Carbon Fiber Hood

[JohnC]

Yeah, There could be a concern. Someone told me that the reason for the holes in the support braces on later hoods was to ensure that the hood buckled properly on impact.

I'd venture a guess that there's been no crash testing on the CF hoods. There probably are so few of them out there that no one's had a major frontal collision yet.

I'll do my best to avoid being the test case...

[icebox]

I might be in for a group buy . I'll watch for updates , details .

I think a crash would break it like an egg shell .

[icebox]

Shoot me an Email Andy S. I have a question for you .

[NickVyse]

I can't see how the bonnet (hood) is any way part of the crash structure. The rear is barely attached. If the concern of safety enters your head you're driving the wrong can of beans! Go buy a Volvo.

[DB]

It's much safer than my YZF600

[NickVyse]

It's much safer than my YZF600

so is naked crocodile wrestling!

[ray_]

Do the French crocs wear clothes?

LaCoste?

;-p

Ray

It's much safer than my YZF600

so is naked crocodile wrestling!

[Lee]

Hi Scott

Back in the days when the car was designed, I doubt that BMW knew what a crumple zone was. Therefore the hood was not designed as one and changing it to composite should not make any difference in your safety.

In regard of fit, a well know 2002 specialist told me that the fiberglass hood was a better fit than the CF one as it would not shrink as much as CF. I personally would even prefer fiberglass if it is made from mat and vacuumed injected.

[NickVyse]

Hi Scott

Back in the days when the car was designed, I doubt that BMW knew what a crumple zone was.

they woke up in 1970 though when they changed the design of the inner wing to crumple - how much difference it makes is anyones guess.

[dubois]

Yeah, There could be a concern. Someone told me that the reason for the holes in the support braces on later hoods was to ensure that the hood buckled properly on impact.

I'd venture a guess that there's been no crash testing on the CF hoods. There probably are so few of them out there that no one's had a major frontal collision yet.

I'll do my best to avoid being the test case...

Ok, ok, I have to jump in...

Some of the hoods I have seen (early ones I suppose) lack the crumple zone, but the later ones have it. My educated guess is that the intend is not energy absorbtion or structural integrity. I believe the idea here is for the hood to fold in half in order to avoid it sliding back and penetrating into the passenger compartment. I would have to admit,if it comes to that, you probably have more serious problems to worry about...

[Lars]

The hood was designed in a way that in the event of a frontal crash the hood would slide up the A piller, preventing it from going through the windshield. Not too much structural support there.

I think there are more pros than cons with the CF

Pros

Better gas mileage

Better handling

looks cool

Cons

Expensive (get it insured with the CF value)

[InkaSteve]

Do the French crocs wear clothes?

LaCoste?

;-p

Ray

It's much safer than my YZF600

so is naked crocodile wrestling!

They wear polo shirts with little men embroidered on them...

[winstontj]

Hood pins... or

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,download/id,7992/

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,download/id,7996/

Thread:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,282698/highlight,/

Looks like what the PO did on Todd's car is bolt a piece of flat stock between the stock hinges and then attach pins to them. If you don't want to pin the hood you could always have someone fab up an attachment point instead of pins. Todd's fiberglass hood will pivot fine if you un-pin the rear two and lift up - the fiberglass hood is a little flimsey but the CF looks strong enough to take it

[JohnC]

I finally got back to the body shop today, and gave him the OK to get the CF hood. What the heck, I'm going for the trunk lid also.

This car is a black hole... I'm out of control here...

I'm not going to be coordinating a group buy, and I don't thing Grover is going to do it at this time either. I don't have the time, and I just want my car back as soon as possible, or at least in time for the Palo Alto meet. I'm not even optimistic about that.

But American International Racing is going to have to make the set for me, they don't stock them. If anyone else is interested, now would be the time to place the order in the next week, at least you may be able to shorten the delivery interval. Who knows - you may be able to negotiate a discount.