Building a mold-less body with ABS is something new to us so a few unexpected problems were expected. Everything was going well until I sprayed two coats of EVA mold release. First coat was a light tack and the second much heavier. Prior to using EVA, I asked the supplier if it would react negatively with ABS. He said no problem (where have you heard that before?) so we proceeded. Well, EVA does react mildly to ABS in that it softens and swells it some. After just two coats, large distortions began forming and those of us involved in this project were noticeably bummed. Now what do we do? After a period of discussion, we decided to be good Boy Scouts and do nothing until the next day. It was a cool night, around 40 degrees, and I hoped that would help shrink these distortions out of the ABS. Cool air or just more drying time, all distortions were gone by morning and our positive countenance returned.
I post this in case others try this method. I must say that when observing these distortions, we darn near tore everything apart. A little patience went a long, long way and returned the project to normal. Tomorrow we are supposed to experience 70 degrees and a good day to lay up fiberglass. Now, I hope epoxy resin plays nice with an EVA coated ABS.
John
