Fibreglass cutting advice

[ianmac]

Allrightee? Thinking off modding a bellypan for 4lo as won't fit as pipes sit too low so cannot get p-clips anywhere near bellypan mounting holes.....So gonna have a go at modifying the pan.....Need some advice on cutting away/reshaping......Wanting to do this by hand with no power tools......Gonna make some templates up so I'll know where to cut/reshape......Edges don't have to be 100% smooth as will fit fairing trim........Any tips? Just gonna use a junior hacksaw and a selection of files and different grade sanding blocks....Thanks Ian

[lcowner]

if i was doing it mate i wud put some masking tape on it ,get it marked up with pen whereever u want cut and use a dremel tool with a cutting disc or a 4" grinder with a 1mm cutting disc

[midlifecrisisrd]

I would use the masking tape if doing it by hand as well, easy to mark with a pen and you know you will slip with th file at some point with the file and get the paint.

Probably better with a coping saw as it goes round curves better.

Did do my f/glass 31k pan with a grinder with a flap wheel in it. Perfect edge and effortless.

Steve

[nikfubar]

Yeah what Steve said ;D those flap discs in a 4 1/2" grinder are great

[ianmac]

Thanks guys.......Reason Im gonna try it using handtools is gonna be at work so can't use any non pat tested equipment in workplace whilst on duty......Health n safety bollox.......Its a new unpainted one so don't have the paint worry........Will probably file the pan into shape, will take ages but got a whole week at work to do it........

[ianmac]

The bikes getting a few bits n bobs sorted out over the winter......New billet intakes, high flow impeller, lock up clutch (Will be in touch soon Norbo) a bellypan (all going well!) Twin recessed old landrover style rear lights with carbon backing plate........Some one off carbon bits....Once they arrive from China! And hopefully some more modern style rearsets.

[twostroker]

i used a "roloc" disc on a air sander and various greads of production paper and wet and dry to re-shape a 125lc belly pan.
fibergless will only splinter if you hold the cutting disc at the wrong angle from my experience,also if your having it painted after you could always build it back up with some fresh fiberglass if you was to mess it up (not that you would).

[peddrotzr]

Nov 17, 2011 9:34:21 GMT 1 ianmac said:

Allrightee? Thinking off modding a bellypan for 4lo as won't fit as pipes sit too low so cannot get p-clips anywhere near bellypan mounting holes.....So gonna have a go at modifying the pan.....Need some advice on cutting away/reshaping......Wanting to do this by hand with no power tools......Gonna make some templates up so I'll know where to cut/reshape......Edges don't have to be 100% smooth as will fit fairing trim........Any tips? Just gonna use a junior hacksaw and a selection of files and different grade sanding blocks....Thanks Ian

I have extented the sides of a belly pan & made a split mold for new belly pan.
I made this when I modified John Hay's LC485 as the pipes are much bigger than std.
photo 3:- Black line on inside shows where the original bellypan finished.
heres a few photos.


You dont really need power tools but it makes it much quicker, You could use a coping saw, files then glass paper, but use a mask as the dust is not too good, also apply talcum powder to your hands to reduce Itching.
Good luck














Hope this helps

Johnny C.

[ianmac]

Thanks folks.........Think I might be goosed as looking at what Pedrotzr has done methinks I have the same problem........So looks like Im thinking about this the opposite way as in the pan needs building up not cutting down........Back to the drawing board then......That c/f pan is a work of art Pedro!

[peddrotzr]

Nov 20, 2011 9:55:24 GMT 1 ianmac said:

Thanks folks.........Think I might be goosed as looking at what Pedrotzr has done methinks I have the same problem........So looks like Im thinking about this the opposite way as in the pan needs building up not cutting down........Back to the drawing board then......That c/f pan is a work of art Pedro!

Thanks for that
As I have already made a mold with deeper sides I could save you some time & make a fiberglass belly pan (or carbon).

Best regards

Johnny C.

[twostroker]

is that a full carbon fiber bodykit including petrol tank on that lc?
a mould to make fiberglass lc tanks could be a good idea if so...