2005-2014 Mustangs Discussions on the latest S197 model Mustangs from Ford.

Fiberglass cowl hood?? Opinions pros and cons

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 01:51 PM
  #1  
BlackBeauty4.6's Avatar
BlackBeauty4.6
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 175
From: Florida
Default Fiberglass cowl hood?? Opinions pros and cons

I'm wanting to get a cowl induction hood and was wondering if I should go fiberglass or not? What's the pros and cons of fiberglass besides being lighter and it being weaker then a stock hood.. How does it hold up over time as in the paint, wear an tear etc etc please inform me
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 01:53 PM
  #2  
2cokeman's Avatar
2cokeman
5th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,471
From: Ontario,Canada
Default

I can tell you they have been known to crack and separate with the cold and heat cycle in time, if you get one don't spare any $$ for less quality.
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 02:43 PM
  #3  
MustangFirstCar's Avatar
MustangFirstCar
5th Gear Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,228
From: Ohio
Default

Yes, make sure whatever shop you have paint it is experienced with painting fiberglass. If they prep it wrong it will crack/peel.
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 06:37 PM
  #4  
BlackBeauty4.6's Avatar
BlackBeauty4.6
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 175
From: Florida
Default

Ok so is it just better to get a regular cowl hood instead of fiberglass cause that's what I figured would happen to them
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 09:04 PM
  #5  
2007CalSpec's Avatar
2007CalSpec
5th Gear Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,059
From: Nor Cali
Default

I have not seen a cowl hood that wasn't fiberglass for the S197. If you want a cowl hood then fiberglass is what you'll get. Fiberglass is heavier than the stock aluminum hood. I know because I installed the hood myself. My hood is holding up very well. It's all in the prep and painting method.
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 09:48 PM
  #6  
pascal's Avatar
pascal
S197 Section Modder-ator
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13,373
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by BlackBeauty4.6
I'm wanting to get a cowl induction hood and was wondering if I should go fiberglass or not? What's the pros and cons of fiberglass besides being lighter and it being weaker then a stock hood.. How does it hold up over time as in the paint, wear an tear etc etc please inform me
Fiberglass hoods are heavier and stronger than the stock aluminum one.

The trick with fiberglass is in the gelcoat...
You have to have plenty of it for durability, it gives you a good bond between the fiber and the paint that will be applied later on.
It will also prevent bleeding through, waviness and easy chipping.

I have been lucky with products like Cervini and Kaenen and I've had real bad experience with some other brands, so much so that if it's not the two brands listed above, I ain't touching it.
Old Oct 13, 2011 | 11:08 PM
  #7  
BlackBeauty4.6's Avatar
BlackBeauty4.6
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 175
From: Florida
Default

Ok that's a good point cause I've be seen one that's not fiberglass either.. But ok I'll make sure I check out how they prep and paint and stuff.. I love the way look and have always wanted one even on my trucks they just look bada$$!
Old Oct 14, 2011 | 12:07 AM
  #8  
MadStang40's Avatar
MadStang40
4th Gear Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,674
From: Orlando, FL
Default

Pascal is the one who painted and installed my fiberglass cowl. 3x heavier sounds about right. Holding up well so far in the Florida heat.
Old Oct 14, 2011 | 06:30 PM
  #9  
BlackBeauty4.6's Avatar
BlackBeauty4.6
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 175
From: Florida
Default

Dang that hood is that much heavier?? And well good cause the place that's doing my body work from hitting the deer is going to hook me up with a cowl hood and they do pretty good work so hopefully mine will come out good I hope
Old Oct 15, 2011 | 09:34 AM
  #10  
WaldoGT07's Avatar
WaldoGT07
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 226
From: Pelham,Alabama
Default

I have got the Kaenen 3'' Cowl Hood and I love it....It is a great hood and the fit is perfect......When I got it the gelcoat was just right no hard prepping time was needed.....Here are a few pics of it...



Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mapitts
5.0L GT S550 Tech
8
May 11, 2016 10:14 AM
PaulH2
Members Rides and Car Show Section
20
Jan 31, 2016 09:48 AM
jerrytubes
2005-2014 Mustangs
2
Oct 23, 2015 12:11 PM
Dokilar
4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang
15
Oct 16, 2015 08:13 PM
Urambo Tauro
5.0L (1979-1995) Mustang
6
Oct 5, 2015 09:37 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:09 AM.