Carbon fiber Tacoma parts, your thoughts.

Hey guys, I've been a member for a while, but this is my first post. I've had 2 Tacomas my first was a 2000 I sold it, (and I wish I didn't) it had about 280000 miles onit and it had so engine issues, but I still wish I had it. Now I have a 2008 and I've been planning some mods here and there, I'm a composite tech, so I figured I'd make a carbon fiber front bumper as my first big mod and go from there. What do you think would be cool on a Tacoma made out of carbon fiber? Let me know, thanks guys.

 

Sounds like you can possibly make some money on the side if you sell on TW.

Aside from the side business, I think it's a great idea. Probably be the first tacoma owner to have a carbon fiber bumper.

 

I'd be interested. What are the benefits and are they worth the $$$?

 

Now, I'm not gonna stand here and say CF isn't strong.

The work that's been done in aircraft, sailboat masts, hulls, etc... proves that CF has wicked strength/weight ratios. Certainly CF sailboat masts are well proven to be both stronger AND lighter than the aluminum variety.

That said, a CF *bumper* ? I did NOT think that impact resistance was something that CF was particularly noted for.

I'm skeptical, but intrigued. Tell me more.

The desert racing long-travel set is always trying to find good suppliers for wide fiberglass fenders. And LT go-fast trucks "hucking" over jumps can certainly benefit from weight reduction. I wonder if custom fenders would be a good avenue to explore?

 

Welcome!
I can see a lot of applications for CF, as long as it is financially feasible.
Some might be interested in larger items such as fenders, hoods etc, while others here might like to see smaller items such as inside trim pieces, cup holders etc done in CF.

The bumper idea sounds cool and unique. I would like to see that...

 

Well, the bed is composite and tougher than I thought it would be. but a bumper?

 

You guys know that the bumper cover doesn't do shit in an impact right? The crash bar behind absorbs it.

A CF bumper would be just for looks, I see nothing wrong. Yeah it will shatter in an impact but a stock bumper is useless after an impact too.

 

I guess it depends on if we're talking about a "bumper cover" like the factory, or a "heavy duty replacement bumper" like many metal fab shops offer.

I can imagine a CF replacement bumper cover, but the original isn't all that heavy (20-30 lbs? if that? so there's not much in the way of weight savings to be had there. And naturally the cover takes all the abuse of minor curb and parking lot scrapes, so it's gotta be fabbed so as to be flexible just like the factory cover is. Otherwise it'll be destroyed by minor stuff that doesn't even hurt the factory cover.

 

Hood and fenders would be a better choice for two reasons:

A) More weight savings. Going from the plastic cover to a CF bumper wouldn't net much of a weight difference

B) Bumpers covers get WAY more hits and smashes compared to hoods and fenders... when it comes to bumper covers, you want the cheap to fix crap, because it will likely get effed at some point.

 

I didn't even consider that OP meant a plate style bumper I just assumed a stock replacement as he would just the oem to make a mold. Who knows! Valid points though sir

 

At this point we're waiting for the original poster to come back and tell us more...

 

^ X2

 

Carbon fiber plate bumper? Sign me up

 

I wouldn't mind seeing interior pieces

 

I already put on carbon fiber door handle and tailgate latch covers on my 2012 MGM DCLB. People like them.

But its a truck, not a tuner car. I think that a CF hood with a scoop would be about the extent of it.

.... and maybe interior trim pieces for some of you.

 

Funny. I thought of you when interior pieces were suggested.
I like the idea of interior pieces, especially as one-offs when someone needs to replace them. Interior trim and molding costs a lot to replace, and I'm sure someone would say, "Why not pay a little extra to get a carbon fiber piece?" I would.

 

I would too. And they're too damn expensive to replace stock with new. Like the black center console assembly brand new is like close to $400!

 

I would buy carbon fiber side mirrors and various interior pieces like the center console and the plastic instrument cluster bezel would be nice in CF. Also the upper consol.

 

Question 1, is this actually formed pre preg material, or is it the thin sheet stuff over fiberglass?

The latter is the typical rice boi 'carbon fiber' hood you see on the street.

Real carbon formed carbon fiber is not for the faint of wallet.

As a style fad, it's about run it's course. As a weight reduction for replacement parts, generally useful in race vehicles, its still quite appropriate. However, most of the folks I know that use it paint it to avoid the 'look'.

For a pure street vehicle, it's doubtful that there is any value proposition, it would be just because someone wanted to.

For a serious (as in towed) off road vehicle, there may be some value in bits that don't get hit often, like maybe a hood. Assuming weight is a factor in that world.

Even most Baja racers tend to use sheet metal, because all they are really doing is skinning a roll cage, and need something cheap and disposable.

IMHO, you may find some nuggets out there, but it's likely a niche market, more likely in the street/bagged/show truck crowd.

 

Cant forget a CF custom grill