Alright guys, I know I've been driving ya all crazy with so many damned questions, but its your own fault for being what looks like the coolest and most knowledgeable 2G DSM group on the web :thumbsup

Anyway, here's my question. I'm looking to redo the body on my car, and I haven't really decided what material to use. Until recently, I had decided pretty much on carbon fiber due to a friend of mine singing its praises. Truth be told though, I'm beginning to question whether its really the best for my intentions. Let me run this by you guys and see what you think.

Fiber glass is pretty much out then, since from my friends I've heard it commonly shatters and while it can be easily repaired it sounds like too much of a pain in the ass.

Urethane is something I've heard little to nothing about, but it certainly sounds durable. I've also heard that it is impossible/near impossible to repair however, so there's a risk involved there.

Carbon fiber. This is what I had recommended to me. Durable, and light. But man, expensive as hell.

And there's always OEM, but finding OEM parts for a 97 Talon seems to be a bit of a hassle, might just be easier to get someone to make OEM style parts out of one of the above materials.

So really, I'm looking for something durable. If it's light weight, that's a plus no question, but I'm not too worried about a minor weight increase. Suggestions? Comments?

Thanks,
Corey

Urethane is perfect for your front end and side skirts, but only Stillen and the Blitz are the most common as far as front ends go. Blitz also has urethane skirts and rear. Fenders - you can get carbon fiber, and a carbon fiber wing, hood, etc. Very expensive, but very light weight and durable.

Urethane body parts are also very expensive, but well worth it. Very durable, but you cant fit or bend the shape much, what you see is what you get. That and it is a PAIN IN THE ASS to paint. My front end has been painted 4 times, about to be a 5th time, stupid paint cracks. The bumper is immaculate, its keeping paint on it that is the hassle. Bondo is your best friend when it comes to cutting/chopping/tearing into your body for molding, door handles, shave truck holes, etc. Stick with the basics, and you should be fine.

You weren't clear exactly what you INTEND to do with these body parts or which ones you want to swap out, so I was being as general as I could in this reply. Post more for a specific answer. Good luck

Yeah, sorry about that. Posting late at night tends to make one vague.

Anyway, I'm planning on swapping the front bumper (preferably for one with the 97 Talon OEM design in an aftermarket material), the fenders (for Z3 fenders), side skirts (Battle-Z Type 2), and rear bumper (again, OEM design but different material from stock). I also plan on getting an Eclipse turbo spoiler, OEM design but maybe carbon fiber like you suggested.

This isn't a car for racing or anything, just a daily driven one. I plan on holding onto it for awhile though. I plan on redoing the interior custom myself then doing the exterior (taking auto body classes this summer, and I've got friends who have done work on their cars as well), then on to preformance.

That specific enough? If not, let me know what you need and I'll let you know.

Thanks,
Corey

cool as I stated above try and get urethane for the front (either stillen or bomex or blitz, or OEM 97+ front, you will need the 97+ headlites), and u can get those type II skirts in urethane I THINK. Check out my writeups in my signature for tips on interior and removing the front bumper, etc etc

Hm, posted earlier but it didn't show, so let me try again...

Yeah, I found a place that sells the side skirts in urethane, but can you (or anyone) recommend a place that would make a 1997 Eagle Talon OEM design front bumper in urethane (and maybe a rear bumper as well)?

Thanks,
Corey

I thought the stock bodywork was Urethane? It is definantly not fiberglass.
-Chris b.

He is correct ^

All eclipse/talon front and rear bumper caps from the factory are urethane or that plastic rubber type material. You should be fine.

Ah, in that case you happen to know what the best place to obtain OEM front and rear bumpers for the 97 Talon are? I know I could go through the dealer, but methinks the charge would be astronomical...

Thanks,
Corey

Bump (I'll only do this once).

-Corey

i personally would go with fiberglass.. i have a wings west urathane front bumper and had it bout a year and it fits like crap.. and you cant modify it to fit correctly..basically how u get it is how its gotta fit.. and over time the urathane will start to warp and wave from heat.. the fiberglass will break if u hit something hard enough but its easy to repair.. i have my rocker pannels glassed to the car and had to reglass the whole rear end casue of its fitment as well as my roof scoop.. and i have had not one problem with it... i can stand on the sides and the whole car shakes instead of them falling off.. lol.. if u go with stock fronts and rears..they dont warp however.. it just seems to do that with aftermarket .. only from my experiences.. may not have happend to everyone.. one good thing bout the urathane front is that its very diff. to crack or break.. I hit a crator size pot hole and instead of the bumper breaking.. it caused my headlight mount to break and my marker to fall out.. but the bumper itself was fine..

I've never had carbon fiber..but it seems like a great material.. and lots of people have had great luck with it..

i'm only sharing my experiences.. so you can make a better decision for yourself=)

as far as the 97-98 OEM talon bumpers, they are harder to find than most, but you just have to wait. check places like ebay, dsmtrader, other online car sites with classifieds. check junkyards around you, online junkyard searches are a great way to find stuff OEM.