3000GT/Stealth International Message Center - View Single Post

goencw · 05-15-2008, 01:14 PM

Composite is a general term.Both FG and carbon fiber are considered composites.You can even put the two together.Which is usually the case with so called CF hoods.
The top is CF and done for a cosmetic look.While the bottom is FG.
THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT SAVINGS OR STRENGTH VALUE PUT ON THESE TYPES OF HOODS VS 100% FG HOODS,PERIOD.The bulk of the weight is always on the bottom FG part.Also the top CF is not done in an epoxy usually,which would make it stronger.It is done with a basic polyester resin like most FG parts.Most cosmetic Cf for sports cars are made with a cheaper process called "Pitch" and not the higher aerospace grade,"Pan". There is no such thing as colored carbon fiber,carbon is an element, it only comes in one color.......BLACK!Colored CF is a type of plastic made to work with epoxy or polyester resins.I'ts fake.
So if you want the look,try not to pay too much for the cf hood.But don't paint it,thats just throwing money away.
As far as heat goes,that usually depends on how much your making vs.the clearance between source and hood.If it's poorly made even the sun can warp it over a short period of time.
Hinges seem to always be fine.The struts however can and usually will cause a problem.

05-15-2008, 01:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
goencw Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Weatherford,Tx. Drives: 91'3KGT SL Trader Rating: (1)	Re: CF vs. composite vs. fiberglass hoods? Composite is a general term.Both FG and carbon fiber are considered composites.You can even put the two together.Which is usually the case with so called CF hoods. The top is CF and done for a cosmetic look.While the bottom is FG. THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT SAVINGS OR STRENGTH VALUE PUT ON THESE TYPES OF HOODS VS 100% FG HOODS,PERIOD.The bulk of the weight is always on the bottom FG part.Also the top CF is not done in an epoxy usually,which would make it stronger.It is done with a basic polyester resin like most FG parts.Most cosmetic Cf for sports cars are made with a cheaper process called "Pitch" and not the higher aerospace grade,"Pan". There is no such thing as colored carbon fiber,carbon is an element, it only comes in one color.......BLACK!Colored CF is a type of plastic made to work with epoxy or polyester resins.I'ts fake. So if you want the look,try not to pay too much for the cf hood.But don't paint it,thats just throwing money away. As far as heat goes,that usually depends on how much your making vs.the clearance between source and hood.If it's poorly made even the sun can warp it over a short period of time. Hinges seem to always be fine.The struts however can and usually will cause a problem.