fiberglass body panels for track car? - Northern California Ford Owners

This is topic fiberglass body panels for track car? in forum Road Racing, Auto X & Drifting at Northern California Ford Owners .

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Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

Does anyone use fiberglass body panels on their track car? I'm not necessarily talking about fenders or hoods as these are commonly used to reduce weight on various cars, but I'm referring to fiberglass hatch/trunk lid, doors, quarter panels, etc. Does anyone use them? Are they safe to run on a track car or do you think the safety from OEM metal panels is better? Thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

I've never used them and don't really see a benefit unless your very competitive and/or on a race team. It will take weight off for sure when you do the whole car but only a really good driver will be able to tell the difference. I'd only do it if the car came with it, I started a race team or I had a lot of extra funds.
A nice benefit is the ability to go a lot wider for wheels which will help cornering a lot when you do the quarters.
You're not going to see a difference in safety between the two materials, just make sure you have the cage to back up a crash if you're going that route (a no brainer).

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

Thanks for the input Greg. I definitely wouldn't spend the money to do it myself. Its on a car I'm considering that already has the fiberglass panels on it.

What about the latching mechanisms and such? I'd assume that the doors and hatch would require some kind of pin locks (like hood pins) to secure them at high speed?

Posted by DEVERO2 (Member # 6155) on :

Interesting question. I have thought about this. I am a for fun racer, but i have wanted to lighten up the car, plus with wider fenders more tire is always nice.

Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on :

lets see my 65fastback weights 2500#. fiberglass fenders, doors, hood, trunk, front apron, and bumper.
and 16X12 CCW wheels

[ 2013-09-11, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: acmikee ]

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

You know I've never really noticed the latching mechanisms on fiberglass doors and such. I'll have to check myself next time out

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

I talked to the owner and got some clarification on some things:

The doors swing open/close using srock hinges but are locked shut using pins similar to hood pins. The rear hatch (foxbody) also uses stock hinges to open/close and has two latches on each side that secure the hatch shut. The car also has Maier front fenders and rear quarter panels which are riveted on. Sounds like the panels should be pretty secure for the track the way he has set it up.

On a side note, he mentioned that he removed the front and rear bumpers. He has the bumper covers mounted on the car but wanted to reduce weight for auto crossing so he removed the actual bumpers underneath. I'd assume that it's essential to reinstall the stock bumpers if I were to take this car on a race track, right?

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

I have a rear bumper but no front bumper. The front bumper doesn't fit with a custom nose.