Fixing CF hood

[sccrbrandon4788]

Like many people with cf hoods, mine have cracks in the epoxy/gelcoat. Has anybody tried to laminate another layer of cf over the hood? Mine is still structurally sound, just looks bad so I painted over it. Think its worth the couple hundred in supplies to get the look back?

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Might as well sell it and spend the extra couple hundred on a new one

 

[91-GS]

It would be alot of work trying to laminate that hood. You'd have to sand off all paint/clear off it, possibly go down to the CF that is there. You would have to put the whole thing in a vacuum bag just so it will adhere to the surface and follow all contours ouf the hood (especially around the "hump"). Then probably apply another layer of just resin so you will have something to sand smooth without damaging carbon fibers. Trim and clear coat the thing afterward. Not even sure you can do it all for couple hundred $$. CF is about $45/yard (most likely you'd need two yards), resin is about $50/gallon, clear is another $50 at least. Plus things like plastic for vacuum bagging, some source of vacuum (vacuum cleaner may or may not be strong enough), gloves, brushes, saw (for trimming), sandpaper, paint thinner (for cleaning equipment).

Could do CF-like vinyl, if you really like the look. Or CAREFULLY sand (be careful to not damage carbon fibers) and re-clear the hood you have.

 

[crash89]

I did something similar a few years back.. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/appearance-interior-exterior/349813-my-cf-hood-salvage.html

 

[sccrbrandon4788]

Well the problem with just clearing over the bare cf is that there are cracks in the epoxy over the exhaust manifold and I don't want to clear over that. I was thinking that laying another layer of cf over it would cover all the imperfections and allow me to rebuild the structure using several layers of epoxy.
@Crash: luckily mine has delaminated like yours, although the ribs underneath have. I think if I do choose to this I'll have to wrap it around to the bottom side to make sure it doesn't delaminate and come off.
I almost did clear over it when I went through the process of painting my car, but thought I could use enough primer to cover and sand smooth, but that didn't work.

EDIT: Looks like it would cost about $180 depending on how much shipping is. Also, no vacuum system is necessary since its going over top. Just using a thin layer of epoxy (waiting until tacky) over the hood (sanded with 80 or 150 grit) first will create enough of a bond to hold the fabric and other layers of epoxy. Carbon Creations sells hoods for $600, plus shipping I'm sure.