Quote (IB0T @ Jul 24 2013 07:14pm)
Since early 80s as far as i know without doing reasearch
But yes
No... not even close
The C6 (non-Z06 model) body is made of five distinct plastic materials, all of which are technologically advanced and chosen for their particular application on the car
polyurethane (rear fascia and grill)
polyester (hood, doors, and hatch lid)
SMC or sheet molding compound, which is a thermoset fiberglass (rear fenders)
mica-reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM) (front fenders)polycarbonate (targa top on the coupe)
And more
"Plastic" is a poor generalization for the RRIM and SMC panels in use on the Corvette (C6 and also C5).Reinforced RIM (RRIM)Short glass fibers or mineral fillers (mica, wollastonite and others) can be added to the polyol blend to produce reinforced RIM (RRIM) parts with enhanced stiffness and heat performance. A high-quality surface finish also is possible with RRIM parts, which are relatively easy to paint. This process is used most frequently to produce automotive exterior parts, from body panels to fascia to side moldings.SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) are fibre reinforced composite materials which primarily consist of inorganic ingredients. The organic plastics content is less than 30 per cent by weight: unsaturated polyester resin, a thermosetting resin, which cures by means of a cross-linking reaction. Fibre glass reinforcement guarantee superior mechanical properties. Additional additives like low-profile components, fillers, release agents, catalyst, process additives etc. are used to enhance the performance or processing of the material.