23 replies to this topic

[WillTheThri11]

Thanks @Old Crow this is good information.  

 

Aaron at FWC will hopefully be getting back to me soon with what the exact thermo-lite board model number they use is.  I'm thinking it's the tough-lite based on the posts you shared.

 

Do you happen to know the thickness of the composite panels?  I've seen elsewhere that there appears to be a step cut in the edge of the panel for the hinge to set in.  I'm guessing that means it is thicker than the 0.160" wood they used to use.  It looks like the thermo-lite starts at 0.25" so I'm hoping it's the same stuff and not a custom thickness.

 

Kyle at Space Age Synthetics gave me their list of distributors(I'm lucky to be in Southern California with two of them not too far away):

 

 

USA 48 and Canada:

 

Carbon-Core – Troy, VA

http://www.carbon-core.com/

(434) 510-7115

Mermaid Marine – Charlottetown, PEI

https://www.mermaidmarine.com/

(902) 566-1220

Merritt – Pompano Beach & West Palm Beach, FL

https://www.merrittsupply.com/

(954) 946 – 5350

Johnson Fiberglass – Houston TX

http://www.johnsonfiberglassinc.com/

(713) 946-8426

Applied Plastic Machining – Portland, OR

https://www.appliedp...smachining.com/

(503) 232-5056

Fiberglass Hawaii – Ventura, CA

https://shop.fiberglasshawaii.com/

(805) 644-0009

Composites One

Multi-location, check website for nearest.

https://www.compositesone.com/

North American Composites

Multi-location, check website for nearest.

https://www.nacomposites.com/

Hawaii:

 

Riddle Boat Works – Kona

http://riddleboatworks.com/

(808) 769-4101

Fiberglass Hawaii – Oahu & Maui

https://shop.fiberglasshawaii.com/

(808) 847-3951

Mexico:

Australia:

AP Solutions

https://www.apsolutions.com.mx/site

+52 (222) 211 7030

Constructive Composites Australia

Serving Australia and New Zealand

https://www.ccaboards.com.au/

0402 010 599

[WillTheThri11]

Ok update...found out from FWC now that the material is Thermo-lite Core layup with E skin(elephant skin)

 

Got a quote of $53 per part (.25” x 24”x 60”) plus shipping. 

 

Unfortunately there was a 40 pc min buy...guessing there wouldn't be enough interest for a group buy here?

[Desheezy]

I found a MUCH easier alternative using EMT conduit, thanks to "Living the Dream" and his genius build:

http://www.wanderthe...-project/page-3

 

 

See the instructional video HERE:

[WillTheThri11]

I've seen that...was hoping to keep it with a stock look, but that would be a lot cheaper.  I think Jayco uses something similar to that.  I'm kinda curious why FWC has kept this design since the beginning and if there are any drawbacks to the EMT style design.  Seems pretty light weight and simple, you just don't get the help from the torsion springs in the piano hinge style.  Which honestly could be part of their problem (putting stress on the rivets in the wrong direction when the roof is stowed).