*orly_andico
Thanks for starting this relevant topic.
Flat sheetmetal panels need to be at least Ga.16 - as these have a tendency to warp with temp and time - making the shell extra heavy. Any thinner, and bulkheads or framing will be required -- still heavy.
Then, if we rule out dies and stamps as exhorbitant technology, reinforced plastic is a real answer to the weight and cost problem. However, unless you're using carbon fiber, FRP tends to be weaker than desired, so relegated to non-critical surfaces like the hood, rear canopies, and (as in Chok's case) the grille. And if your bumpers are meant-to-be-crumpled, them too.
For Bamboo Reinforced Plastic, read on, pls.

*architect
There are two colleagues who are into bamboo R&D. "Bobby" is the authority on building laminates and Jess C on R.C. uses. In both uses, the bamboo is subjected to tempering and other special processes.

We need to ascertain exactly where the local research stands, particularly if "sheetBRP" is feasible. For it to be useful in the long haul, my gut feel is that the technology should not be too sophisticated.

A possible info source is Ronnie (PROS) - di ba he works near your place? I'm sure they have some material in their library.
Bobby moved to Pque. I can take a sidetrip there sometime this week, pay him a visit if he's in town.

Assuming no full blown R&D program is prerequired, the main concerns as far as body shell is concerned is compressive and flexural strength of "sheetBRP". Bamboo fiber has excellent tensile strength, but is not known for compressive strength. So, before we use it, let's make sure an automotive bamboo laminate shell
(1) can take the forces without deforming,
(2) can take sudden impact, and will bend but not shatter,
(3) will not be too heavy,
(4) will be more economical than glass fiber,
(5) repairability.

On top of that, there is the ecological issue. The mere use of organic fibers does not give a clear advantage to BRP over FRP, ie if the same plastic chemicals are used anyway. That's because the same plastic components would still be a source of hazardous chemicals and "VOC" (volatile organic compounds) emissions. As a precaution, here's a link to "FRP Pollution Prevention Opportunities": http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/p...ad/fibrweb.pdf

*Varga,
Here's a link to the state of the art in reinforced plastics. Self-reinforced PET sounds interesting. Imagine one day shaping a car out of recycled water bottles!
http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/ar...e/product.html
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/59...scription.html
If you can, get a hold of the Discovery Channel VCD on "Future Cars". Available at National Bookstore.
Spyshot: What a "Tawi-Tawi" Beetle would look like. :naughty2: