FAQ

Cloudy white spots on carbon fiber hoods often result from environmental factors and a lack of proper maintenance. Here’s a detailed exploration of the common causes and how to prevent them, particularly for those involved in aftermarket modifications like carbon fiber hoods:

Environmental Exposure

1. UV Damage: Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can degrade the resin in carbon fiber, causing it to turn cloudy or milky over time. Applying a high-quality UV-resistant clear coat can significantly reduce this risk and preserve the appearance of the hood.

2. Moisture Penetration: Moisture can enter the resin through micro-cracks or imperfections, leading to cloudy spots, especially in regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Ensuring the hood is properly sealed and protected against moisture infiltration is crucial.

3. Chemical Exposure: Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as road salts and certain cleaning agents, can react adversely with the resin, causing discoloration and cloudiness. It’s important to minimize contact with such chemicals and to clean any residues promptly.

Maintenance and Usage

1. Improper Cleaning: Using abrasive cleaners or tools can scratch the surface of the carbon fiber, leading to a cloudy appearance. It's essential to use non-abrasive, carbon fiber-specific cleaning products and soft microfiber cloths to maintain the hood’s finish.

2. Wax and Polish Residue: Incorrect waxing or polishing products can leave residues that result in a cloudy look. Always use products specifically formulated for carbon fiber to avoid adverse chemical reactions and maintain clarity.

3. Physical Damage: Impacts, stress, or improper handling can cause micro-cracks or delamination in the resin, resulting in white spots. Regular inspection and careful handling are necessary to identify and address these issues before they become significant problems.

Lack of Maintenance

1. Neglecting Regular Cleaning: Failing to regularly clean the carbon fiber hood can allow dirt, grime, and other contaminants to build up, which can lead to discoloration and cloudiness. Consistent cleaning using the right products can prevent these issues.

2. Ignoring Protective Coatings: Skipping the application of protective coatings, such as UV-resistant clear coats, can leave the resin vulnerable to environmental damage. Regularly applying these coatings is essential to protect the hood from UV rays and other harmful elements.

3. Delayed Repairs: Postponing repairs for minor damages like scratches or micro-cracks can lead to more severe issues, including cloudy spots. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further deterioration.

Additional Protective Measures

1. Ceramic Coating: Applying a ceramic coating to the carbon fiber hood can provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays, moisture, and chemical exposure. Ceramic coatings are highly durable and help maintain the hood's glossy finish while making it easier to clean.

2. Paint Protection Film (PPF): Installing a paint protection film can shield the carbon fiber hood from physical damage, such as stone chips, scratches, and minor impacts. PPF is transparent and self-healing, ensuring long-lasting protection without altering the hood's appearance.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

1. UV Protection: Regularly apply a high-quality UV-resistant clear coat to shield the resin from sun damage.

2. Proper Cleaning: Use non-abrasive, carbon fiber-friendly cleaning products and soft microfiber cloths to clean the hood, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.

3. Regular Inspection: Frequently inspect the hood for signs of damage or discoloration and address them promptly.

4. Appropriate Waxing Products: Ensure the use of waxes and polishes specifically designed for carbon fiber to avoid any chemical incompatibilities.

5. Ceramic Coating: Consider applying a ceramic coating for enhanced protection against UV rays, moisture, and contaminants.

6. Paint Protection Film (PPF): Install a paint protection film to protect against physical damage and maintain the hood's appearance.

Repairing Cloudy Spots

1. Polishing: Minor cloudy spots can often be polished out using a fine-grit polishing compound and a soft cloth. This should be done carefully to avoid further damage.

2. Resin Repair: For more severe discoloration, sanding down the affected area and reapplying a clear resin or clear coat might be necessary to restore the hood’s appearance.

3. Professional Assistance: In cases of extensive damage, seeking professional help from a carbon fiber specialist is advisable. They can ensure the repair is performed correctly, preserving both the aesthetic and structural integrity of the hood.

By understanding these factors and prioritizing proper maintenance, aftermarket carbon fiber hood enthusiasts can prevent and address cloudy white spots, ensuring their hoods remain visually appealing and durable.

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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Avoid Using Stock or Aftermarket Struts or Springs

Gas struts, tension rods, and springs are powerful devices designed to help you easily open and lift heavy factory-installed (OEM) hoods, trunks, and hatches. These original parts are built to handle specific weights and strengths.

When you replace OEM parts with aftermarket composite parts—like lighter hoods, trunks, or hatches—they might not be as strong or rigid as the originals. The standard gas struts, tension rods, or springs may apply too much pressure for these lighter components to handle.

Our Recommendation:

• Do Not Use Stock or Aftermarket Struts or Springs with Aftermarket Composite Parts
  • We strongly advise against using both stock and aftermarket struts, tension rods, or springs with your new composite components. The excessive pressure they exert can damage the parts.

Potential Issues You May Encounter If Struts or Springs Are Used:

• Bulging or Warping: The aftermarket part may start to deform or bulge out of shape.
• Cracking: In more severe cases, the excessive pressure can cause the part to crack.

What to Do If You Notice These Problems:

1. Remove the Struts, Rods, or Springs Immediately:

   • To prevent further damage, take off the gas struts, tension rods, or springs as soon as you see any signs of bulging or cracking.

2. Fixing Minor Deformations:

   • Apply Heat and Weight to the Affected Area:
     • Place a heavy object (like a weight or heavy book) on the deformed spot.
     • Protect the Surface: Before placing the object, lay down a towel or soft cloth on the part to prevent scratches or additional damage.
   • Use Sunlight for Gentle Heating:
     • Leave the setup under direct sunlight for several days.
     • The warmth from the sun will slightly soften the composite material.
   • Allow the Part to Reshape:
     • The combination of heat and weight can help the part gradually return to its original shape.

Please Note:

• Act Quickly: This method works best if you address the issue promptly after noticing it.
• Why This Works: The heat makes the composite material more pliable, and the weight encourages it to mold back into shape—all without the need for professional repairs.

Preventative Measures:

• Avoid Using Struts, Rods, or Springs with Aftermarket Composite Parts:
  • Since these components are not designed to handle the pressure exerted by struts, rods, or springs, it's best not to use them.
• Consult a Professional:
  • If you need assistance opening or lifting your aftermarket parts, consult with a professional to explore alternative solutions that are compatible with your new components.

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.

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.