Carbon Fiber Question

[Deleted]

Ok, I know that a lot of times when the instruction sheet calls for *semi gloss black* on interior parts, chassis and all that it could be (in the real car) some CF. I am also not sure as to when the Indy Cars (I use that generically for cars running in the Indy 500, I don't know anything, really about the difference in Champ versus IRL) started to use CF in a widespread manner. I was told that the bottom of the cockpit tub had to be aluminum for a period when CF came into usage. But when, etc., is a mystery to me.

What I want to really find out is how much CF was in use on say an '89 March?

More in the '93 Lola?

These are two cars (A.J. Foyt) that I would like to do a *little extra* on, and I don't have (and don't really know where to find) any reference for these types of things. Detailing is not a problem if I know what it is all supposed to look like! ;D Unfortunately, too many of us take for granted that we all know what something is supposed to look like. I can give you all the reference you would ever want on a Holman/Moody built 1963 1/2 Galaxie, and I am starting to build up a library on the roadster era, but I am lost on the cars from the rear engine revolution and newer. So, please............ ;D

Thanks!
Mongo

[indy]

Well, CF was showing up on pieces by the early 80s I know. And with cars like your '89 Lola it is difficult to say because the cars were not fully CF yet (anyone remember the Porsche March debacle? When was that '90?). Anyways, this was before I got neck deep in the technology of racing so I can't say what wasn't CF yet on these cars. I think you'll be okay covering the semi-gloss black parts in the CF decal - I am not even sure the rivet counters would know - LOL

I do know that by like '91 that all cars were all CF so your '93 Lola is defiinitely all CF.

Jordan

[Deleted]

Thanks, Jordan. I will do WAG, I guess.........

Mongo

[Deleted]

Walker's 1990 Porsche (March built chassis ) was banned by CART for the 1990 season. Virtually all new chassis built for the 1991 season were constructed from carbon fiber. Check out this article - www.nytimes.com/1990/04/30/sports/a-disallowed-chassis-stalling-porsche-indy-team.html

[russd]

I just checked a cutaway drawing of the 1989 Penske and it had a half CF/AL tub. Bottom half is AL, top is CF. I would assume that the Lolas and Marchs had a similar construction.

RussD

[indy]

Thanks for the link - that is exactly what I was talking about :-)

Jordan