The carbon slicktop thread

[bigjae46]

How many layers are the original roofs?

OEM roof? I believe it is 6 - 1x1, biaxial, a layer of I don't know what, core, biaxial and I think a spread tow is used on the underside.

Most aftermarket roof will have a cosmetic layer (1x1) then either multiple layers of a heavier 2x2 cloth or 1x1, 2x2 core, 2x2. This way is far cheaper in terms of materials, labor, and minimizing mistakes..

[heinzboehmer]

I've actually seen a guy selling an Imola Red E46 M3
with a carbon roof AND sunroof still installed. He claims its the only one apparently.

It's probably just a regular roof with a carbon fiber look vinyl wrap, which is like, double stupidity.

Vorsteiner used to make a CF roof panel with the sunroof cutout back in the day: https://e46m3.bimmerpost.com/forums/...4&postcount=27

[Cronenberged]

How many layers are the original roofs?

[bigjae46]

Thanks bigjae46 didn't want to assume.

Here’s a really good picture. After seeing this I’m definitely doing my roof in spread tow! The seam in the middle kind of ruins the cosmetics but the rest looks fantastic! Just waiting for the damned metal roof to come in.

[Nate047]

It's probably just a regular roof with a carbon fiber look vinyl wrap, which is like, double stupidity.

[M3INABUFU]

I've actually seen a guy selling an Imola Red E46 M3
with a carbon roof AND sunroof still installed. He claims its the only one apparently.

[Cronenberged]

Thanks bigjae46 didn't want to assume.

[discoelk]

$2k seems like cheap labor for something like this.

[Nate047]

Yeah when I called them, they quoted $2500 and then when I said no thanks they called me back right away and said they'd do it for $2000. Maybe if I go over there in person and offer cash they will give me a more reasonable rate.

TBH I think $2k is not that far off

[EthanolTurbo]

You can go to 2M in San Diego, those guys have done a lot of these.

Yeah when I called them, they quoted $2500 and then when I said no thanks they called me back right away and said they'd do it for $2000. Maybe if I go over there in person and offer cash they will give me a more reasonable rate.

[bigjae46]

It looks kind of like a checkerboard. Probably won’t see it except on higher end custom race cars like a Radical.

I have yet to use it on the gloss/cosmetic side but here are some pics…

[Cronenberged]

Werd! Once the roof panel comes in, I’m making mine from a spread tow cloth. It’s the same stuff used in F1.

F1 doesn’t use a plain 1x1. It’s actually inferior in terms of weight and performance. 1x1 has more tow intersections where a tow goes up and over or under another tow. These spots increase resin consumption which adds weight with no improvement in the performance (stiffness, strength, toughness.

A spread tow is a higher performing option since it flattens the carbon, reduces the # of intersections and reduced resin consumption. I’ve seen a spread tow composite can be 20% lighter…haven’t verified that. But when you see carbon fiber on F1 cars…it’s a spread tow fabric.

A 1x1 weave is lower cost and more cosmetically appealing.

Spread tow is 20% to 50% more expensive.

Can you share what that pattern looks like?

[bigjae46]

Is it?

Counterpoint to this. I actually like seeing new products and looks developed for this platform. It's not the same ol' same ol'. So long as it's of high quality and tastefully done (which, taste is subjective so who am I to say what's tasteful or not), I'm on board for seeing new things. Otherwise it's just another replica...

Embrace the creativity!

-large weave carbon roof guy

Werd! Once the roof panel comes in, I’m making mine from a spread tow cloth. It’s the same stuff used in F1.

F1 doesn’t use a plain 1x1. It’s actually inferior in terms of weight and performance. 1x1 has more tow intersections where a tow goes up and over or under another tow. These spots increase resin consumption which adds weight with no improvement in the performance (stiffness, strength, toughness.

A spread tow is a higher performing option since it flattens the carbon, reduces the # of intersections and reduced resin consumption. I’ve seen a spread tow composite can be 20% lighter…haven’t verified that. But when you see carbon fiber on F1 cars…it’s a spread tow fabric.

A 1x1 weave is lower cost and more cosmetically appealing.

Spread tow is 20% to 50% more expensive.

[Nate047]

You can go to 2M in San Diego, those guys have done a lot of these.

[EthanolTurbo]

Does anyone have a definitive installer in LA/OC with a reasonable price? About ready to throw my Karb roof on.