Are fiberglass hoods lighter than the stock one?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 923
From: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Are fiberglass hoods lighter than the stock one?
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.
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.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 649
From: Maryland
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.
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.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 671
From: Texas
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.
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.
Last edited by Kotobuki; Sep 29, 2009 at 10:07 AM.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 649
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by Kotobuki
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.
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.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 287
From: Lakeland,Florida
My Cervini hood is heavier than stock. Cervini also offers a strut kit for their hoods only and another for OEM hoods.
https://www.cervinis.com/product.asp...1&id=1208#1166
https://www.cervinis.com/product.asp...1&id=1208#1166
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 523
From: Chesapeake, Va.
S197 Section Modder-ator
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13,373
From: Orlando FL
Pins are a must on hose...
