To Refinish or Replace....

[VdUb517]

I have a CF Hood, which has seen better days. Structurally the hood is in GREAT shape, no cracks or chips, just needs a little TLC. I did some research on this matter via google but i thought i would ask here to see what you guys would say.

Is it worth it to try and refinish it? Or just more efficient to buy a new one and call it a day?

I would imagine some wet sanding with a 1800 or 2000 Grit and hit it with a good waxing and then clearing it and some type of UV would help it greatly. But would it break it down to much to the point it would be worse looking?

If anyone has done something like this before or knows of a "How To" or "DIY" i would be very interested in seeing how something like this would turn out.

[Trevor95VR6]

Rubbing compound? Stuff works wonders if your clears not peeling

[VdUb517]

I will get a good photo of the hood this afternoon and get it on here. Maybe from there you guys will get a better idea of what im working with.

[MYGTI_MA]

alot of people here will tell you that the CF hood should just be swapped for an OEM but thats all a personal taste issue.

[Filthydubber]

Why don't you paint it to match the car color? Get the weight savings of the carbon hood, without it looking tacky.

[Stealth_TDI]

Is the CF really any lighter, especially once it's painted?

Why don't you paint it to match the car color? Get the weight savings of the carbon hood, without it looking tacky.

[VdUb517]

See i had thought of the option of painting it as well, but for a GOOD paint job on a CF hood its gonna run a good 3-$400 with all the prep that goes into painting one, at that point i could use that money to just buy a whole new one, or go with a brand new OEM. From what i hear there not easy to paint and if not done right in 2-3 years you could be back to square 1 again.

As far as weight, it would still be lighter then a steel hood, how much i dunno. But im sure it would still be considerable. Ill get a photo up here shortly of the hood, maybe its not in as rough shape as i originally thought and a little TLC might make it all new again.


OEM is still an option, i just figured for the little money to try and fix it, it would be worth the shot and if all else fails back to an OEM.

[E-RustBox'er]

go with a brand new OEM. back to an OEM.

This.