Carbon fiber hood ?

Question

I have a 2006 mitsubishi eclipse and I got tagged in a parking lot somewhere I have no idea because of all the snow covering the damage. I have to replace my hood and front bumper. If I can use a carbon fiber hood it will actually save me money if I buy it off ebay and install it myself. How durable is carbon fiber? The only worry I have is snow and ice here in VA. I'd hate to buy it and something happen with the ice. What would I need to put the hood on? It should have all holes drilled and everything else right?
Thanks

its a black car too so a the regular carbon fiber already matches.

Answer 1

A carbon fiber part "should" be very durable. There's a reason its used in many critical aerospace applications. However, the overall strength and durability of a carbon fiber part is heavily dependent upon the type of carbon fiber used, how much is used, what type of resin is used to laminate it, and what process is utilized in the lamination.

For the type of carbon being used in a car hood, its not really all that important - just as long as it is carbon. As for how much is used, well some companies marketing "Carbon Fiber" hoods could very easily use several layers of low grade fiberglass, with light weight carbon fiber being only on the outermost visible layers. For the resin, it should be epoxy resin. Polyester resin and vinylester resin don't really bond well with carbon fiber and should not be used. Epoxy is a more expensive resin, and is tougher to work with than the alternatives, so many manufacturers are often reluctant to use it, and have become adept at creating excuses for doing so. For the process, just make sure that its at least vacuum bagged. If its autoclaved as well then that's even better. Finally, carbon fiber breaks down under UV exposure, so make sure that the hood is UV protected by either the resin or a finish coat (clear or color).

As for ice and snow, the finish on a carbon fiber part is just (if not more) durable than a car's factory clear coat - if its been done right.

For the installation, just contact the seller and ask him/her directly about the holes.

Just one final thing. If the carbon fiber hood is a quality production peice, you will essentially be adding a very stiff part to an area of your car that was likely designed to crumple under impact. There are many implications that this can have in the event of a head on collision. Make sure you consider that before purchasing.

Answer 2

Carbon fiber is purely about like fiberglass in straight forward terms superior and lighter.They use this fabric to make custom hoods with scoops which would be very complicated to stamp out in steel.

Answer 3

Could you find one at a slavage yard? You may even be able to get teh bumper too, and if luck is with you, you may get one already painted the same color.