Ice+Curb=sad Evo
Duraflex is just a different type of fiberglass, it has plastic polymers in it to make it a bit more flexible. Other than that, it chips just like fiberglass and cracks the clear coat when stones hit it. It still has the typical gel coat over top, so even though it's more "flexible" it doesn't really make it more durable.
My advice to you? Check the car top to bottom for frame damage. Whenever a curb is hit, frame damage is very likely. Check to see if the subframe has been damage. You can total a car very easily from smashing into a curb. Check wheel bearings, control arms, and the subrframe, and lastly inspect the frame.
Duraflex is just a different type of fiberglass, it has plastic polymers in it to make it a bit more flexible. Other than that, it chips just like fiberglass and cracks the clear coat when stones hit it. It still has the typical gel coat over top, so even though it's more "flexible" it doesn't really make it more durable.
Yeah if you don't feel comfortable for checking for frame damage I would let a trusted body shop do an inspection. Depending on how hard you hit the curb, the subframe might only need replacing, which is not that big of a deal really. If you hit the curb really hard, the the damage could have been transferred to the unibody, which means its time to sell the car (as a salvage). Good luck!
The price is pretty good compared to a new oem one, however you have to look at the area you live in and the amount of obstacles that are there. I live in the northeast, so there are a ton of rocks and stones and large salt rocks that can be thrown at my car on any given day at any time of the year. I personally wouldn't use one just for that reason in my area. If you live somewhere where you don't have to worry about those things or things like catching the bumper on curbs and such, then you may be just fine running it. Just remember that even though it has *some* flex to it, it won't ever flex as much as the stock poly pieces do.
The other thing to look into is the fitment, I have experience with some of ED's other Duraflex peices, and they never fit 100% right. They all needed some sort of prep work to even get them to fit the way they were supposed to. Hopefully though a stock reproduction piece wouldn't have these issues, but you really never know. You can always call ED and see if they offer a 100% money back guarantee if it doesn't fit right. It may be a hassle but if it doesn't fit at least you wouldn't be out some cash.
The other thing to look into is the fitment, I have experience with some of ED's other Duraflex peices, and they never fit 100% right. They all needed some sort of prep work to even get them to fit the way they were supposed to. Hopefully though a stock reproduction piece wouldn't have these issues, but you really never know. You can always call ED and see if they offer a 100% money back guarantee if it doesn't fit right. It may be a hassle but if it doesn't fit at least you wouldn't be out some cash.
if your car is ok and insurance covers everything i got the carbon fiber bumper from carbontrix i am pretty sure dont have to worry about rock chips. But my friend destroyed mine by giving me directions into his brick patio
Rocks will chip and crack the resin layer in CF and the clear coat if one is applied. The stuff is not indestructible like people like to think it is. Most CF you find on the market for our cars is only a few layers laid over top of fiberglass anyway. If you really want to see what carbon fiber was designed for, take an in-depth look at F1 cars, they're mostly all CF. Usually honeycomb composites that are baked in an autoclave too, the only way to make ultra-strong carbon fiber. Anything else than autoclaved CF is just glorified fiberglass.
just got out from under the car. everything seems good for the most part. Still going to take it to a shop just in case. So far i need a new bumper and one new rim. I think ill find someones used mr rims.
if the front bumper is made out of the stuff as thier video, Everyone in thier right mind would buy that...for under 300$ I mean wtf???? but if you look at the item desc. It says its made out of Fiber glass and im willing to bet that it wont fit for ****.
Sadly ice got the best of me also.. passenger side of the front bumper and the lower lip are all minged up.! Also bent my oil cooler and dented the licp. Noticed some vibrations in the steering wheel but haven't had the chance to throw it on a lift yet..
