Interior Exterior
Q:
For those of you who have a Reverie (or other) carbon fibre rear diffuser, have you had it clear coated or not?
If not clearcoated, have you had any yellowing or other changes with exposure to the elements?
Thanks.
A:
For those of you who have a Reverie (or other) carbon fibre rear diffuser, have you had it clear coated or not?
If not clearcoated, have you had any yellowing or other changes with exposure to the elements?
Thanks.
i've only had mine for a few months, but no color changes really. you do have to figure the elements + UV (not really for diffuser since lack of sun exposure) will take its toll on the carbon.
but at the same time, most body shops will want to scuff the surface with fine sandpaper to get more bite as they spray on the clear... and most shops aren't willing to risk scuffing into dry carbon as they might burn the actual surface of the material... or damage it... its risky, but a chance you can take...
without proper scuffing, you'll have clear that'll simply flake off... at the same time... some people might want to leave it "dry" or without clear to let people know its not a simply wet lay carbon...
A:
Thanks for the info, Daniel. Sounds like it's best to leave it dry.
Another question: Is it possible to safely cut (trim) a carbon fiber piece without having it come apart?
A:
I had mine clear coated (appx 6 months ago) on the underside and also the topside portion that extends out the back of the car. I had the rest of the upper surface (area with heat shield tape) painted with matt black engine paint. I think you will find the upper part will discolor and yellow over time without clearcoat. I would also expect the underside to suffer the same, although over much longer time period. The shop that clearcoated mine did scuff the surface with very fine sandpaper without incident. It's be
The diffuser will be subjected to a fair amount of road debris as it is being thrown up underneath the car from the tires. I felt the clearcoat would help reduce (but not eliminate) chips and scratches in the CF.
I did mine also to match the CF engine lid which had to be clearcoated since it is always exposed to the elements. I think clearcoating looks good since it highlights the CF herringbone pattern.
The CF can be cut using a dremel according to the body shop - I haven't personally tried it.
Alan
A:
Thanks Alan. How many coats of clear on the diffuser?
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I think they applied 3 coats. One thing I forgot to mention; although the clearcoat highlights the weave in the CF, it also highlights the imperfections.
A:
so now we know both can be done... have fun, and do what you like the best...