Yes the actual fiberglass bumper is much more flexible than the mold. The mold has 9 layers of fiberglass plus bracing compared to the first bumper which will be 2 or 3 layers. There will be a lot more give to get it out of the mold. It’s also a learning process, my hoods are made with a 4 piece mold. At first I used to disassemble the whole mold to release a completed hood. Now because I’ve learned where to apply pressure (plastic wedges) I don’t even unbolt the front section.
Well I started laying up the first bumper from the new mold. It's a learning experience! You have to decide where you start laying glass, you put it in one area but then it gets in the way when you do another area. That's where I was today. I'll readjust where I start tomorrow for the next layer. I may have to lean the mold up on it's side to get at the little area on the ends where the bumper bends around the side. Wet fiberglass does not like to hang upside down! So here's a few pics; 1) PVA and clay all applied and ready 2) gel coat sprayed into the mold and 3) the first layer of glass applied. Tomorrow I'll rough trim it and then add at least one more layer. I may do 2 layers and then once I pull the part, if it seems too thin, I'll lay another up another part with a 3rd layer.
Well this picture doesn’t look much different but it does have the second layer of glass applied. I tried working the ends on a different angle and it’s still a pain in the rear. I have to come up with something different. I did refine the logistics of where I started and finished on the mold though so that was a plus. Tomorrow disassemble the mold and see how much the bumper fights me getting it to release! This first bumper is a test case.
