Fiberglass Hood Install Details (ol' David Carter group buy)
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:18 am
What
The custom-made "David Carter" fiberglass hood with big hood scoop. These only fit '90-'91 Legacies. I got the cheapo "race" version. See group buy thread:
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... 789#115789
Pros
* Awesome at feeding air to an intercooler. Far better than stock scoop.
* Makes it easier to install a WRX intercooler (see my IC install thread: http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=23016)
* Saves weight (30lbs?)
* Looks cool
* Very good fit and finish
Cons
* Proper alignment, install, and paint takes time and $$$
Price
* Hood: $200 (for the cheapo "race" version)
* Mounting: $320
* Painting: $380
Note - You could pay less to have it mounted. I just got my general shop to do it, and they took forever because they are meticulous and new to body work. But, no matter who does the work, it is not a small job. You could also save $375 on the painting by buying a can of spray paint.
David Carter
It was good working with David. Sometimes he's hard to get in touch with due to his job. But, he seemed very honest. He spent hours of his time to pack it up for transport meticulously. Then, when I forgot the hardware at his house, he overnighted it at his own expense.
Transport
These hoods will not fit anywhere inside a BC Legacy Sedan even with seats removed. It has to go on the roof. They WILL fit inside a wagon.
Install Details
EDIT -
0. Order: Things go much better if you do things in order. This is what I would do:
a) Mounting, fitting (do first because it may involve rough handling) b) do all cutting, drilling before painting including: holes for mounting, holes for hood catch, holes for hood pins, AND cutting out side vents c) Un-mount d) mask off holes and anything you don't want painted e) paint it top and bottom f) install mesh for side vents after painting the hood but before mounting it on the car again g) mount it up and you're done
1. Hinges - This is the trickiest part of the install. You have to drill holes in the back corners of the hood for the mounting bolts. You must get these holes in the perfect location if you want the hood to align properly. I got a professional to do this, and I would recommend you do the same unless you are very good with your hands and also meticulous. This is what the shop did:
a) First, two people would rest the hood in the closed position and get it aligned perfectly
b) The two people would reach their fingers under the back corners of the hood to hold the hinges firmly against the hood
c) Three people would lift the hood open slowly, while they were careful to hold the hood against the hinges with their fingers... Don't let it slip!
d) Then, with the hood open they could mark the proper bolt locations
e) Drill, add threaded inserts, and bolt it up.
f) A lot of trial and error
g) I don't know they cut up the hinges so much (seen in the picture below)
2. Washers - To mount the hood slightly higher in the back, the install shop put washers under the hood back there. See:
3. Hood Pins - I'd recommend installing hood pins just to keep the hood stable. Without them, I bet it would flap around a lot on the highway. That means more holes drilled in the hood.
4. Hood latch - You also have to drill holes for the hood latch... that is if you want to keep it.
5. Nozzles - It comes with holes for the windshield washer nozzles. Perfect fit!
6. Vents - If you don't want to look ghetto, you should drill out the vents. I've been too lazy to do that yet.
Final Pics
The custom-made "David Carter" fiberglass hood with big hood scoop. These only fit '90-'91 Legacies. I got the cheapo "race" version. See group buy thread:
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... 789#115789
Pros
* Awesome at feeding air to an intercooler. Far better than stock scoop.
* Makes it easier to install a WRX intercooler (see my IC install thread: http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=23016)
* Saves weight (30lbs?)
* Looks cool
* Very good fit and finish
Cons
* Proper alignment, install, and paint takes time and $$$
Price
* Hood: $200 (for the cheapo "race" version)
* Mounting: $320
* Painting: $380
Note - You could pay less to have it mounted. I just got my general shop to do it, and they took forever because they are meticulous and new to body work. But, no matter who does the work, it is not a small job. You could also save $375 on the painting by buying a can of spray paint.
David Carter
It was good working with David. Sometimes he's hard to get in touch with due to his job. But, he seemed very honest. He spent hours of his time to pack it up for transport meticulously. Then, when I forgot the hardware at his house, he overnighted it at his own expense.
Transport
These hoods will not fit anywhere inside a BC Legacy Sedan even with seats removed. It has to go on the roof. They WILL fit inside a wagon.
Install Details
EDIT -
0. Order: Things go much better if you do things in order. This is what I would do:
a) Mounting, fitting (do first because it may involve rough handling) b) do all cutting, drilling before painting including: holes for mounting, holes for hood catch, holes for hood pins, AND cutting out side vents c) Un-mount d) mask off holes and anything you don't want painted e) paint it top and bottom f) install mesh for side vents after painting the hood but before mounting it on the car again g) mount it up and you're done
1. Hinges - This is the trickiest part of the install. You have to drill holes in the back corners of the hood for the mounting bolts. You must get these holes in the perfect location if you want the hood to align properly. I got a professional to do this, and I would recommend you do the same unless you are very good with your hands and also meticulous. This is what the shop did:
a) First, two people would rest the hood in the closed position and get it aligned perfectly
b) The two people would reach their fingers under the back corners of the hood to hold the hinges firmly against the hood
c) Three people would lift the hood open slowly, while they were careful to hold the hood against the hinges with their fingers... Don't let it slip!
d) Then, with the hood open they could mark the proper bolt locations
e) Drill, add threaded inserts, and bolt it up.
f) A lot of trial and error
g) I don't know they cut up the hinges so much (seen in the picture below)
2. Washers - To mount the hood slightly higher in the back, the install shop put washers under the hood back there. See:
3. Hood Pins - I'd recommend installing hood pins just to keep the hood stable. Without them, I bet it would flap around a lot on the highway. That means more holes drilled in the hood.
4. Hood latch - You also have to drill holes for the hood latch... that is if you want to keep it.
5. Nozzles - It comes with holes for the windshield washer nozzles. Perfect fit!
6. Vents - If you don't want to look ghetto, you should drill out the vents. I've been too lazy to do that yet.
Final Pics
