Fiberglass, also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), has been utilized in car manufacturing for decades, particularly by kit car companies and low-volume manufacturers. This raises a crucial question for car enthusiasts and potential buyers: Are Fiberglass Car Parts Good? To answer this, we need to delve into the advantages and disadvantages of using fiberglass in automotive applications.
One of the primary benefits of fiberglass is its cost-effectiveness in low production runs. Unlike steel, which requires expensive and time-consuming tooling for pressing panels, fiberglass molds can be created much more affordably. In fact, as the original article mentions, molds can even be constructed from wood with a fiberglass and gelcoat layer. This makes fiberglass an attractive option for smaller manufacturers and bespoke car designs where large-scale production isn’t the goal. This lower initial setup cost is a significant advantage when considering materials for limited production vehicles.
However, it’s essential to consider the long-term durability of fiberglass, especially concerning UV exposure. A major drawback of fiberglass car parts is their susceptibility to UV degradation. Even with UV inhibitors added, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the resins in fiberglass to become brittle. This leads to the colored gel-coat surface developing spider-web-like cracks and fading over time. As highlighted in the original text, classic cars like Lotus Europas, which extensively used fiberglass, can exhibit significant deterioration simply from decades of sun exposure. Repairing this type of UV damage to fiberglass is often more complex and labor-intensive than dealing with rust in steel bodies.
Furthermore, the production speed of fiberglass parts is considerably slower compared to steel. While a steel press can stamp out car panels in seconds, fiberglass parts require hours to cure in their molds before they can be removed. This slower production rate makes fiberglass less suitable for high-volume automotive manufacturing where speed and efficiency are paramount. Major car manufacturers prioritize rapid production, making steel the more logical choice for mass-produced vehicles.
In conclusion, fiberglass car parts offer advantages in terms of lower tooling costs and suitability for low-volume production. However, they are not without their drawbacks. The significant vulnerability to UV degradation and slower production times are critical factors to consider. Therefore, while fiberglass can be “good” for specific applications and production scales, its long-term durability in sunlight and slower manufacturing process present considerable limitations when compared to materials like steel in mainstream automotive manufacturing.
