ZenicaPA

So I dropped my Z06 off at a local body shop that is highly recommended. It isn't dealership affiliated but I've seen a lot of high end cars out front so I believe they are more than capable.

The guy called me this morning to ask me if I still wanted him to proceed with the repair. As it turns out, not just the front side winglet is damaged but also the center piece connecting them.

Because it is carbon fiber he has some reservations. He said it is structurally intact, none of the bracing points have any damage but for approx 80% of the total length, the leading edge under the car where it isn't visible has splintering. The splintering is about 1/4 of an inch deep. He believed it can be grinded down and smoothed out to prevent future splintering but because he hasn't repaired carbon fiber before, he wanted to make me aware.

So, you guys have experience with CF, can it be repaired in this way?

Thanks

MerakiAutoworks

In my experience, carbon fiber isn't repairable. If it is, it is very expensive.. & at that point, cheaper to buy the product again.

-Josh

ZenicaPA

I know CF bikes are repaired all the time. What I don't know is if the CF is the same and can be repaired in the same way.

ZenicaPA

I spoke with Ferrari's body shop. They repair CF all the time. Essentially the method my body shop wants to use is correct but the smoothed out surface has to be treated/finished to prevent future splinters.

I've sent the Ferrari BS pictures, he'll let me know cost soon.

RACE U

Are we talking about exposed carbon fiber, or carbon fiber that's painted afterwards. Big difference as to whether it will look right after a repair.

ZenicaPA

That was the Ferrari body shop owners first question.
It's painted.

Rooster OG

It's painted? Is it carbon fiber or fiberglass? Either way, if it's going to be repainted, you should be fine.

Vetteman Jack

Hopefully they won't be totally outrageous. Sounds like they know what they are talking about.

jdarc1

I have repaired my own CF twice on my lower lip when a curb jumped up on me in a parking space..lol. Mine was a weave and I was able to match it up pretty well without notice. If its painted its a breeze. Takes a lot of time and is expensive though.

mksz51

I own MANY high-end carbon fiber bicycles (Colnago, Pinarello) and a few "mainstream" carbon fiber bicycles (Trek, Specialized). IF the carbon fiber is exposed weave it's a bitch to repair and match the weave. IF it is painted it's a piece of cake - JUST as easy as repairing fiberglass. MOST carbon fiber on the Corvette is merely a "fashion statement". It saves a bit of weight and it is strong - but if it is painted it's just an overpriced replacement for fiberglass or any other composite component.