To do the job properly take several steps.



1.) Clean the ever loving dogshit out of the hood. That bad boy better sparkle!



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Create a flange for the lower mold. Typically a single flange will work for most hoods, but these require specialized care.

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Filling of all the gaps between the hood veins and cover metal. This step is important because it prevents the gelcoat from seeping into cracks crating a lip that would freeze the gelcoat mold to the hood. Also at this stage its important to tape up all excess holes. Many won't be required by the replacement and those that are get marked. It's also important to note that the latch loop needs to be cut off and will be replaced by a single piece made from specially formed carbon matte sheet.



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This step is unique to thee vented hoods. Cover up the large holes left by the channel and the rest of the structure. The tape alone will not look pretty and will leave quote a few open gaps. Like step 2 fill in these huge gaps! Bu typical filleting wax wont do the job, so I use an old standby, everyday modeling clay. Fill in the gap and create as smooth of a service as possible while retaining a small flanged area to make cutting of the molded part easier.



5.) (See the image above as well) Apply a mold release agent and several coats of mold release wax.



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Apply several thick layers of gelcoat. I used a full quart just on this side of the mold alone; that's about $65 worth of high quality gelcoat, and truth be told it still may not be thick enough. Once the gelcoat is dry back the new mold with several thick layers of fiberglass to add support and structure.



7.) Remove the mold and wet sand the gelcoat and fix any imperfections. Then wet sand again and fix again. Repeat this process until you are officially, certifiably insane.



8.) Remove all tape and filling material, and the flanges made for the edge of the mold.



9.) (This step is the reason a lot of aftermarkets don't use this method.) Now take an angle grinder or cutting wheel and slowly, carefully chop this beautiful OEM hood to pieces. Remove the water channels and any excess metal preventing access to the vent on the rear of the hood.



10.) Once exposed use high quality release tape or other materials to cover the vents.



11.) Flip the hood over and re-start from step 1.