Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics StreetConcepts CF sail panels prob

I installed my CF sail panels that I received from Craig last week and am having a problem keeping the new inlays to attach to the sail panel. I have tried two types of double-sided tape (regular foam-backed and Servo tape...from RC cars) and neither has kept the insets from pulling out of the panel. The main problem is that since the CF inlays are not molded with the same curvature of the panels, the top edge tends to pull itself free of the plastic panel.

For those of you that have these, how did you get your new CF insets to stay put? I'm thinking of epoxying them in, but that could get kind of messy....so any input beforehand would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I did all the proper prep work...aka cleaning off all prior adhesives thoroughly and removing any residues with rubbing alcohol...so prep work is not the issue in this case.

Thanks,

I had kind of the same problem. I did get it close enough for me with the 3M red foam trim tape. It looks great from afar. Upon closer inspection, it obviously isn't perfect. I would be interested in any solutions others came up with as well.

I'll be attempting mine later this week. First owner had the same problem, but I've got some different type of trim tape (similar to 3M). I'm also going to check and see if it is possible to sand out the back to fit the curve. I also think a little black paint on those edges would be pretty decent looking.

Rick

Thanks for the input guys. Let me know how yours turn out Rick!

I'm really not very happy with the quality and finish of these pieces...unfortunately I think that these sail panels are not indicative of the excellent work that Craig is capable of doing. I think for $75 the CF panel should have some type of curve to it b/c without one it seems like it may involve retaping them every couple months. Also, even when taped properly, they tend to stick out from the plastic panel too much and are somewhat of an eyesore from up close.

Any other good ideas out there for rectifying these problems???

Krafty

I made my own CF sail panels using epoxy/hardener, but I noticed that you said that you didnt want to use this. But, this is the only TRUE materials the pros use for all fibers.

I still have to do a little sanding and reapplying the epoxy, but it does hold up under extreme weather conditions.

I will try to buy an extra set of sail panels, so I can use my current panels for experimentation since it takes a long time for the epoxy and hardener to cure. I hope this helps.

I had the same problem. The carbon fiber is to thick. If you look at the stock sail panel you will see the the panels bend alittle at the top. The CF ones are to thick so they won't bend. The only option is to belt sand the down enough so they can bend. I know for a fact the ST PETE sent his back to Craig, so that he can sand them down. I don't know if he has gotten them back yet. Hopefully he can comment on this matter.

Oh by the way. I still stand by StreetConcepts(Craig) and all his work.

I was one of the first to have the new sail panels and the second to have his old sail panels......The first looked great but ended up cracking... Due to the cold weather.

He had to change resin's in order to withstand the heat/cold, but I'm not sure why he decided not to bevel or wrap the edges. They actually don't look to bad but I would MUCH rather have the old design, not really sure if thats even possible.

I used 2 different types of tape...both 3M

The first is a clear very thin tape w/ red plastic pealing, will probably look red in the stores but its actually clear. Can't remember what its called.

The second I bought from Advanced auto because I ran out of the other tape. Its more of a brown/grey color and seems to be more of a rubbery compond...I used this because it seemed to work well on my sidemarkers. However I liked the first 3M tape better.

Both have held the sail panels in place through rain & cold weather for over a month or two now!

I thought about trying to find some molding of some type to cover the abrupt edge on the sail panels, thats really my only problem.

I definatly think Craig does great work! And I'm sure he will do anything he can to help!

I'd be interested in the results of ST. Pete's sail panels! Keep us informed!

Hope that helps

My set are a "new version" which are slightly thinner, but still too thick.

Here's what I did:
The CF panels are layers of material, so I used a razor blade (the kind with a blade that you can break off a section at a time). I extended it pretty far and carefully cut off 2 layers.



It's thinner, and looks better.
I'm concerned about warping, so I plan on using epoxy.

I used «5 minute epoxy» from Cdn Tire; comes in a dual syringe packaging, so you're getting the right quantity of epoxy & hardener. First time I've used this, and it was pretty easy.

For preparation, I sanded/dremeled the plastic part to make the surface rough. Applied the epoxy on the two parts (Carbon Fiber & plastic), then clamped everything together with plastic spring and ratchet clamps (I also noticed that the top end tended to separate, so I clamped that part first), put a bunch of books on top to maintain pressure and let it cure for four hours per side.

They've been on for two weeks now, and they look good (I find that mine are a little too thick too. Looks good, but doesn't look stock). I'll let you know if/when they fall off...

I too have been in contact with Craig concerning the thickness problem and so far, he is more than willing to work with me.

What little time I had 1 on the car, it looked so kick ass I can't even describe it!

Other than the thickness factor, I think the quality is top notch and can't wait to get a version that will fit the panels properly and look as good as they did in my garage for that 2 minutes!