99BeachMiata

Just got back by hood louvers, hydro dipped with a carbon fiber look. Happy with the way they came out.

T

Der_Idiot

iTrader: (2)

Not bad, that's a clean look is leaves. Interested to see how they look once they're installed.

Lincoln Logs

iTrader: (1)

Props for trying something different! I've seen videos of this finish and always wondered how it actually turned out, not bad!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

where'd you send them off?

99BeachMiata

Local place, called ProFab.

ProFab Customs - Powder Coating ~ Hydrographics ~ Fabrication

They said they are one of the few that can even coat fiberglass. Ill post pics once installed.

AbeFM

iTrader: (3)

How much did they charge you?

Miater

Is it UV stable?

ozbrock

I do like the carbon look on the louvers, it looks fairly convincing in that picture. I have a few concerns though... Did you do any sanding on the louvers before hydrodipping? I'm curious to see how the film looks wrapped around the rough edges of the fins, it looks like there may be some exposed aluminum on the edges in that picture. I spent a few hours sanding mine down before I painted them to make sure all the edges were perfectly smooth, and it made a huge difference. Also, will the film crack once you bend the fins to a 45 degree angle?

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

The point where the bend occurs is on a portion that is hidden under the hood skin once mounted, so even if it the finish has an issue there, you'll never see it.


-Ryan

ozbrock

Duhhh, forgot about that, thanks Ryan. I'm still interested to see the edges of the fins though.

99BeachMiata

There are a couple of edges where you can see edge maybe quite not as finished, maybe 1/16 of an inch. I really had to look close and hard, and once installed, don't believe you will be able to see anything. The vents were painted black first, as the back are black.
They have an automotive clear coat over, so UV should not be problem.
Not sure if they were sanded, finish does feel smooth though.
Paid $140. I didn't shop it around, looked like a good quality shop. Quoted me $60 to powder coat. If someone has hydro dipped before, let me know if that is a fair price,,just curious.
Ill post a few more pics later today.

Taso

99BeachMiata

Here is a closer pic of the edges.

airbrush1

140 isn't a bad price, my wheel centers would have cost around 470 if I hadn't won a gift certificate for the work in a raffle

99BeachMiata

Finally got louvers installed. I'm very happy with results.

Taso

Lincoln Logs

iTrader: (1)

That looks really good on the car...I am impressed!