FAQ

Installing aftermarket carbon fiber hoods is a task best handled by professionals at a reputable body shop due to the precision required in the installation process. This may include making necessary adjustments such as enlarging the existing holes for windshield nozzles or the mounting points for the underside heat shield. Additionally, modifying the hood latch mounting holes to be oval-shaped can provide further alignment flexibility. The body shop will also be responsible for transferring all vital mounting components, such as latches, windshield nozzles, and hinges from the original hood. These modifications are typical in custom bodywork and should not be misconstrued as signs of a defective product.

Manufacturing Process: Carbon fiber hoods are meticulously handcrafted using a complex process that involves layering carbon fibers and applying a resin to bind them. Despite rigorous quality controls, minor imperfections can occur due to the nature of this manufacturing process.

Aesthetic Variation: Due to the individualized manufacturing process, each carbon fiber hood is unique, often displaying slight variations that enhance its distinctiveness and character. These imperfections, such as variations in the fiber pattern or minor blemishes, are generally considered to be part of the aesthetic appeal of carbon fiber and are not viewed as defects.

Functionality and Durability: It is important to recognize that these aesthetic imperfections do not typically affect the hood’s functionality or its structural integrity. Carbon fiber is highly valued for its lightweight properties, impressive strength, and durability. Therefore, common issues like slight waves in the weave, small bubbles, or minor imperfections in the clear coat are inherent to the material and are not valid reasons for returns or exchanges.

Understanding these aspects can help set realistic expectations when purchasing and installing a carbon fiber hood, emphasizing its unique attributes and robust performance capabilities.

Our Grade "A" carbon fiber hoods are unrivaled in quality within the industry. Each hood features a robust carbon fiber framework that ensures strength and durability. The exterior is meticulously hand-laid with carbon fiber and coated with multiple layers of clear resin, culminating in a high-gloss finish that outshines competing products. This finish is further protected by a epoxy resin coating that shields the hood from sun damage, preventing the fading and yellowing commonly seen with other hoods. On the underside, the hood boasts a reinforced fiberglass structure, neatly covered with a seamless fiberglass layer that replicates a clean, factory appearance. For an even more polished aesthetic, we offer double-sided carbon fiber hoods, where the framework itself is also encased in carbon fiber.

Fiberglass body kits are crafted through a meticulous process that starts with design and prototype creation. Designers first conceptualize the kit, then create a full-scale model, usually from clay or foam, to refine the design. Once the model is finalized, a mold is made by applying a release agent to the prototype and covering it with layers of fiberglass and resin, which then cure to form a negative replica of the part.

The actual body kit parts are made by laying fiberglass mats into the mold, then coating them with resin. This process is repeated to build up the part's thickness, ensuring air bubbles are removed for uniformity and strength. After curing, the part is removed from the mold, trimmed, and any excess material is sanded away for a smooth finish. Holes for mounting are drilled, and the part undergoes a final inspection before being primed and painted, ready for installation on a vehicle. This method allows for the creation of lightweight, durable components that can significantly alter a vehicle's aesthetics and aerodynamics.

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Gas struts and tension rods are designed to exert significant pressure to facilitate the opening and lifting of heavier Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) hoods, trunks, and hatches. These OEM components are calibrated for specific rigidity and weight, which may not align with the properties of aftermarket composite parts. Aftermarket parts generally do not possess the same tensile strength as OEM parts and are thus less capable of withstanding the high pressure exerted by standard struts or rods. This discrepancy can lead to fitment problems, manifesting as bulging or, in more severe cases, cracking of the aftermarket components.

If you notice such fitment issues, it is critical to remove the struts or rods immediately to halt further damage. For minor deformations, a remedial technique involves the application of heat and weight. This method includes placing a heavy object on the affected area—ensuring there is a protective layer, like a towel, between the object and the composite part—and allowing it to sit under direct sunlight for several days. This approach utilizes the heat to soften the composite material slightly, allowing the weight to help reshape and potentially reverse the deformation, provided it hasn’t been left too long without intervention. This technique exploits the thermal expansion properties and viscoelastic behavior of composite materials to correct deformations non-invasively.

Items sold by VIS Racing Sports Inc. ("VIS") may not be legal for street use in all states and none of the parts from our company are DOT approved. It is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with applicable state laws. All fiberglass or carbon fiber parts have no warranty. All goods are sold as is unless otherwise specified. There are no other warranties, express, implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Installation of all aftermarket hoods requires the expertise of a professional body shop. This process may involve adjusting latches, hooks, or fenders, among other components, as part of the standard installation procedure. Additionally, modification may be necessary, including drilling out stock holes for windshield nozzles and mounting holes for the underside heat shield. In certain cases, it may also be necessary to ovalize the hood latch mounting holes to allow for more adjustment. The body shop will also need to transfer all essential mounting hardware, such as latches, windshield nozzles, and hinges. It is recommended to apply loctite to all mounting hardware and recheck during each oil change for optimal safety.

These tasks are considered typical bodywork and installation steps; any resulting issues are not indicative of a defective item. Furthermore, all hoods require hood pins for safety reasons and cannot sustain any force or weight on the surface, as this could result in cracking.

Fiberglass parts (including body kits, hoods, and trunks) are manufactured using hand-laid techniques, which are more labor-intensive but result in superior fiberglass quality. These parts come with a primer finish, which can be sanded and painted. Sanding, trimming, cutting, shaving, refilling, remolding, and potentially removing reinforcement bars or shock absorbers may be necessary to ensure proper fitment and finish. It is essential to pre-fit all aftermarket fiberglass parts onto the car before painting and installation.

Using a carbon fiber hood instead of a traditional steel hood can lead to weight savings. Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material commonly used in automotive applications to reduce the overall weight of vehicles, which can improve performance and fuel efficiency.

The amount of weight saved by using a carbon fiber hood depends on various factors such as the size and design of the hood, as well as the specific materials used in its construction. However, in general, carbon fiber hoods can be significantly lighter than their steel counterparts.

For example, a typical steel hood for a car might weigh around 30 to 40 pounds, whereas a carbon fiber hood designed to fit the same vehicle could weigh as little as 18 to 23 pounds  or even less, depending on the design and construction.

Adjustment is a standard requirement for any hood installation. Aftermarket hoods or trunks may not fit exactly like OEM parts. However, any gaps present can typically be corrected through meticulous adjustment.

To achieve proper alignment (whether reinstalling your factory hood or installing an aftermarket one), it's necessary to loosen (but not remove) all bolts attaching the hood to the hinges initially. Once this step is completed, close the hood and check for excessive tension on the front latch. If tension is detected, loosen the latch and adjust it until the hood closes smoothly, similar to a factory hood.

Avoid dropping the hood to close it by gravity or applying excessive pressure to the front latch area. Instead, use gentle pressure with your palm over the latch area until it securely latches into place. This careful approach ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of damage during closure. If you lack experience with installation, it's advisable to seek the assistance of a Professional Aftermarket Body Shop.

Aftermarket trunks might not exactly match the specifications of your car's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. As a result, you may notice differences in size and alignment, which could lead to a more pronounced gap between the trunk and your car's body compared to the original factory trunk.

To achieve the best possible fit, it's essential to meticulously adjust the trunk. Aim for an even alignment on both sides to ensure that the trunk not only looks integrated but also functions properly. Correct alignment helps maintain the car's aesthetic appeal and ensures that the trunk operates smoothly without any issues.

We highly recommend using a heatshield to protect your carbon fiber hood from several heat-related damages. Carbon fiber, while strong and lightweight, is susceptible to the high temperatures typically generated by engine operation. Without a heatshield, this heat can lead to discoloration and yellowing of the hood's surface, diminishing its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, prolonged exposure to heat can cause the resin in the carbon fiber to weaken, leading to cracking and bubbling. These issues not only affect the appearance of the hood but can also compromise its structural integrity. By installing a heatshield, you effectively shield the hood from excessive heat, thus preserving both its looks and functionality.