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Carbon Fiber Hoods

Messages
45
Likes
9
Location
Pittsburgh
#1
The previous owner of my car didn't take good care of the hood. Somehow there are scratches and swirls all in the paint, so I'm thinking about replacing it with a carbon fiber piece... Or maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to buy one.

Either way I'm wondering how easy these are to install? Is it DIY or should I take it to a shop? Any recommendations on which hood to buy to best fitment and appearance?
 


green_henry

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,028
Likes
757
Location
Pleasant Hill, CA
#2
I replaced the trunk lid on my Acura TSX with a carbon fiber lid from VIS. The install was easy and should be a lot easier for a hood (no need to drill holes for the brake lights and such). At first I was pleased with the results, but it wasn't very long before the gel coat got cloudy and then started cracking.[thumbdown] If you are able to garage your car, your results should be better, but it's definitely higher maintenance than an OEM/painted lid.
 


Messages
33
Likes
11
Location
Amarillo
#3
My thought was to get a carbon fiber hood then take it to a local body shop and have them do a clear coat over it. Is that a viable solution?
 


green_henry

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,028
Likes
757
Location
Pleasant Hill, CA
#4
My thought was to get a carbon fiber hood then take it to a local body shop and have them do a clear coat over it. Is that a viable solution?
The gel coat that came on my VIS trunk lid is pretty thick; I don't think clear coat would make any difference. I live in the Bay Area where it can be relatively cool in the morning and then scorching in the afternoon -- i think that's what caused the cracking, and that's why I wouldn't recommend carbon fiber unless you have covered parking available during the day.
 


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