Fiberglass body durability...

[PhyrraM]

We do not know at this point if FF is planning on a full body, like the GTM or the roadster, or if they are planning on something more EXO, like the Atom. Or maybe something in-between. I am not, however, trying to change their plans-- too much of that going on already.

I am curious, from those with experience, about the rigidity of a fiberglass body. Can it stand up to day-to-day use as well as a steel counterpart? Does it flex when leaned on? Does it sag or shift over time or on a hot day?

I'm assuming, like steel, compound curves are good and flat sections are bad? Smaller areas (such as an EXO panel) tend to be stiffer and more durable than a large clam-shell (such as a rear cover/fender/bumper molding)?

Just trying to educate myself. You never know, I might develop some creativity and magically learn to draw by March 1st. (yeah right)

[Steve91T]

Corvette's are fiberglass...

[riptide motorsport]

Just like steel...........untill you hit something, then its diferent! sTEVEN

[PhyrraM]

New Corvettes are not hand laid fiberglass, if they are even fiberglass at all anymore .

I have read restoration logs on old Corvettes talking about how the body has sagged or cracked over time. I am just wondering how far the technology has come and what kinds of designs we can truly expect to be long term durable. I fully realize that this isn't the age of the '70s Fiberfab VW rebodies anymore and I'm just wondering what kind of fit/finish/level of detail is expected on a modern kit.

[Hondaslayer]

New Corvettes are not hand laid fiberglass, if they are even fiberglass at all anymore .

I have read restoration logs on old Corvettes talking about how the body has sagged or cracked over time. I am just wondering how far the technology has come and what kinds of designs we can truly expect to be long term durable. I fully realize that this isn't the age of the '70s Fiberfab VW rebodies anymore and I'm just wondering what kind of fit/finish/level of detail is expected on a modern kit.

Keep in mind those vette's are 50's-70's vintage and were owned by "normal" people. Given modern technology and an enthusiast assembling it (and designing it!) this should stand up much better.