You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
I know there are different models, but in general, is there a weight advantage going to a fiberglass hood?
What about the durability and crash worthiness? They don't seem very strong because most say not to use them with gas struts.
There are a couple of models I like but being overseas if there's a problem I'm screwed, it's not like I can return it so I have to be very careful with my choice.
This ad is not displayed to registered or logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on Mustang Forums!
YES, fiberglass is lighter than the stock hood. Not sure of the exact differences, BUT if you research a bit you could probably find the real differences.
It is recommended not to use the gas struts, or struts in general because the hood is so light, the struts might cause the hood to bend, also known as warping. But, I do know some that use the struts without any issues.
__________________
The Real "Laura" Croft
'07 Performance White GT/CS
All SHOW and a little GO!! NEW BEST 12.98 @ 103 MPH 1.79 60ft.
Flash, I've seen people list the stock hood (which is Aluminum) as 24-27 pounds. I'm assuming they're not using super-accurate scales hence the difference. Trufiber lists approximate weights of their hoods that I've seen between 35 and 40 based on design. So, expect a fiberglass hood to weigh about 1/4 to 1/3 more than your stocker.
If you want a hood that's actually lighter than the stock unit your only choice is going to be carbon fiber. There are a couple of them available that actually look okay.
The reason they say not to use the hood struts on the fiberglass hoods is because the reinforcements for the mounting locations don't adequately spread the load out on the fiberglass. This can lead the cracking and breaking of the fiberglass as it is less resilient than metal.
Damn, didn't realized trufiber hoods were so damn heavy. I was always under the impression that ALL fiberglass hoods were lighter than stock. Thanks for pointing that out Kotobuki.
__________________
The Real "Laura" Croft
'07 Performance White GT/CS
All SHOW and a little GO!! NEW BEST 12.98 @ 103 MPH 1.79 60ft.
Typically, at least in the past, fiberglass hoods were (and in many cases still are) lighter than OEM hoods. This is because the OEM hoods are usually made from steel. In an effort to save weight where Ford could do so economically, they used Aluminum parts instead of steel for some locations on the 05+ Mustangs. The hood, and I believe the roof and trunk are all aluminum. Because aluminum is about 1/3 the density of steel, the resulting panel is FAR lighter than it would otherwise be.
If the Mustang was equipped (as it has been in the past) with a steel hood then a fiberglass hood would most certainly be far lighter. Since Ford has already taken weight savings into account for that piece you'll be hard pressed to find a lighter fiberglass hood (may not even be possible), and the only surefire way of getting something lighter over the engine bay would be to go with the carbon fiber.
Great info!
__________________
The Real "Laura" Croft
'07 Performance White GT/CS
All SHOW and a little GO!! NEW BEST 12.98 @ 103 MPH 1.79 60ft.
Damn, didn't realized trufiber hoods were so damn heavy. I was always under the impression that ALL fiberglass hoods were lighter than stock. Thanks for pointing that out Kotobuki.
Only racing fiberglass hoods are lighter, but you only have an outside skin and they're generally not compatible with any OEM latch mechanisms.
Pins are a must on hose...
This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. Ford® is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company
Are fiberglass hoods lighter than the stock one?
