Questions About Composite Body

[Eliometer]

Hey All,
So I've no experience with owning a vehicle made with composite. If someone hits me, will it dent like metal or will it crack? Can it shatter? Can composite be fixed at Joe Blow's Body Shop and will it be costly?
Will a repair compromise future safety? Will a repair negatively impact the interior sound-deadening qualities of the panels? Thanks, everyone, for your time.

 

[RK2112]

If it is similar to what was used on Saturn vehicles it will crack.

 

[dunkybones]

These are good questions, I don't really know the answers. I know some of the big auto companies are starting to use the same composite on their vehicles. My old insight was some sort of composite for most of the body panels, but I never had to repair it. I would think most body shops are used to dealing with a range of materials by now. As for price, all body work is expensive, and for good reason, good body work is an art unto itself.

 

[Jim H]

Hey All,
So I've no experience with owning a vehicle made with composite. If someone hits me, will it dent like metal or will it crack? Can it shatter? Can composite be fixed at Joe Blow's Body Shop and will it be costly?
Will a repair compromise future safety? Will a repair negatively impact the interior sound-deadening qualities of the panels? Thanks, everyone, for your time.

Great questions and I don't have a clue and it never even occurred to me to even ask that question. Looking forward to someone answering it for both of us.

 

[RK2112]

New cars have composite front and back bumpers. I'm sure the material will be similar

 

[zelio]

Hey All,
So I've no experience with owning a vehicle made with composite. If someone hits me, will it dent like metal or will it crack? Can it shatter? Can composite be fixed at Joe Blow's Body Shop and will it be costly?
Will a repair compromise future safety? Will a repair negatively impact the interior sound-deadening qualities of the panels? Thanks, everyone, for your time.

I have heard or read discussions on this subject somewhere. I'm sure Paul Elio has discussed it in at least one of his interviews but I honestly don't remember where. I understand it is similar to the composites used in corvettes or one of those fancy cars. I look forward to reading the answers to your questions. :-) Z

 

[imageon]

Good QUESTIONS
I was just about to try to compose a similar thread. Thanks. Hope we get some definitive answers.
MK

 

[BlioKart]

Far as I know its the similar material used in the modern Corvette. SMC molding look here gives you an idea how it works. Material is tuff but not unbreakable so damage will happen if u crash.

http://www.moldedfiberglass.com/processes/compression-molding-process-smc

http://www.prccal.com/index.cfm this is the supplier for Elio

 

[Elf]

I own a 2008 Corvette and it's mainly composite ,my wife backed into it with my company car .2 for 1 deal..The rear composite bumper on the Ford went back into shape left in the sun and didn't show a scratch .The Corvette was as fortunate but the rear came back into shape but the rear quarter cracked .$350 repair .Composite won't dent it'll break or crack like plastic .Replacement parts are generally cheaper than steel but paint is always expensive .. when ya hit a moose or a Kenworth it's going to hurt .

 

[BlioKart]

Not sure if the front bumper will be urethane on the Elio as most cars are now. I wonder if Elio will offer pre painted panels as replacements in case of damage.