Recommended materials for console build

Shine,

You gave great advise on the materials needed for the recoring of the hatch on my old Rampone. Thank you. It is working great and was relatively easy to accomplish.

The next project I'm working on is a new console. I have built the shape out of PlasCore expanded PVC board and am now ready to start laying 'glass.

My questions are:
1. What glass should I use? Matt would give a better finish on the outside to fair and paint. The different fabrics would be stronger. My initial thoughts are a layer of light fabric on the outside and then matt to finish. On the inside, another layer of fabric to give strength.
2. What chemicals to use? I understand Matt requires polyester resin. Can I mix epoxy and polyester? (I've heard that is a no go.)
3. Do you have the materials in stock? I will be picking up a new fuel tank in Canaveral late this week or early next and can stop by to collect them.

Sorry I didnt see this earlier.  I replied to your email with this:

joel wrote:
The console looks great.  

For glass, I would not be shy.  I would probably use 2 layers 1708 on the outside, and a little less on the inside. A lot depends on what type of resin you plan to use.  If your using epoxy, then you can use different glass on the inside (less mat).  Reason for using so much glass on the outside is for compression from the attachments.  There would be plenty of strength with less glass, but it could buckle with the top.

Where the top will mount to the console, you can either replace the plascore with a high density foam, or you can use large backing plates (or both).  There is a tremendous amount of stress in those places.  

Joel

Now that I responded, I will get automatic notifications when you post something