Hey guys.. So today while driving on the interstate a object flew out of the bed of a truck and I hit it head on (I think it was a small cooler) my Toms diffusers took a pretty nasty blow. I am not very knowledgeable with carbon fiber but is my diffuser a total loss or can someone make it close to new or at least the damage not noticeable. Also, what do you think this might cost to repair. Thanks fellas (sorry if it's in the wrong forum)

Blake

Btw *Is* not if... In my title...

 

You'll have to color match or paint it black. Can't replicate carbon. So paint or buy a new one.

 

What if you just re-skin the whole thing in carbon? Mine is not damaged but ive thought about getting it reskinned just so i could have it in 2x2 carbon as opposed to the 1x1
-R

 

looks like its totaled to me

 

I recently bought a damaged Arkym diffuser from a fellow CL member. It's not as damaged as your OP, but with some Bondo & FG work it's coming along I plan to Plastidip in black to finish it.

 

OK thanks guys. I'm going to take it by a local place and see if they can Re gel it.. If not I guess some filler and a coat of paint.. Ricky, once you paint that it's going to be as good as new.. What color is your car?

 

I'm taking my time with it...My F is USB.

 

I've used bondo before but never for something as damaged as that. To me that's a total loss, but if your local shop can do something about it then I don't see why not try it out.

Can the dented part be fixed with a heat gun? Not sure if it'll damage the CF though.

 

No matter what it's going to go back on my car.. I plan on taking it to a body shop and getting a estimate and then a boat shop who works in Cf and fiber glass. If it doesn't work out.. Bondo/filler and then color match. Add some splitter stabilizer rods and call it a day.

 

Sounds very promising, let us know how it turns out.

 

Ouch man, looks pretty bad but i think it can be fixed.

 

Fiber glass would be more suitable than bondo for that job. Might be better to go through insurance and have them get you a new one.

 

nothing composite is ever a total loss, after a couple hours work and a few videos watched youll never buy another fiber item again. you will build them yourself.

 

I'd say that will be repairable. Just a question of cost really.

Hopefully your sources can get it sorted for you soon mate.

You may want to paint it though depending on how well they can repair any actual damage to the carbon itself? If it's just the clearcoat, then you should be fine.

Good luck!

 

Well guys, I took this endeavor on as a a personal project (I took it to boat repair places and they said they didn't have clear epoxy or it was non repairable or wanted 500 bucks with no guarantee... Ha no way) . I have no prior experience with bodywork/carbon fiber so I started searching and randomly messaged a guy I saw on a corvette for who owned a carbon fiber company (G3 carbon) he selflessly helped me with the general idea of what to do and then I jumped right in..

I used 80 grit sandpaper and sanded down alllllllll of the clear that was damaged so as there would be absolutely no cracks in the clear.. I was worried at first that I would go to deep but it was pretty easy to see when your getting to the carbon fiber.

Next I ordered some clear carbon fiber resin off Amazon for 18 bucks, mixed it one to one and started applying coats. 4 coats later I had an excess of resin in the damaged area and then the fun began...

80 grit 200, 400, 600, 1000 until it was perfectly shaped.

At then point I took it to a local paint shop and payed 50 bucks for a few coats of clear (I guess this is a necessity as I was told if u don't have something over the epoxy it will fade/crack) and I have to say I am blown away at my handy work..

All in all, don't be afraid to do a little carbon fiber repair if u chip your diffuser

(one of the pics is mid way through the process)