How to make a protoype shell?

BenG · #1 10-04-2007

Ok.

I have on the quiet finally finished my *first* prototype B4 conversion. I still have many mods to make, however, I want to make a shell for it now, as everyone else does, like out of coke bottles?

Please help.

Also, can you tell me the best materials to use to make a mould?

I was thinking car body filler.

Thanks,

Ben

BenG · #2 10-04-2007

I found this

http://66.249.93.104/translate_c?hl=...language_tools

Is that a good method?

Could I make a shell out of body filler, and mould it like that?

Lee · #3 10-04-2007

I think pro`s use some sort of clay, you will find the body filla will "go off" too quick and become unworkable

BenG · #4 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

I think pro`s use some sort of clay, you will find the body filla will "go off" too quick and become unworkable

I will try clay, I did make a B4 mould a while ago, its hard, but easier to re-shape as you say

Thanks for the tip.

elvo · #5 10-04-2007

PICS! PICSSssss!!

BenG · #6 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvo

PICS! PICSSssss!!

Will post pics as soon as I create a working prototype. (Out of the delrin I got today)

Northy · #7 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by www.tyrc.co.uk

I found this

http://66.249.93.104/translate_c?hl=...language_tools

Is that a good method?

Could I make a shell out of body filler, and mould it like that?

Is there an english translation?

G

dave g · #8 10-04-2007

oasis block is very easy to work with and can be shaped easily just by rubbing firmly with the fingers,make sure you get the denser stuff tho,i used to make all my diarama's out of it because its sooo easy to work with and texture.
you can then coat it in pva glue to harden it when shaped.

the other alternative..balsa?
again coated in pva glue when finished.

philly · #9 10-04-2007

[quote=www.tyrc.co.uk;32509]Ok.

I have on the quiet finally finished my prototype B4 conversion. I still have many mods to make,

Not wanting to be discouraging, but 'finished prototype' with 'many more mods to do'

I'm looking forward to seeing the end results though.

BenG · #10 10-04-2007

sorry that should read my *first* prototype hehe

BenG · #11 10-04-2007

Is Oasis block the stuff they use for floral arrangements?

Is PVA glue heat resistant? If I gently mould a shell to fit, it may take a bit, so will the PVA hold-up?

Definitely looks cheaper than using other stuff.

I wonder if I could make moulds from it?

jim76 · #12 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by www.tyrc.co.uk

Ok.

I have on the quiet finally finished my *first* prototype B4 conversion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by www.tyrc.co.uk

Will post pics as soon as I create a working prototype. (Out of the delrin I got today)

?!?

tc2k · #13 10-04-2007

Would the oasis block be suitable for creating a mould for making a carbon layup chassis like the piranha?

pro4nut · #14 10-04-2007

i would recommend jellutong, it is what i used to make the shell mould for the car i built for my A level.

Once you have formed the shape coat it with P38 and when it has hardened rub it down with 1200 grit.

Oasis could not be put in a former.........

PVA glue will lose adhesion and become sticky under heat, it also isn't water proof.

Can i recommend a trip to the library or a visit to an adult learning centre.
Might also be worth getting a few GCSE Design and Technology text books all this was covered in the national curiculum when i was going through teacher training.

pro4nut · #15 10-04-2007

Here is a web link with info on Jellutong,

http://www.monarotimber.com.au/sp_jellutong.htm

BenG · #16 10-04-2007

Thanks for the info

tc2k · #17 10-04-2007

pro4nut, you seem to know alot.
If you look at the piranha p2 chassis, it has been moulded around some sort of base. Would the oasis block be a good material to use for a mould for a carbon layup chassis or is it too easy to dent?

BenG · #18 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim76

?!?

I have made a prototype from acrylic type material, so I wouldn't use it unless I was crazy. However it has allowed me to see the proposed layout e.t.c

BenG · #19 10-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc2k

pro4nut, you seem to know alot.
If you look at the piranha p2 chassis, it has been moulded around some sort of base. Would the oasis block be a good material to use for a mould for a carbon layup chassis or is it too easy to dent?

My grandma has the stuff knocking about, if I remember its very easy to dent simply by poking it. Perhaps, if you put a Tarpaulin sheet over the oasis and hold it tight it may be solid enough to hold the carbon lay-up.

.

pro4nut · #20 10-04-2007

I haven't used carbon fibre so i would not like to make an incorrect statement. I have worked with fibre glass and the resins used generate a lot of heat. An option could be to use blue or pink polystyrene foam to make a male mould, which in turn you use to create a female mould. This can be done by putting the male mould in the bottom of a box, pouring plaster or a cold cure resin of some sort. Then to remove your origanol polystyrene mould just disolve it out with a solvent. This mould can then be used to create a more durable working mould. This lets you work with a material that is easy to form and then create a copy in a harder more durable material.