Carbon Fiber hood worries?!?

[james13]

I have always loved the look of the carbon fiber hoods. But recently people have been getting them on their cars in town and i find the same problem with all of them!

The long fender edges of the hood don't come close to the fender like the oem hood. Is this just sticking out because the hood is a different color and it stands out more? or is it just poor fitment on the hoods part.

I have seen the hoods on a 96 eclipse and a new style tiberoun(sp?) and both were VIS in brand.

Any other worries to be aware of before going ahead with a purchase?

thanks

-james

 

[9D9 MITSU RS]

When in doubt, just don't. I wouldn't do anything I didn't trust. My hood has been fine except for the heat starting to crack the vent area some. VIS will not stand behind their "Grade A" hoods. :thumbdown

 

[theboogieman]

I do NOT make hoods but from what I have noticed it seems that every company seems to do something different with their product and the way it is made...of course some better than others.

So far I liked my Fiber Images hood best. Lasted a long time, stayed well glossed and lasted a few years until I FORGOT to latch down my pins and it blew away!!! Fender edges lined up fine with no big gaps, nice gel coat and straight weave. And yes the color contrast will play tricks on ya' regarding that. Best hood so far IMHO.

I liked the looks of VIS hoods but have seen 2 of them split (the "under-skeleton" from the top layer). It is too bad because as far as looks VIS is one of, if not the best. Just the lasting quality is very "iffy" from hood to hood. Just my observation.

The Pro Street hood I have currently has now begun to show some air pockets under the gel....looked excellent for about a year though, really starting to look like ass now though. Also the under skeleton is one solid fiberglass skin. They do NOT cut out the frame and then glue it down...one solid piece. This is not good really as far as weight savings and also is the reason I think those blisters are starting to show....water or moisture has gotten between the upper skin and lower.

I think with hoods it is a hit or miss. My next hood is going to be from Frank's Custom Fiberglass. I honestly think Frank's hood will be my last hood for awhile. He makes them nice. No thick ass gel coats, very light, but you MUST use pins. He has some hoods that are trash and sitting on the side of the shop, all exsposed to the weather and such AND THEY STILL LOOK GREAT! I mean these are exsposed to harsher conditions than driving, they get tossed aside, mud on them, UV all day long, etc...

So we'll see, i will get one from him in a few weeks. Just keep looking James13 at what other folks have and read related threads. You will find quite a few regarding VIS hoods splitting yet other swear by them. It is all in the luck of the draw I guess.
Good luck.
Leo

 

[james13]

Im sorry to hear that 9d9
Leo you are the man ! thanks a bunch. Where is Frank's Custom Fiberglass? Does the shop have a website? Let me know how that hood goes!


thanks again

-james

 

[20psi]

I have a VIS hood and it cracked right down the middle. When I called them and asked what they could do all I got was some smartass that wouldn't let me speak to anyone else but him. He just laughed and hung up the phone.VIS :thumbdown

 

[theboogieman]

james, go to www.frankscustomfiberglass.com.
Leo

 

[droptopgst]

Another unhappy VIS customer. Not only did I get a big azz crack but it began to fade so bad you could not even tell their was even c/f under that gel. Bad over priced trash is all they sell! :thumbdown

 

[9D9 MITSU RS]

I'm definitely in the market for a new hood. I figure the heat from the drive to NOPI will kill mine. VIS makes gourmet dumpster food. No more, no less. :thumbdown

 

[SnoopySLR]

wow, that sucks... I love my VIS hood. Shipping was a little difficult with them, but we got it worked out.

 

[dsm4life]

..... lasted a few years until I FORGOT to latch down my pins and it blew away!!!
Leo

Im sorry but i couldnt help laught when i saw this. Im sure its just the mood im in now but i can image me pimpin down the road in my talon and my hood just flying away , HAHA :laugh:

 

[Denji]

vis hood delaminated on my car..flew up and smacked my window when i forgot to latch my hood pins..when i called to complain.. they offered me *FREE SHIPPING* on my next 400 dollar hood purchase from them...garbage..DONT BUY FROM VIS!

 

[highgz]

flew up and smacked my window when i forgot to latch my hood pins..

what do you expect them to do when YOU and only you forgot to latch down your hood......dont expect them to replace it when they have a legitamte reason to blame you...

my .02 cents even though having ur hood smack ur windshield suxs ass