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Carbon Fibre ''Skinning''

Harvster

Well-known member
Joined
8 Jan 2019
Messages
103
Hi everyone.

I have a few scuffs and damaged parts on my 996 interior and have debated about getting these parts skinned following watching this on a YouTube video.

It's the centre console mainly so I was considering doing that along with the PCM surround and a couple of other small bits.

Not planning on doing it myself so I'm looking for somebody that does it!

https://youtu.be/6rTWaV1imzs

Has anybody else done this and is there any negative considerations? It looks far better than having the parts dipped or wrapped.

Thoughts please?
 
A very interesting video/process to watch and learn from, though I doubt it would be the best option for interior parts as it adds at least .75mm to the thickness of the finished item ?
It would be usefull for things like aerokit front splitters and the like, strenghthen them and add a little resillience to them :thumb:
For interior parts I would go with hydro dipping to be honest :grin:
 
Mmmm, I would welcome more comments. Initially I have to disagree, from what i have seen of the dipping it looks far inferior and the last thing I want is a 'cheap copy".

As for strengthening exterior parts, I also do not think this would be the case, I imagine they would be more susceptible to cracking as it's only a skin over the original part...
 
Harvster said:
As for strengthening exterior parts, I also do not think this would be the case, I imagine they would be more susceptible to cracking as it's only a skin over the original part...

I take it you didn`t watch the "updated" video from the one you posted a link to of exactly why they carbon fibre skinned the rifle stock then, as adding strength was the whole point of it :?:

Member Phil997 has been over the moon with parts that he has had "carbon dipped", maybe he`ll add something to this thread shortly, if not, drop him a Pm :thumb:

 
I have had parts dipped in the past and although they are not quite the same as really carbon fibre the difference is more with the depth of the gel coat vs lacquer rather than the pattern itself, but dipped parts do still look good. In this photo the key surround, instrument cluster and switch surround are dipped, the dash insert is oem carbon fibre. Like others have said if you coat the parts due to the thickness of the gel they might not go back together well and may even squeak because they now rub.

Also have you had a quote for doing the work as dipping cost a few quid so the skin will be even more I guess, if that's the case it might just be worth trying to find real carbon parts.
 

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I went with carbon wrapping, after much deliberation and research, looking at examples at the shows etc. where I got to see the various bits, both wrapped and dipped I came to the conclusion that dipped looked like a transfer/sticker on the other hand using carbon fibre 'cloth' then high gloss laquer looked real, just the same as on any supercar from the factory, and yes it does add strength, just the same as glassfibre does.
I had my wing mirrors, spoiler and intake side vents carbon wrapped at D B Carbon
http://www.dbcarbon.com/
They are in Germany, but a great service and results it was a bit of a wait though as they don't stock 996 turbo spoilers! so I had to post this and then wait, I think around 4/5 weeks, but they are highly recommended
I know 'JohnnyDangerous' on here used them a few times before he defected to a Datsun gtr and he was pleased.
 
kurlykris said:
Harvster said:
As for strengthening exterior parts, I also do not think this would be the case, I imagine they would be more susceptible to cracking as it's only a skin over the original part...

I take it you didn`t watch the "updated" video from the one you posted a link to of exactly why they carbon fibre skinned the rifle stock then, as adding strength was the whole point of it :?:

Member Phil997 has been over the moon with parts that he has had "carbon dipped", maybe he`ll add something to this thread shortly, if not, drop him a Pm :thumb:



Apologies kurlykris, I have not watched the other video. My comments were just based on a client of mine telling me that even the interior parts may be prone to cracking and he makes real carbon fibre parts.

I will have another think, Thefinn makes a good comment about them being ever so slightly bigger they may now squeak... hadn't thought of that.

Appreciate the comments though...
 
I have had many bits carbon dipped and was happy , the key is to use a good company that will understand how the parts fit together and that way make sure the weave pattern all flows in the same direction . I have looked at sets available of carbon skin , you can buy the sets to do most interior parts for things like the 997. the problem is as Finn says it leaves a ridge as it sticks over the original finish , .
Carbon also has a downside and I see lots of used centre consoles for sale and most have cracks in.

I would suggest that for the parts your thinking about either look at Supertweaks or DB carbon sites for carbon replacement parts or get the parts painted
I used Wicked Coatings in Dorset.
the options available from using a coating specialist rather than a body spray shop are .
Carbon Dip.
body coloured high gloss paint
or they do a soft touch finish ,very similar to the OE finish on the centre console but in any colour.

heres a few pics of my gen1 and gen2 to give you an idea.
 

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Carbon dipping and wraps look cheap and more at home on a 17yr olds Honda Civic than a Porsche imo... Check out http://www.db-carbon-interior.com/. Carbon skinned parts to an OEM finish.
 

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