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Sprucing up Carbon Fibre
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:59 pm
by julian
Is there a way to rejuvinate the dull CF on my belly pan?
Thought a T-cutting followed by a layer or two of lacquer might spruce things up a bit.
Cheers
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:32 pm
by sandbar
As usual - it depends.
Quality of both the carbon fibre and the top coat varies. I can only speak for Ilmberger stuff, which means that your bellypan is not one of ours.
I would have thought that T-Cut is a bit severe. Perhaps a light buffing compound but if it is not discoloured then just a coat of lacquer should do the job. Normal automotive lacquer should do it.
Sandbar
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:44 pm
by adamski49
Julian
I take it's like mine, shiny on the sides and dull at the front where it gets jetwashed/sandblasted by everything thrown off the front tyre.
I think the only way to resurrect it would be a good clean to try and revive the blue strands in the CF weave and then a good few coats of clear lacquer.
Mine's also pitted so I'd need to lacquer then sand quite a few times to get it smooth and shiny. TBH I can't be arsed.
Adam

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:13 pm
by Boxadog 2000
You could try T cut for metalic paint its a bit milder than the full blown stuff, I have a bottle if you want to give it a try
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:58 pm
by Harry
Sandbar - I see you got a mention in BIKE this month? Products for the RED side eh?
harry
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:40 pm
by sandbar
Products for the RED side eh?
Yep - that is where insanity lies!!! So many different variations!
I list over 250 different parts for Ducati - and those are only the ones I can be bothered to put on the list.
I have not seen the latest 'Bike' yet. They were supposed to send me a copy prior to them going on sale. I had better go and get one in the morning. (I'd better wear the shades - just in case I get recognised)
Sandbar
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:40 pm
by sandbar
I forgot. I've just done an interview with 'Performance Bike' about these ceramic brakes that we do now.
That is much more interesting. Supposed to be the future - the holy grail - and other hyperboles.
Sandbar
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:48 am
by boxerpan
sandbar wrote: I've just done an interview with 'Performance Bike' about these ceramic brakes that we do now.
Supposed to be the future - the holy grail - and other hype.
Sandbar
They will have to get them accepted in the racing world AND THEN make them look tasty before anyone will part with that sort of money

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:26 am
by sandbar
Very subtle editing - I like that
There is a chance of Moto-GP this year. One or two of the 'other' teams are fed up with just being given items by Brembo and the like, that H*nda and Yamahahahaha don't want.
Remember - as of this year a Moto-GP race will not be stopped if it rains, so if there is a chance of rain ( or the sort of conditions that might mean intermediate tyres) then you would probably be advised not to use carbon discs. That means either going back to larger steel discs or perhaps .........ceramics. "The all-weather alternative to carbon brakes".
Also "SIZE MATTERS!" The Ilmberger 999S that placed in the Sound of Thunder series last year ran on 290mm Sicom discs (ceramic) as against the 320mm normal size for steel, and tests are going on as we speak to see if 270mm discs will do the job for this year. 250mm next year??
The problem with racing is that, apart from Moto-GP, all the high profile racing series (WSB,BSB, Supersports etc etc) are restricted by the rules to the same brakes as standard.
Cost is not a problem. The prices are already dramatically less than carbon. Ilmberger are dealing with a customer who apparently uses 6 or 7 sets of Brembo carbon discs a year at 3000 euros per disc!! Sicom discs retail at 1299 Euros per disc and they would probably last the season.
Lets be realistic, if Rossi, Biaggi et al are on ceramic discs then they will automatically become a 'must have' to certain sections of the motorcycling world.
What more do you want? Better brakes, much lighter weight (at the hub - not the rim) and much longer life than carbon!
Sandbar
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 1:08 pm
by boxerpan
sandbar wrote:
Cost is not a problem.
Sicom discs retail at 1299 Euros per disc and they would probably last the season........and much longer life than carbon!
Sandbar
I thought you liked carbon
