MDF for inside car

[dmx]

Hi All
finally i found this excellent forum
i'm looking to build small additional dashboard section to sit around my center panel in car.
after tried using fiber glass and carbon fiber (half way works, and been abandon due to un-suitable style), now i'm looking to build using MDF. final result would be smooth matt finish black.

yes, i already looked and searched in this forum, how to work with mdf (sealing and painting).
but i still have a few issue here :
the project need 2 parts of mdf to be joined.
1. the edge of cutted mdf need to be sealed.
* can i seal just with automotive spray can primer ? (spray, 2 coat - sand - spray again)
*or using polyester fiberglass and sand it ?
*or using a special mdf primer ???
pic : PART B

2. now about the joint
* how to make it "disappeared" ?
* can i use car body filler ?
* it would bond to the mdf ?
* or using polyester ???
pic. PART C

3. after no1 and no 2 done, would pic. PART A be the same texture with PART B after all ?

picture (this is not my project,but similiar), and please pretend using MDF



Thanks so much in advance !!!

ps. his final result :

[Master Splinter]

I'd use epoxy resin as glue, filler and seam sealer for MDF in a car - it'll give you the best bet at not having any cracks open up over time. It takes automotive paints well, too.

[GSRocket]

I'll second the epoxy resin. I usally use the boat builders "International" brand. West System is also a well known brand.
I put a little bit of thinners in the primer coat. The end result produces a very hard and durable finish. There a variety of fillers available to make glues and sanding fillers.
It takes a bit of experience to get use to. I think it would be perfectly suited to what
you are doing but be prepared to do it over a few times if you want it perfect.
Be warned, it can be difficult stuff till you get use to it.
Ah yes! Welcom to the forum. Very helpful people here.

[dmx]

thanks for the all sugestions.
so i have to use epoxy resin as a glue, sealer.
1. how about for primer coat ? use the same epoxy resin ?
2. are they available in spray can ? (for primer coat application)
or at least, can i put into spray can ? (normally at auto paint shop, they mix the paint and they can put into spray can)

FYI. i found west system info :
West System Epoxy Resin Kit - 1.2Ltr (eBay item 380218258191 end time 19-Nov-10 13:32:43 AEDST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats

3. any other place to get this stuff, GSRocket ? in Newcastle ? i travel to Newcastle every week.

Thanks again.

[Master Splinter]

Just cover the MDF in epoxy, let it set, give it a sand and then spray it with spray putty or your undercoat if the finish is fine enough.

You can't spray it from a can - it's too thick (and it should not be thinned), and you have about 20 minutes until it starts getting thicker. You can roller it on, let it set and sand it. Check the West Epoxy website for all the tips.

Note that epoxy is not like polyester - your mixing amounts have to be accurate.

Any marine/boating shop will probably have a few choices of epoxy. The boatbuilders here seem to go for West or Botecote so keep your eye out for those.

Put the epoxy on both sides so there is no chance of any moisture wicking into the MDF and causing it to distort or swell over time.

[GSRocket]

thanks for the all sugestions.
so i have to use epoxy resin as a glue, sealer.
1. how about for primer coat ? use the same epoxy resin ?

Yes. I use the epoxy thinned out so that it soaks right in.

2. are they available in spray can ? (for primer coat application)
or at least, can i put into spray can ? (normally at auto paint shop, they mix the pa

Pretty sure not possible

3. any other place to get this stuff, GSRocket ? in Newcastle ? i travel to Newcastle every week.

BIAS Boating has the "International" brand. Two stores that I know of......
Belmont and Newcastle. Addresses here BIAS Store Locations
I've always used International but reading about BoteCote I think I'll give it a go.
Because its ratio of 1 to 1 hardener to resin, it would make it very easy to
get the correct mix when mixing tiny amounts

[ian]

dmx

I presume you know that if the driver can see that DVD screen, the vehicle is automaticly no longer roadworthy?

[stollznow]

i dont know about the black letter legality of video screens visible to the driver, but i have just put a new dashboard in my old car with a multi-function hifi, tv, video etc with a 7" screen right in the middle, and had no problem when i took it for a rego inspection.

alexander.

[dmx]

Thanks guys for all the infos
i will start it next week, and will update you soon !!!
FYI. not sure about dvd screen in car related to car road worthy, but i just want to put the GPS screen