Quick Question...
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Originally Posted by Oldvetter
Most parts are SMC, think it stands for sheet molded composition. Don't think any parts are fiberglass anymore. SMC is smoother and takes paint better, also no "wicking" like fiberglass.
It's Sheet Molded Composite... 
Race Director
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I think it's the same material the Saturn's use. Basically plastic. I do think there's a layer of fiberglass in it though. I am sure others will chime in to correct me if I am wrong.
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
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From: Irvine CA
Towards the end, it tells you the process on how to make it. It sounds like a fancy name for fiberglass to me with the glass fibers and the resins used in it.
SMC 3374 just sounds more techinical.
SMC 3374 just sounds more techinical.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Lutz FL
Originally Posted by Glennm27
Here is some good reading on SMC
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c5/smc.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c5/smc.html
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
NO Fiberglass on a C5 Corvette.
RRIM (Reinforced Reaction Injection Molded): Front and rear fascias, front fender.
SMC (Sheet Molded Compound): Door skins, rear quarters, roof bow, rear tub, hood, painted roof, and rockers.
TSGS (Two Sided Galvanized Steel): Hydroformed frame
UHSS (Ultra High Strength Steel): Front and rear impact bars
AL (Aluminum): Front window frames and doglegs to frame rails. The plastic parts can be further classified as chemical compositions containing Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, Polybutylene, Terephthalate + Ether, Ester Block Compound, Polycarbonate + Polybutylene, Terephthalate, etc., however, there is no fiberglass.
Some of the panels can be creased, but not dented as metal. They will crack if hit hard enough. The paint will definitely chip.
This make repair a lot less expensive than spot welded metal panels. This also is one of the reasons your insurance is less, than if the vehicle was comprised of Fiberglass, which takes a specialist to repair…correctly. As for holding up in an accident, the frame and impact bars around the vehicle, under the plastic, is what really protects you in an accident. Yes, the panels will break in an accident, but metal panels will just fold up like the top of a Sardine can.
Saturn’s vertical panels are comprised of ABS+PC, PA+PPE, ELP TOP, PC, PETP and ASA, while the horizontal panels are steel. (One year Saturn did use a plastic roof on their station wagons.) Primarily, Saturn’s panels are considered Polymer and are a heck of a lot more flexible than the SMC, and RRIM used on the Corvette vertical side panels. In addition, Saturn utilizes a more flexible paint for their panels, so you will not get the spidering in the paint if the panel is hit and flexes. While on the Vette, you can get the spidering due to the stiffer panels and lack of flexible type paint on the panels. (The front and rear fascias on the Vette have flexible paint; this is due to the flexible fascias used on the Vette.)
You can put a Saturn panel on the floor and jump on it all day long, and it will not break and the paint will not spider…try that on a Vette.
Then again, the Saturn is a small car with a little engine; whereas the Vette is a larger car, a true sports car, has a big engine, goes like hell, and is a heck of a lot more fun to drive. Just stay away from the shopping carts.
RRIM (Reinforced Reaction Injection Molded): Front and rear fascias, front fender.
SMC (Sheet Molded Compound): Door skins, rear quarters, roof bow, rear tub, hood, painted roof, and rockers.
TSGS (Two Sided Galvanized Steel): Hydroformed frame
UHSS (Ultra High Strength Steel): Front and rear impact bars
AL (Aluminum): Front window frames and doglegs to frame rails. The plastic parts can be further classified as chemical compositions containing Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, Polybutylene, Terephthalate + Ether, Ester Block Compound, Polycarbonate + Polybutylene, Terephthalate, etc., however, there is no fiberglass.
Some of the panels can be creased, but not dented as metal. They will crack if hit hard enough. The paint will definitely chip.
This make repair a lot less expensive than spot welded metal panels. This also is one of the reasons your insurance is less, than if the vehicle was comprised of Fiberglass, which takes a specialist to repair…correctly. As for holding up in an accident, the frame and impact bars around the vehicle, under the plastic, is what really protects you in an accident. Yes, the panels will break in an accident, but metal panels will just fold up like the top of a Sardine can.
Saturn’s vertical panels are comprised of ABS+PC, PA+PPE, ELP TOP, PC, PETP and ASA, while the horizontal panels are steel. (One year Saturn did use a plastic roof on their station wagons.) Primarily, Saturn’s panels are considered Polymer and are a heck of a lot more flexible than the SMC, and RRIM used on the Corvette vertical side panels. In addition, Saturn utilizes a more flexible paint for their panels, so you will not get the spidering in the paint if the panel is hit and flexes. While on the Vette, you can get the spidering due to the stiffer panels and lack of flexible type paint on the panels. (The front and rear fascias on the Vette have flexible paint; this is due to the flexible fascias used on the Vette.)
You can put a Saturn panel on the floor and jump on it all day long, and it will not break and the paint will not spider…try that on a Vette.
Then again, the Saturn is a small car with a little engine; whereas the Vette is a larger car, a true sports car, has a big engine, goes like hell, and is a heck of a lot more fun to drive. Just stay away from the shopping carts.
