CF hood for daily driver?

[MP5driva03]

This may be a stupid question, but I had to ask...do those of you who have carbon fiber hoods (whether it's DG Motorsports, etc.) keep them on for daily driving? To be honest, the only time I have ever seen a real CF hood on a car is in shows; I have never seen one on the road. It seems like the people on this forum know what they are talking about and also like to take care of their cars, so I figured that daily driving could probably bang up a CF hood pretty bad if the driver isn't careful.

Just curious, really.

Chandler

 

[Equinox]

I suggest using a hood protector from a car bra kit, and get the hood clear coated at a body shop, that way you can wax it and keep it in good condition

 

[Familia323]

I don't have one yet. However 4 of my friends do. Their cars are practically all go and little show. Their hoods do fine, and they have had them for over a year. The only thing I would worry about are rocky roads, hail, and retarded friends that sit on your hood. Other than that I dont think it should be any different from a stock hood..(just a little more fragile however)

 

[melicha8]

Also watch about too much sun exposure. Hoods have been known to fade after a while

 

[Equinox]

Also watch about too much sun exposure. Hoods have been known to fade after a while

yeah they will fade unless you wax them, then it will keep em from fading.. but the wax will yellow out the carbon fiber... which is why you clear coat it, then wax it.

 

[Familia323]

yeah they will fade unless you wax them, then it will keep em from fading.. but the wax will yellow out the carbon fiber... which is why you clear coat it, then wax it.

thanks for the tip.. I'll keep that in mind

 

[MP5driva03]

wow, that's alot more care than I would have guessed...anything for my Mazda tho. Sounds worth it, but will rocks from the highway destroy the hood at all? I know rocks leave awful chips and marks all over my front bumber after using 95...it sux, but I wondered whether the CF hoods were more durable or not.

 

[2K3 MSP]

I have one on my Civc, and aside from the fact that it is fading pretty bad(i never had it coated), it holds up well to damage. My car is pretty low, I race whenever i drive it, and i tailgate a lot(I know, flame me)...Anyways, with all the abuse i put that car through, the hood has held up quite well. I am pleased with it. I will definately be looking into one for the MSP soon.

 

[MP5driva03]

so they are worth it then?

 

[brokemp3]

there is no way wax is going to get past the gelcoat , cf hoods are not as fragile as the stock hood they are alot stronger

 

[APEXistud]

Carbon Fiber hoods shouldn't fade and if they do. Then there is a problem, my roomate Subywan has had his CF hood on his wagon for going on 2 years pretty soon and his hasn't faded a bit and that's under california sun too.

 

[2K3 MSP]

Mine is under this wonderful CA sun as well, and I can tell you that yes, it has faded. I'm not saying all will fade. If you get a good quality hood it should last for a long time. Mine wasn't the best quality obviously. Now, most companies give warranties against UV damage, and stuff like that. Just take your time to shop around, and remember, you get what you pay for

 

[FrigginGLI]

How is the quality of the DGM motorsports one?

 

[Natey]

Wheelguru's MP3. It's got a c/f hood and he drives the crap out of the thing! (burnout)

 

[MP5driva03]

what's the best CF hood for the price, look, etc.? I guess I'm sorta on a budget, so yeah...

 

[Natey]

The Fiber Images ones look exactly like the stock ones, except c/f. No scoops or bulges or anything. I'm not sure of the price, but autornd has them. That's a Fiber Images hood on wheelguru's car.