Hello there,

Looking to get me a carbon fibre bonnet to replace my heavy old steel one.

Thing is, I hate the look of carbon fibre. So I was wondering if it can be painted? Will it look as good as painted metal? Will it crack of suffer as a result, e.g. degrade the carbon fibre itself?:wonder:

You can but youll be disappointed to learn that most carbon fibre bonnets are quite different to the F1 type pre-preg carbon fibre, that you might have been hoping for.

Every CF bonnet Ive ever seen has been wet laid carbon fibre (wet laid like FRP/GRP) on the outside and fibre glass on the inside. They a little more than cosmetically enhanced GRP panels and if you paint them then youll have spent a lot of money on not much at all.

This will no doubt piss off a few other members, but if you doubt what I say then ask your supplier if they they have an autoclave..... It costs a fortune and even a relatively low capacity one (not nearly large enough to squeeze a bonnet into) is huge.....

Simon

also the CF bonnet isnt that much lighter than the steel one,it is certainly heavier than the Ally one found on imports so if weight reducing is what you want id get an ally one

As above, if it is weight you are after saving, go for an alluminim bonnet..

Not only are they cheaper than a carbon bonnet, but lighter, and look OEM once painted..

But to answer your original question, yes you can paint carbon fibre...

Thats me set striaght then. I'll be getting a facelift alloy bonnet then.

Anyone know someone who has one up for grabs, I've had a look today with no joy.