Crafting a Carbon Fiber Mirror Cap for a RAM TRX
Creating a custom carbon fiber mirror cap for a RAM TRX begins with prepping the original mirror cap to make a mold. Start by thoroughly cleaning the original mirror cap to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants. Next, apply a mold release agent to the surface to ensure that the mold can be easily separated later.
Once the release agent is dry, cover the mirror cap with a layer of gel coat, which will form the surface of the mold. Allow the gel coat to cure, then proceed to lay multiple layers of fiberglass cloth over the gel coat, saturating each layer with resin. Be sure to cover all contours and edges of the mirror cap, reinforcing the mold's strength and accuracy. After the fiberglass layers have fully cured, carefully remove the mold from the original mirror cap.
Creating the Carbon Fiber Part
With the fiberglass mold ready, the next step is creating the carbon fiber part. Begin by applying a mold release agent to the inside of the fiberglass mold to prevent the carbon fiber part from sticking. Lay the carbon fiber fabric into the mold, ensuring that it conforms to all the details and curves of the mirror cap.
Apply epoxy resin to saturate the carbon fiber, making sure to remove any air bubbles for a smooth finish. For added strength, you can layer additional sheets of carbon fiber, each time applying epoxy resin and ensuring full saturation. Once all layers are applied and the resin is evenly distributed, allow the part to cure completely.
Finishing & Clear Coat
After curing, carefully demold the carbon fiber mirror cap. Trim any excess material and sand the edges smooth. The part is then wet-sanded through progressive grits up to 2000 for a perfectly smooth surface, followed by automotive-grade UV clear coat for deep gloss and long-term protection.
The result is a stunning, showroom-quality carbon fiber mirror cap that's lighter than OEM and built to last. Each cap is inspected for weave alignment and surface quality before shipping.