of the component, you should be able to see the layers of cloth. Most genuine body kits imported straight from Japan use this method. It is similar in durability to urethane. The advantage to fiberglass is that it can be fixed if damaged, where as Urethane can not be.
Urethane- When it comes to urethane there is high pressure and low pressure urethane. In short, high pressure is lighter, stronger, and will withstand a much higher temperature than the low pressure urethane. High pressure urethane costs more to produce parts, thus the price difference. Remember, urethane will change shape at a given temperature. The question is, at what temperature will it start sagging, distorting, and falling apart?
Chopper Gun- Chopper gun fiberglass is heavier, weaker, uneven, brittle, and can be very wavy. The only advantage of chopper gun fiberglass is the cost, and speed of the maufacturing. It is almost impossible to find a chopper gun fiberglass component that fits well. The first thing to do is look for waves on the finished side. If there are waves in the finish, it's chopper gun. On the underside you can see pieces of fiberglass throughout. It will look like it was shot out of a gun. and alot of the times you can still see raw pieces of fiberglass sticking out like hairs. The reason why fiberglass has such a bad rep is because most replica body kits use this method of production.
Hand Laid- Hand laid fiberglass will be lighter yet sturdy. Never brittle. If you look from the side of the component, you should be able to see the layers of cloth. Most genuine body kits imported straight from Japan use this method. It is similar in durability to urethane. The advantage to fiberglass is that it can be fixed if damaged, where as Urethane can not be.
Urethane- When it comes to urethane there is high pressure and low pressure urethane. In short, high pressure is lighter, stronger, and will withstand a much higher temperature than the low pressure urethane. High pressure urethane costs more to produce parts, thus the price difference. Remember, urethane will change shape at a given temperature. The question is, at what temperature will it start sagging, distorting, and falling apart?
Urethane
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,101
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Rep Power: 0 if money is an issue... fiberglass is much cheaper than urethane... fiberglass kits run anywhere from 300-500 for a full kit... urethane prices start at about $700-$800 unpainted...
also, urethane is more prone to paint chips, even though the material is stronger. however, there are some varieties of fiberglass that are extremely strong and difficult to break. most of the quality glass kits you can get should be able to withstand basic road hazards
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
DC5@EM2
Parts and Products
5
Jan 6, 2002 10:18 PM
