The Artisan
Adventurer
I use phenolic sheets instead of an epoxy base fiberglass. Yes that is a sample of polyurea that is also used.
Kevin
Rough cost of composite panel / FRP build
- Thread starter LocalmotionSC
- Start date
Kevin
LocalmotionSC
Member
Can you expand a little on why you chose to use the materials you chose, particularly phenolic sheets in place of fiberglass+epoxy resin? what are the pros and cons of phenolic sheets?
Also am I understanding correctly that the ceramic microbead coating is intended to provide some extra thermal + acoustic insulation, and the polyurea is the 'finish layer', a tougher alternative to gelcoat?
I've been trying to read up on phenolic, but haven't been able to find any information on using phenolic for boatbuilding, motorhomes, or other similar use cases. (if you have answered these questions elsewhere point me in the right direction).
The Artisan
Adventurer
The co I bought the panels from used phenolic. I had samples sent from different companies as well as fiberglass skinned and the phenolic samples were stronger for the thickness of the sheet. It also depends on what type of glass was used to make the panels.
Yes the ceramic beading is for insulative properties. Polyurea is used on truck beds so yes stronger than a gell coat.
Kevin
Yes the ceramic beading is for insulative properties. Polyurea is used on truck beds so yes stronger than a gell coat.
Kevin
rruff
Explorer
They make foam core panels also. The advantage is lower cost. They'd probably be happy to custom build the panels for your rig. I'm curious what the price would be for that.
Generally for DIY you'd bond aluminum angle to the inside and outside of each edge/corner to fasten the panels together.
The Artisan
Adventurer
That is where my panels came from 3 yrs ago. They no longer make them and sold off all their vaccuume tables.
Kevib
rruff
Explorer
The Artisan
Adventurer
Nope missed out but yes going to start making them with exo cage kits. Think ikea pods ?Did you buy them?...Are you making the panels now?
Kevin
Have a general idea yet on cost on panels/extrusions for a DIY flatbed pop up cab over (tacoma)?
The Artisan
Adventurer
Trying to stay around $6,000 + shipping on truckbed version this includes tilting bed platform. Extra cost for extra windows. Flatbed versions will be more depending on size. Pm me to discuss further
Kevin
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LocalmotionSC
Member
By tilting bed platform do you mean like the style of camper where it is a cabover and the mattress+platform tilts up with some storage underneath or where the bed platform is above the living space like the dinette and tilts up out of the way?
The Artisan
Adventurer
A simple tilt up platform to create space below in the bed of the truck. It would tilt from the front of the cab. The topper can be deeper to allow for storage under it. I can pm you some cross sections if needed.
Kevin
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C p weinberger
Active member
So similar to Alu-Cab?
The Artisan
Adventurer
Yes. I had thought about doing dual tilt move it completly to the top. Not sure yet
Kevin
C p weinberger
Active member
Looks promising, good luck
The Artisan
Adventurer
Thanks it's being well received. I have been talking to outfitters and distributors.
Kevin