Ok, so here's the deal. I have a c/f hood that I want to get painted. I also have the aerocatch hood pins. Simple question, if I'm getting the hood painted and the hood pins installed at 2 different places, should the pins be installed before the painting or after? I have not spoken with either of the people doing this yet as I have not decided definitely on a place yet. Just a quick thought before I go through the process. Does it matter which is first?

My thought is that I should paint it first to prevent any spidering of the c/f and to make the aerocatch pins look clean....is this correct, or should it be reverse, pins first? Any info would be helpful thanks. I know probably seems like a newb question, but there was nothing too specific in searches. Thanks

 

i have the same pins and if I was doing it i would cut the hood for the pins first then get it painted.

 

yea, it's dry carbon too, but i dont know if that matters, probably not...just weary of making the wrong move first if there is a certain way to properly do it

 

Now why would you do it that way, what's the advantage/disadvantage?

 

Easier to cover up any imperfections caused by the drilling/cutting while you paint I guess ...

 

dont use hood pins! just adjust the lock upwards so it catches the latch better.

 

+1

That way the hood is painted all the way under the pins. Not to mention you don't want to be drilling on paint or anything like that. This way its just easier

 

yea, you bring up valid points guys, I can really see both points of view...that's why I'm looking for opinions or people that have had it done I guess..

 

measure-cut- paint-install.

 

if he racing ,then the pins are a good safety thing. I alwasy had on my track cars.

 

no, probably wont be tracking....well I dont now at least...but maybe next year...I would just feel more secure with the latch and the pins installed....the last thing I want is to be doing 80 and have it fly up on me...and for the little cost and measure, it seems sensible to be safe

 

it is defenietly safe. Now you got it, so better to install it. Many times at the front end collision, the hood can pop up, then you can't see anything. It happends. Besides you will never forget closing the hood right anymore.. Not to mention it is an after market hood..

 

yea exactly, like I said for the small amount of work and money it'll take...it's better to be safe....Rob, were you at the rixmag show in Jersey in July by any chance...I think I remember seeing your car there....stock hood with hood pins...?

 

now why would you paint a cf hood? isnt a cf hood to show cf? or am i misunderstanding and you are painting it clear?

 

no I'm not even a huge fan of c/f, just got a good deal on one, and I'm not painting the whole thing, just parts of it to color match the WW...so it would be paint, and probably a clear coat over that