The Astroliner

[OP827]

I was going to say you are speaking my language KC... But then you said dingle balls.

But you've definitely got the right idea going on!

Maybe click here for Atomic Age design lines inspiration...

[Atomic77]

Definitely inspiring! Thanks Op!

[McGuffin]

Hi Michael,

I was going to say you are speaking my language KC... But then you said dingle balls.

But you've definitely got the right idea going on!

Maybe click here for Atomic Age design lines inspiration...

Maybe that should have been "Jingle Bells"? I would definately go with them all the way - especially since we're getting close to Christmas

Larry

[Atomic77]

I finally had a Saturday that I could drive down to get the Astroliner out of storage. Finally! It's pretty fun pulling it down the road... It tows like a dream. I got it back to my brothers shop and after a long summer the build resumes! My focus today was the rear taillight/license plate area. I ground down the seams and made a slight recessed area where the carbon fiber will lay. I mixed up some epoxy thickened with aerosill to fill the gap. Then I cut the carbon and wet everything out. Pretty simple lay up with two layers. When it goes off I'll knock it down with 40 then 80 grit and a little filler and it will be all molded in. Next, I'll do the same on all the edge seams. Not a lot done, but at least I'm back in the game!

[Vedette]

Good to hear!
I hope to be back on mine in about 2 weeks????
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[dales133]

Good to see you back at it mate

[OP827]

I can not recall seeing anyone doing carbon fiber on a trailer...cool! Good to see you back in the build.
Now I am thinking where I can use some carbon on mine!

[Atomic77]

Not really necessary, but I have it on hand so thought I would use it in place of glass. It's a superior product so I know the seams will be strong and permanent.

[noseoil]

Michael, looks like you're getting into it again now. Can't wait to see the progress shots. Welcome back!

[Atomic77]

Thanks guys. I didn't get a lot done, but she's out of storage and ready to go. Next weekend we'll do more glass/carbon fiber work and try to get some body work done. There will be a lot of filling and sanding which is all time consuming but I've got all winter now.

[Atomic77]

Saturday update: Today was a good day for the Astroliner. Carrie and I spent the morning grinding a recessed area to accommodate the carbon fiber that would cover the seams. By the end of the day today we had all the carbon fiber laid up and all of the remaining seams glassed-in. All the glass work is now complete and ready to be sanded and prepped for filler. Getting this done is a huge step in the right direction. I've attached some pictures, even though this "rough-in" stage isn't very pretty! But trust me, it will be sooner or later.

[dales133]

Nice micheal, right back into it!

[OP827]

This is really great, with such reinforcements it will be as strong as steel in the corners and still light! I am really impressed by your ability to glass quite a sharp (1/4" or 1/2" radius maybe?) corner and especially with carbon fiber, we all know here that you have skills, but yet how did you manage to do such sharp seam corner with stubborn carbon?

My hat's off to you my friend .

[tony.latham]

but yet how did you manage to do such sharp seam corner with stubborn carbon?

Yeah, how'd ya do it? It looks biased cut, but the carbon I've played with was stiff.

Tony

[Atomic77]

Tony is correct, laying it up on a 45 degree bias helps considerably. Unfortunately with the curve and angle it can have a mind of its own for sure. It takes patience and practice and having a couple extra hands helps as well.
It's not as pretty as I would like but as pretty as it's going to get, considering the level of difficulty. Once it's sanded and a light filler applied it will no longer matter. And thanks OP, the corners are definitely strong! But the main thing for me is, no trim mouldings and no screw holes! Like my brother says, we could always flip it over and float it like a boat!