Tibbychick

Alright folks, since everyone seems to be asking where to get carbon fiber hoods, I figured I'd post up a whole bunch of info and resources and places to find them.

First of all, there are a couple different types. OEM, which is exactly like the stock hood; and vented, which have openings or scoops in them to allow air to flow into the engine bay.

There are different grades of carbon fiber. Generally price is usually a good way to tell which hoods are better quality. But you also wanna look for a hood that is double sided and has multiple layers of carbon fiber. Also a nice gelcoat is key. You also wanna look for one that won't fade quickly. Generally, the better the quality, the less it will fade. Most manufacturers will mention details like fading and warranties in the product description. Or you can e-mail them with specific questions.

Also keep in mind that you will most likely have to have it shipped. A big problem with shipping hoods is that they are delicate, and if they are not packaged properly, they can be cracked and the corners can break off. Carbon fiber is very durable though. My hood survived 2 low speed impacts with no damage at all. Most companies have information about their packing and shipping methods, but again you can always e-mail them, or even call them with questions.

As far as caring for carbon fiber, well first of all it's best to keep it clean of dirt and salt. Also I definetly recommend keeping it waxed as often as possible. The sun can fade carbon fiber, so if you can, avoid parking it in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Another question people ask is do they need hood pins. Most manufacturers recommend them. Carbon fiber hoods are extremely lightweight. My old one weighed 8 pounds. So there is a chance that it could pop open at high speeds or with a big wind gust. However, the latch hook on my hood was moved so it would meet up with the stock latch, and it latched securely. I did not feel the need for hood pins. But if you do decide to use pins, make sure you are positive you want them and find the exact location that you want them to be mounted, because once you drill holes, you cannot go back. Unlike fiberglass, you cannot just bondo over the holes. You would have to paint the hood. Which yes, you can paint carbon fiber.

For more in depth information about carbon fiber, here's a good, technical read: http://hyundaiperformance.com/forums/topic.php?t=21255

Now onto the hoods.

Firstly, I would recommend over anyone else, www.importfan.com. They carry C-Wings brand carbon fiber products, which are very good quality. Their prices are very reasonable, and their customer service is excellent. They also ship very quickly.

We also have people like Blacktibs who are working to bring us new carbon fiber hoods. So be sure to look into that.

Ebay is also a good resource, just be careful of low quality hoods that pop up from time to time.

Here are some links I found doing a simple search using Yahoo and Google.

2nd gens:

http://www.importprecision.com/carbon_fiber_hoods/carbon_fiber_hood_mainlist.htm
http://www.customcarbons.com/product_info.php/name/99-02%20Hyundai%20Tiburon%20OEM%20Carbon%20Fiber%20Ho od/products_id/77/language/de
http://www.yakuzaracing.com/en-us/dept_269.html
http://stores.ebay.com/Carbon-Innovation_Category-8_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQftidZ1QQtZkm
http://shop.hyundaiperformance.com/shop/item.php?i=ERB_107HOODCF
http://www.rushkits.com/customer/home.php?cat=4278
http://www.visracing.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=24_252_265&osCsid=005c0fc76a858b38cce7210373e2a563

1st gens:

http://www.nipponpower.com/bodykit/cfhood/tc_spoiler.html
http://www.bodykitsnw.com/groupbuycenterhoods.html

Note about nipponpower.com: I tried to get a hood from them first, but after waiting about two months, when I received the hood, it turned out to be a second gen VIS hood. Turned out they didn't have the 1st gen hood in stock and said it would be another month or so before they did. So I would be careful with them.

I know there are a lot more places out there that cary them, and I will continue to add more links as I find them.

If anyone has any links or information to add, please do so. Also, if you have any questions, please post here before posting a new thread.

01tibby

PLEASE. even if you do have hood pins, get the latch adjusted properly so that the hood sits flush with everything else.

not only does it look stupid, but i wouldnt even trust hood pins if the hood had a half inch of opening and i was going 70mph.

Tibbychick

Good point. I had my hood installed and the latch modified to fit by my bodyshop, so I knew it was secure. And yes I have had a hood, the stock hood, rip off the front end and fly over my car at 65 mph. Definetly not fun at all.

Robertino

Hi,



I am new here.

Very interesting introduction, I have an Elantra 98, OLD, OLD... I know, but it is in very good shape and also super clean.

Do you know by any chance if there is any of the company's you know that have hoods for my 98?



Thank you in advance.



Robertino.

holeshot69

^^^ Might wanna check dates on when stuff is posted man.