How to install a carbon hood

Once you have purchased your carbon fiber hood from carbonfiberhoods.net, it’s time to get it installed. Generally speaking, the average motorhead shouldn't have a problem installing a hood with just minor tools.  You may need a hand removing the factory hood due to its weight, but once it is removed, you should be able to handle the much lighter carbon fiber hood. A friend is always nice to have around to make sure you don’t scratch the paint.  The installation is fairly easy, so here is a quick guide to help you get it installed.

Start your installation by removing the windshield washer jets for the factory hood. Disconnect the tubing that runs to them by unclipping or unscrewing them. If there is a light attached to the hood, go ahead and remove it, as you may want to reuse it on the new hood.

With these removed, and with some help on the other side, prop the hood up with the hood prop if applicable. Remove the 4 bolts holding the hood to the hinges. If your car hood has gas shocks, remove them before removing the hinge bolts. Be careful to support the weight of the hood when removing the hinge bolts to reduce the risk of damaging the fenders or the windshield. With the hinges and gas shocks unbolted, this will free up the heavy factory hood. Carefully remove it from the hinges by pulling it away from the windshield and set it aside.

Set the new carbon fiber hood in place. It will be significantly lighter than the factory steel hood. Line up the bolts on the hinges and tighten them down. Reattach the gas shocks if applicable, or set the hood prop in place. Reattach your windshield washer jets if your hood permits, and run the lines on the underside. If you saved your light and want to reattach it, you can do so at this point. it can be attached using some 3M adhesive double sided tape, or you can carefully screw it in place, making sure to use screws small enough to not penetrate the top of the hood.

Close the hood and check for alignment. If you need to adjust the alignment, lift the hood and loosen the hinge bolts slightly, just to where you can make small adjustments. Lower the hood and make any adjustments and re-tighten the bolts.

If the front of the hood is not low enough you can lower it by loosening the bolts on the hood latch receiver.  If you have a gap that is greater on one side you can loosen the fender on that side and adjust it to match the other gaps.  Each car is slightly different so it is fairly normal to expect a small amount of adjustment to get a perfect fit.

This should complete your carbon fiber hood installation. Now you can enjoy the sleek new design and take it out for a test drive!