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Urethane and Polyurethane are almost the same thing when it comes to body parts. This is a softer, rubbery type of material. It also requires additional prepping to paint as paint is reluctant to adhere to it without the proper treatment. This type of material will withstand a mild impact much better than metal or fiberglass materials. Fitment can sometimes be a problem.
Fiberglass is a layered material where the layers are held together by epoxy resin. It harder and more brittle but can be made to fit better. If hit, it can crack or shatter. It's easier to paint.
Lots of "cloned" parts are made of urethane and are cheaper to buy. Note that OEM parts and "authentic" parts are generally made of fiberglass. Fiberglass parts tend to be more expensive as the process to make them is more complicated.
Then there's composite materials and carbon fiber. These are the most expensive of all parts. They tend to be the lightest material and and strongest material (structurally) and can be painted like fiberglass. These materials can withstand a bit more impact but are still more fragile than a urethane part. More care must be taken when manufacturing these parts as shrinkage is more evident and the final part can have gaps and fit poorly.
Then there's composite materials and carbon fiber.
BTW, fiberglass is also a composite material. Glass fiber, carbon fiber, same idea. The fibers provide the tensile strength while the resin provides the stiffness.
Originally Posted by mikegarrison,Mar 15 2006, 12:10 AM
BTW, fiberglass is also a composite material. Glass fiber, carbon fiber, same idea. The fibers provide the tensile strength while the resin provides the stiffness.
wow that was a crazy write up viper, but damn it answered everything. i was wondering the same thing earlier this week too, great answer. your always so helpful viper
wow that was a crazy write up viper, but damn it answered everything. i was wondering the same thing earlier this week too, great answer. your always so helpful viper
lol, I know. Everything he writes should get stickied. It ALWAYS helps
For a car that is daily driven, you really do NOT want fibeglass parts. In the long run, you will spend more money fixing your fiberglass bumpers and stuff, than you would have fitting urethane. People will argue, but for lips, bumpers, sideskirts, etc, urethane are MUCH better than fiberglass, provided you fit them properly.
Here is an example....these pictures were taken in November.
This lip dangled from my car for about 25 miles, being dragged on the road. Later that night, the driver's side corner was run over by the driver's side tire. Look at it now, looks brand new. I didnt fill holes, didnt need to repair anything, just smooth it out a bit. Good luck doing that with fiberglass. With today's roads and traffic, I wouldnt have any fiberglass parts on my car is i could help it (not hardtops)
