DIY Carbon Hoods

[fallen86]

This is a bit of a continuation of this thread started by Voodoojar: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=98501" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you want the whole detail on my shifter tuning adventure you can read about it on my blog here: http://www.the-climb.net/2012/03/sram-f ... rdown.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyways, I thought I'd share my little project as I haven't seen this done yet and I've been inspired by many projects on here.

I wanted a light weight hood that's strong, long lasting, and grippy. Basically It's a ghetto version of the BTP hoods. I've used carbon fabric as that's what i have but I'd imagine it working with any fabric to be honest. The rubber acts as the resin and supplies the tackiness and flex that's required. Unfortunately, the stuff isn't flexible enough to slip on and off so I had to use a tying method to install it. It feels great and should wear quite well.

I'll let the pictures do the talking as its quite simple to follow. (i couldn't be as concise with my process as it take a quick hand so I didn't have time to take pics of every step). Let me know if you have any questions.

[mentok]

wow. lovely stuff. will have to keep this in mind if i ever damage my current hoods.

I actually really like the lacing

[Frankie - B]

Ah, great to see some one tinkering again. Please keep up the good work.

[pawnii]

fantastic

[cloudnine]

That's sweet!

[EpicRide]

Beautiful - thank you for sharing

[lalahsghost]

Would there be any way to forego the cloth/fiber and still dip while protecting the shift lever mechanisms?

Ex: Using a light spray tack adhesive (to keep the protective layer "stuck, but removable"), then one sheet of saran wrap (to protect the internals) or something, then dip into the rubber stuff and clip away at the unwanted materials...

P.S. OP: What is that garmin mount you are using?

[fallen86]

Thanks for the warm reception guys.

Would there be any way to forego the cloth/fiber and still dip while protecting the shift lever mechanisms?

Ex: Using a light spray tack adhesive (to keep the protective layer "stuck, but removable"), then one sheet of saran wrap (to protect the internals) or something, then dip into the rubber stuff and clip away at the unwanted materials...

P.S. OP: What is that garmin mount you are using?

Yea you can do that but in order to make it strong enough to be safely removable for assembly you'd need to make it rather thick and that might ruin your weight savings. I hope I've understood your question right, let me know if i've missed.

The garmin mount is my own, I plan on posting it here once I test it and arrive at a suitable design.

[lalahsghost]

My idea, which I may to do a pair of Dia-Compe levers for experimentation would be to:

1.) Remove original hoods.
2.) Lightly spray lever bodies with spray-tack adhesive.
3.) Wrap lever with one layer of saran wrap.
4.) Spray with the Rubber Dip aerosol, and let dry. Repeat if necessary.
5.) Cut away excess.
6.) Done!

This way there is a MINIMUM amount of layering, and material, essentially preventing the gaping holes in the lever bodies to be exposed, while still giving a place to ?comfortably? grip.

It would be questionable if cable maintenance/replacement would be viable with such a minimum amount, without it warping or ripping.

Once they get grimey/gross/worn out, you would make an incision and remove the whole thing and start again. Would the weight savings of omitting the carbon fiber be worth it?

[kregg]

Wow. Nice work. I'd like to do similar for my Wahoo iPhone case.

[fallen86]

In reply to lalahsghost, yes that would work great because the diacompe hoods dont need to be removed for installation. If you can figure out a way to not have to use saran wrap, the plastidip sticks well but also comes off very cleanly, so that might be a simpler and cleaner process.

in reply to kregg: It' should work out fine but the stuff is rather tacky and wont slide in and out of your pant pockets too well. unless you use a.. satchel?

[53x12]

Very nice. Kinda reminds me of tilquist's project for the Garmin. Different designs for the two but both seem to get the work done quite well.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28122&start=105

[eric01]

That Garmin mount is nice! Deserves its own thread!

[kregg]

Yeah. I meant the mount not the dip. Lol.

[fallen86]

That Garmin mount is nice! Deserves its own thread!

I take back my satchel remark

Very nice. Kinda reminds me of tilquist's project for the Garmin. Different designs for the two but both seem to get the work done quite well.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28122&start=105" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes! i'm a big fan of his design, i think it'll be a lot stronger than my current setup but I'll have to use mine to see.