Composites have been around since ancient civilisations began making bricks from clay & straw Glass fibre carbon fibre & aramid fibres
- to name but three
- are recent innovations yet today there are few competition cars that don't have at least some components made out of one or more of these materials However while it is well known that glass fibre technology can be used in the home workshop what may not be so widely realised is that more advanced fibres also lend themselves to DIY methods This revised edition of Competition Car Composites starts by examining the materials & methods that can be used explaining basic 'wet' & 'dry' laminating techniques pattern making & mould construction & the design & manufacture of components It then goes on to cover material & technology upgrades & how more advanced materials can be exploited to achieve enhanced properties & reduced weight The use of thermoplastic materials resin infusion methods & especially 'pre-pregs' in the home workshop are also discussed as are the composite techniques used by top racecar constructors