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 Legalities Of Skinning A Bonnet With Carbon Fibre. - Regarding QLD law.  

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Boredstiff
  • Boredstiff
  • TRD AE101 Levin GT Apex
  • Member No.: 47,351
  • Joined: 4-June 06
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  • From: Brisbane Southside!
Post #1 post 11th December 2010 - 02:37 PM
I would appreciate some advice regarding my intention to skin my bonnet using carbon fibre. Is It Legal?

I will sand the bonnet down to prepare it then I will follow the process outlined in the websites below. The finished bonnet will be a normal bonnet except it will have a thin layer of real hardened carbon fibre on the top of it to give it the carbon look. Now I am concerned that police will see it as a defect because: they think it's a carbon fibre bonnet no matter what I say, it has strengthened the factory bonnet so it will act differently in a collision, it has increased the weight of the bonnet so it will act differently. Any other concerns?

There is nothing on this in: Attached File  Modification_jan05v2_1_.pdf ( 433.21K ) Number of downloads: 154


Has anyone had any experience doing this? I am deciding which website to order the gear from (I am leaning towards carbon mods from the UK as I have been happy with them before & they seem to be the best around), anyone have any experience with these:

Carbon Mods
Carbon Fiber Australia
Illstreet Composites

Cheers,
DJ.

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Rancher
Post #2

Why...? You want to add weight to your bonnet, and potentially gain a defect, all so you can drive around with a carbon looking bonnet.. Thats the riciest crap I've ever read.

Yes, it will be illegal.

Boredstiff
Post #3

The weight gain will be minimal since it is carbon fibre after all... And assuming it is not then I will have a carbon bonnet that is legal, I don't see anyone else around with one... I think it's less rice than CF vinyl since this is the real deal & the biggest point: How can you say NO to Carbon Fibre!

Rancher
Post #4

QUOTE (Boredstiff @ Dec 12 2010, 08:47 AM) *
The weight gain will be minimal since it is carbon fibre after all... And assuming it is not then I will have a carbon bonnet that is legal, I don't see anyone else around with one... I think it's less rice than CF vinyl since this is the real deal & the biggest point: How can you say NO to Carbon Fibre!


A REAL carbon bonnet. Yeah, cant say no to light weight. You're just going for rice. No gains, except making your bonnet illegal.

TwinCam16
Post #5

QUOTE (Rancher @ Dec 12 2010, 08:49 AM) *
A REAL carbon bonnet. Yeah, cant say no to light weight. You're just going for rice. No gains, except making your bonnet illegal.


Man has a valid point.

You are doing it for the sake of trying to show off.

Have you purchased a honda of later by any chance?

This is the sort of dumb ass shit they do.

Boredstiff
Post #6

Asthetics are not done for gains everytime mate, half the stuff I have done is because people like & want to see those things, not because I had to do it or the car wouldn't work...

I would rather a car that looks good and goes slightly 'slower' than the boring looking one, adding this will not do much since I already put heavy rims on & interior is not stripped out etc.

I will take your answer as 'illegal' because that is all I am after from this thread.

TwinCam16
Post #7

But what you are doing is on the same homosexuality level as Alteza lights.

Why not just use stick on wrap that looks like carbon if you are THAT much of a ricer?

PS might want to purchase a civic or lancer too.

Boredstiff
Post #8

QUOTE (TwinCam16 @ Dec 12 2010, 08:52 AM) *
Man has a valid point.

You are doing it for the sake of trying to show off.

Have you purchased a honda of later by any chance?

This is the sort of dumb ass shit they do.


<-- Does my avatar look like a Honda?

Haha so much flame my way, here I thought people would actually appreciate the thought & effort.

The alternative is matt black vinyl the entire car, so looks like it might take the cake...

How about CF on the sideskirts & endcaps? I can actually make a mould for them & then use the mould to make 100% CF parts... Would that pass your criteria?

INVU
Post #9

you'll never win with them mate, just do what you like. after all they are just boostcruising fags who has to put down people's effort and thought.

OT: most likely will be illegal as the bonnet wont crush as much as the factory bonnet will in a collision... maybe someone can actually find proof

nferno
Post #10

It is legal.

GHOSTY
Post #11

and gay. if you were serious you'd run no bonnet at all :P

VTR
Post #12



:P

Boredstiff
Post #13

QUOTE (INVU @ Dec 12 2010, 09:10 AM) *
you'll never win with them mate, just do what you like. after all they are just boostcruising fags who has to put down people's effort and thought.

OT: most likely will be illegal as the bonnet wont crush as much as the factory bonnet will in a collision... maybe someone can actually find proof


My concern exactly... The 'VTEC' S2000 on here though put a complete CF hardtop on, that is surely messing with the factory physics..?

I just wanted to be different to typical mods and get my love of CF involved, still might do it to the kit as it is fibreglass & easy to manipulate & work with etc.

johnjohnmulley
Post #14

Theoretically it will be illegal due to the stuff you mentioned
But most cops I'd say would look at it and say thats just a fucking sticker gay shit we'll leave him alone.
On that note, why not juts use a sticker, its equally as gay and safer, cheaper, easier? Or when people ask you oh man thats a gay sticker you can turn around and say "no, its real carbon fibre" ? Not having a go, just wondering why the hell you would not just use a sticker, both are doing the same effect ONLY for visual effect and trying to look like a real carbon bonnet.

Boredstiff
Post #15

^^^ I hope the latter.

I really don't think the real CF will look gay, I doubt driving past someone (bearing in mind they will get the proper CF shine & depth from it) will cause them to consider whether it's gay or not, regardless it will look smick in photos if half the car is CF on the outside...

I have the best CF vinyl (3M Di-NOC ca-421) on my roof lining but that just doesn't do it for me so I want to redo that as well because nothing beats the real deal.

Also without having tested it but maybe it will have some temperature advantages over vinyl? Or even a stronger bonnet will actually help minimise damage in a collision but most likely it will transfer energy into other components. I don't know but that's the problem, I have searched the internet for years and have never found any decent source for this kind of panel work. There always has to be some 'ricer' that starts trends, like those clear 'glass' radiator pipes etc. I would take a car covered entirely with CF and lose a subwoofer over my stock paint.

johnjohnmulley
Post #16

Fair enough, your call on what it looks like and whatever. Everyones got different opinions. I think even real CF bonnets on slow cars are just for visual effect, the only time CF bonnets look cool is when they're on a track car.

As for your original question like I said above, comes down to the copper, but theoretically it SHOULD be illegal (I dont know the rules) but for crash crumple zone etc, the CF will shatter and can be dangerous in that regard, and it will strengthen your bonnet (marginally, depending on how its connected). Then theres the aspect of how it is connected, is it connected safe, etc.

CF is hard to check for strength without destroying it, therefore there are no set strengths of CF, it all depends on how it is constructed in the first place. For that reason, it *shouldnt* be able to be mod plated or anything.

Boredstiff
Post #17

^^^ maybe just stick to doing the bodykit now until I can find another source. It will be used on the track but am hoping to get it into some shows & mags so I'm sure people will appreciate it there since it is usually a rice fest at shows. I can always use one of my spare bonnets as a test to see the outcome in the meantime but am not putting it on the car until im guaranteed immunity from the police. :P

Street Tuned
Post #18

Fuck some of you guys piss me off.

It seems like any time someone posts up a legal question everyone jumps on the ILLEGAL band wagon. Everything isn't illegal guys and Im glad we have people like XXXXGOLD to set some of you people straight.


If you are worried about it being illegal or not I can't comment on using an actual thin layer of carbon fibre but you can always use that fake carbon stuff that is 100% legal and you can get a wet look. As far as using real carbon I can see why some may say it is illegal but all you would have to do is show the cop that you bonnet is in fact metal and tell him it is a fake vinyl that looks like carbon fibre. After the cop realsises the bonnet is still safe you wont get a ticket for it.

However IMO is sounds like a lot more hassle than it does a benefit. After all like everyone has said once people realise it is fake you are only gonna get shit for it.

I know you are going for the look, but if it was me id get a Carbon bonnet with no vents so it look like stock and paint it like the car so have that weight saved and still be stealth. I know again defeating the point you are after.

Jive Turkey
Post #19

it will affect the crumble zones on your car
if you hit a pedestrian it will probably chop him in half...

noob_tastic
Post #20

just wrap it with carbon fibre vinal. no defect and gives the look you want, with no weight. it will fade in a few years, but thats the next owners problem or you can just get it redone. ring a few sign writing company's.

boot_it
Post #21

QUOTE (Boredstiff @ Dec 12 2010, 08:37 AM) *
I would appreciate some advice regarding my intention to skin my bonnet using carbon fibre. Is It Legal?

I will sand the bonnet down to prepare it then I will follow the process outlined in the websites below. The finished bonnet will be a normal bonnet except it will have a thin layer of real hardened carbon fibre on the top of it to give it the carbon look. Now I am concerned that police will see it as a defect because: they think it's a carbon fibre bonnet no matter what I say, it has strengthened the factory bonnet so it will act differently in a collision, it has increased the weight of the bonnet so it will act differently. Any other concerns?

There is nothing on this in: Attached File  Modification_jan05v2_1_.pdf ( 433.21K ) Number of downloads: 154


Has anyone had any experience doing this? I am deciding which website to order the gear from (I am leaning towards carbon mods from the UK as I have been happy with them before & they seem to be the best around), anyone have any experience with these:

Carbon Mods
Carbon Fiber Australia
Illstreet Composites

Cheers,
DJ.


mate dont fuck around wasting your time just ring blitz body kits and see if they have a carbon fibre bonnet for your car .....as there bonnets have been adr tested and approved legal for street use and come with all the paper work etc

Nikked
Post #22

I can'r see a thin layer of carbon fiber affecting legalities, as its not going to stop the bonnet deforming. But it sounds like an epicly gay thing to do.

Fx_crafter
Post #23

QUOTE (Boredstiff @ Dec 12 2010, 12:15 PM) *
My concern exactly... The 'VTEC' S2000 on here though put a complete CF hardtop on, that is surely messing with the factory physics..?

I just wanted to be different to typical mods and get my love of CF involved, still might do it to the kit as it is fibreglass & easy to manipulate & work with etc.


I think you are missing the point as to why carbon fiber bonnets are illegal. They don't crumple like metal, they "crack" and can create sharp edges shards that can end up stabbing you. The CF roof on the S2000 doesn't create any such dangers.

Boredstiff
Post #24

Thanks Street Tuned, I will not go ahead with it as it seems to be so controversial! I am against fake products so using a CF vinyl (none of which are pleasing, even the good stuff I have used in the past just doesn't do it) is not an option. The bonnet I am using cannot be found in CF nor is there any places that make CF kits.

It is not as bad as you may think but it is still not as good as real CF.
Carbon Fiber Film Gallery Link

TheGeniusMoose
Post #25

I saw a car with that vinyl wrap shit, it looked badddddd. lol

Bwen
Post #26

Way too much trouble for what it's worth in my opinion. If you want the look of CF, you can get it professionally done which should look pretty good. Then again people will jump on the bandwagon of "omg, cf, rice.. etc'. Catch-22, either way you will get people who hate it or love it.

HE MAN
Post #27

I fixed my Ute's tailgate with carbon because i had some in the garage, looked awesome and i never had any isues with cops about it, i left it full gloss carbon and they were more interested in my batery holder

PGB
Post #28

QUOTE (Jive Turkey @ Dec 12 2010, 02:34 PM) *
it will affect the crumble zones on your car
if you hit a pedestrian it will probably chop him in half...


Exactly my thoughts. Appreciate the effort but its sounds pretty dangerous in such an event.
Do they not make CF bonnets for your model car?

EDIT: Nevermind. Just saw a point someone else made about full CF bonnets doing the same. Although this idea would be more dangerous in my opinion due to it simply lifting off the steel skin and causing all shorts of havoc lol

khubner
Post #29

lol. blitz in molendinar have been experimenting with fiberglass hoods with a layer of cf but apparently they can't get sheets big enough for a single span.

as far as im aware they are the only place that can do cf/fibreglass parts on the coast that are adr compliant.

also with putting it over metal don't metal and cf have different heat points. as the metal gets hotter it expands and as a result could bow or crack you layer of cf making it very dangerous

S2krazie
Post #30

QUOTE (Boredstiff @ Dec 12 2010, 12:15 PM) *
My concern exactly... The 'VTEC' S2000 on here though put a complete CF hardtop on, that is surely messing with the factory physics..?


I was pulled over because of it (and my ride height at the time).

I argued with the cop for a good 5 minutes, and he eventually saw it my way before giving up and trying to get me for rolling diameter (failed) and finally my ride height (which I knew he would get me for)..

I only argued the point because the point I was arguing was a valid point. If you can order a part from your local manufacturer's parts division, how is it illegal?
He gave me the "If you can't have a cf bonnet, what makes you think you can have a CF roof" speech, so which I again backed up my point. My roof can be purchased from any Honda Parts / Service division if you have the part number for reference. Why should the end user (in this case - myself) be liable for a defect when I can order that part over the counter? He eventually gave in and moved onto the wheels & ride height, but he did specifically point out the part I have italic-d and underlined.

Boredstiff
Post #31

QUOTE (khubner @ Dec 13 2010, 08:28 PM) *
lol. blitz in molendinar have been experimenting with fiberglass hoods with a layer of cf but apparently they can't get sheets big enough for a single span.

as far as im aware they are the only place that can do cf/fibreglass parts on the coast that are adr compliant.

also with putting it over metal don't metal and cf have different heat points. as the metal gets hotter it expands and as a result could bow or crack you layer of cf making it very dangerous


Hmm.. & here I thought you were just the BC troll, but it seems you have a valid point sir. If they are looking for a piece of CF wider than 1.5m then they are stuck as this is the widest I have ever found (Carbon mods do it) but I think 1.5m is big enough for 99% of bonnets (laying it the 'other' way usually fits...
Link to said 1.5m CF cloth.)


QUOTE (S2krazie @ Dec 13 2010, 08:38 PM) *
I was pulled over because of it (and my ride height at the time).

I argued with the cop for a good 5 minutes, and he eventually saw it my way before giving up and trying to get me for rolling diameter (failed) and finally my ride height (which I knew he would get me for)..

I only argued the point because the point I was arguing was a valid point. If you can order a part from your local manufacturer's parts division, how is it illegal?
He gave me the "If you can't have a cf bonnet, what makes you think you can have a CF roof" speech, so which I again backed up my point. My roof can be purchased from any Honda Parts / Service division if you have the part number for reference. Why should the end user (in this case - myself) be liable for a defect when I can order that part over the counter? He eventually gave in and moved onto the wheels & ride height, but he did specifically point out the part I have italic-d italicised? and underlined.


Dam... I thought (still think) that was one of the coolest mods I have seen, you just bought a piece of CF as a roof like an upgrade... I wish Toyota sold CF panels for levins.

dabigone
Post #32

QUOTE (Fx_crafter @ Dec 12 2010, 03:04 PM) *
I think you are missing the point as to why carbon fiber bonnets are illegal. They don't crumple like metal, they "crack" and can create sharp edges shards that can end up stabbing you. The CF roof on the S2000 doesn't create any such dangers.



that makes no sense at all if the roof is carbon fiber it will break just like the bonnet would.

obey
Post #33

Just get a real carbon fiber bonnet.
With all the crap you will have to go through with ordering it and then finding someone to fit it then having the cops bother you for it, you may as well get the real deal.

176OES
Post #34

QUOTE (dabigone @ Dec 14 2010, 01:03 AM) *
that makes no sense at all if the roof is carbon fiber it will break just like the bonnet would.


He is exactly right with what he said.

When was the last time you saw a roof with crumple zones the way a bonnet does with its bracing underneath. A roof is never going to be subjected to the same impacts a bonnet will in a frontal collision, and as such does not carry the same requirements as a bonnet.

Think about it :P

attacked
Post #35

QUOTE (GHOSTY @ Dec 12 2010, 11:03 AM) *
and gay. if you were serious you'd run no bonnet at all :P


Your a fuck wit - WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT!

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