Was wondering how much structural strength you loose by changing the stock hoods with fiberglass? Surely the car wouldn't be quite as safe? Ever seen what happens to boats when they hit something? What about the Vettes? Just interested to hear the opinions on this..


Felix

 

Did you ever see a stock thirdgen hood all crumpled up after an accident? They're nothing but thin sheetmetal anyway. Instead of bending, the 'glass hood will just break.

If you have a front-end collision, the thin sheet-metal hood isn't absorbing the energy. Your front impact bar and upper rails are going to take the force. Consider the hood a "trim piece".

 

exactly what was stated above. there would not be any difference between the two when it comes to safety. there would just be more of a mess to clean up with the fiberglass.

 

OK, I take your points. So is it the same principle with a Vette or different?

Cheers

 

The hood is just for aerodynamics and cosmetic appearance for the most part. The hood is designed to absorb energy during a collision. This can happen with many products, sheet metal, fiberglass, plastic, aluminum even styrofoam. Think of how many cars have fiberglass hoods on them from the factory, Ram Air Trans Am's, SS Camaros ( not factory but sold as such by dealers) , even mustangs just to name a few. If the hood is installed with all the factory mounting compnents, hinges & latch & safety catches it should be pretty close to the original hoods.