Aerocatch Hood Pin Install/Regrets?

[mehsilvia]

So ive searched, and found a few threads where people have mentioned the Aerocatch pins and how much they want them.

Im wondering if anyone here has actualy installed them, and more importantly, do you have any regrets?

I mean, i just purchased a set and - God Damn! :eek3: those are gonna be some huge holes to cut for them.

Im just a little hesitant and would like to get someone's opinion or pics of them installed.

Thanks.

[brokeAs240sx]

Aerocatch hood pin install (http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=206359)

They work pretty good, but you may have to lube up the hinges after a while (they get stuck in open position sometimes).

[mehsilvia]

Damn good writeup on the install. And thank you!

[FinalDrive]

Those are the least ugly hood pins I've ever seen

[ThatGuy]

Those are the least ugly hood pins I've ever seen
Good thing too, I'd hate to look ugly right before my hood cracks in half across my roof and shatters my windshield. :keke:

Function > Form

These pins closely resemble the latches that hold panels together on my aircraft. If it'll work at over 300mph in flight, it'll work good for me on the street/track. Thanks for the write-up, even if I did have to force myself to view NICO for it.:barf:

[!Zar!]

http://www.zilvia.net/f//showthread.php?t=125665
Siizzzoooo has them on his car.

[yokotas13]

Good thing too, I'd hate to look ugly right before my hood cracks in half across my roof and shatters my windshield. :keke:

Function > Form

These pins closely resemble the latches that hold panels together on my aircraft. If it'll work at over 300mph in flight, it'll work good for me on the street/track. Thanks for the write-up, even if I did have to force myself to view NICO for it.:barf:
we have camlocks. I wish we had hte latches like Navy and Marines do

[drew935]

looks good to me and more straight forward that doing regular hood pins since they come with a template ;)

[95Blue240sx]

I like them. Its better than those cheap $10 ones. I think Ill get a set.

[Slidin240Wayz]

Group BuY!?!?!

Carlos

[Jung918]

I got mine at http://coastfab.com/specials.html#aerocatch

Still waiting on my hood to install it.

[chmercer]

IMO they are enormous, and pretty complex for a hood pin. i like my 20 dollar sparcos

[nka203]

has anyone used aerocatch without the stock hood latch? does it bounce around or crack the cf? i'm thinking about removing the stock latch but kinda scared to because the cf seems weak and i don't want it ripping around the aerocatch latches while on the freeway going 80+

[McRussellPants]

They're pretty fucking gaudy in person.


not a fan.

[chmercer]

has anyone used aerocatch without the stock hood latch? does it bounce around or the cf? i'm thinking about removing the stock latch but kinda scared to because the cf seems weak and i don't want it ripping around the aerocatch latches while on the freeway going 80+

a hood pin is safer than the crappy stock latch

[LB.Motoring]

^ seriously,

for a year I only rocked 2 Sparco Pins and no stock Latch on my CF, I would say much safer than just a stock latch.

[mehsilvia]

First thing i did when i installed these aerocatch pins was remove the stock latch.
And once you mount these on your CF hood, you'll see why. They hold much better than that POS latch. If your struggling with trust, you should be more worried about that latch loop thats attached to the CF.

[chlatboy]

wondering why dont you guys use both stock latch and hood pins?

[S13FREEAAK]

Because that would be redundant. The hood pins ARE the new latch. The hood pins hold the hood way better than the stock latch ever will. There is no need for the stock latch if you have pins.

[mehsilvia]

wondering why dont you guys use both stock latch and hood pins?
For me, it interferred with the adjustments of the pins themselves. If you are familiar with the aerocatch system, its an exact science to get these mounted.
Then once installed i considered using the stock latch, but could not see the value outweighing the hassels of getting out, unlatch the pins, go back in and release the latch, and then back again the open the hood. (and with my POS, im under there alot :) )
Plus these aerocatch hold that bitch down, and tight. No play whatsoever like it did with the stock latch.
But thats just my experience.

[fromxtor]

I removed my stock latch because I removed the cable to open it,the hatch, and the gas door. I will definitly be running these, mostly because the mounting is way more flush than most, and they have locks.

[drift freaq]

you guys want a group buy on these? I can set one up if there is enough interest.

[anotherblusi]

Id be down for a group buy on the flush locking ones... how much cheaper are we looking at?

[drift freaq]

Id be down for a group buy on the flush locking ones... how much cheaper are we looking at?
I will have to find out

[hella_flushed]

def. nice and flush but a b**** to install. took my buddy and i about 3 hours to line and drill the holes onto his hood. def. down for a group buy...

[mr_240sx]

id be down for a group buy on them.

[R33GTS-T]

<--- interested in a group buy on the flush locking version

[scottie]

Im in on a group buy. Im going CF and if i can remove the stock hatch, thats what i would rather do. Please make sure you offer both types (lock & non-lock) in the GB. I want the lock key type for added security!!

Scott

[S13FREEAAK]

I'd be intrested in 2 sets of black locking ones.

[GoodOl'S13]

<---interested in the GB

[status:one]

pic of my aerocatch pins:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/Calric16n/My%20S14%20Project%20Car/ChristmasCard06001.jpg

[chmercer]

lol blowout

message

[akito]

hey jung. you posted long ago. when you bought them, were they worth it.

[laxplaya8513]

i'd be down for a GB, i'd buy 2 pairs

[crazy9ceguy]

yea i got them ill get pics when i get the car back there hella nice

[drift freaq]

ok guys here is the info. The manufacturer is not offering much room on these unless we buy like 20 sets. I figure if you guys were down for them for like $100 shipped for the locking flush model we might be able to get something together.

[scottie]

ok guys here is the info. The manufacturer is not offering much room on these unless we buy like 20 sets. I figure if you guys were down for them for like $100 shipped for the locking flush model we might be able to get something together.

Well if thats the case then you might as well just go here:

http://www.i-m-racing.com/aehopinlasy.html

They have them for $87-$100 and shipping cant be more than $10.


Scott

[drift freaq]

Well if thats the case then you might as well just go here:

http://www.i-m-racing.com/aehopinlasy.html

They have them for $87-$100 and shipping cant be more than $10.


Scott
Like I said the manufacturer does not offer enough room to even attempt a group buy. sorry guys I tried.

[kognition]

Lol :bigok: Always someone on the forum to throw salt on a players game. My hat off to you for trying. I buy them at the wholesale/ distributor level because we are starting to include them on our Z and G35 race hoods. They are a bit pricey, but the quality of materials used is second to none, period. Glass filled polymer for high heat resistance. They will last longer than most parts on your car. And they are expensive because they are made in the U.K. . Thats
where where your dollar is worth about 50cents. I have been using some flush mount door latchs (pictured) for our race doors that i get from a marine parts supply shop. You can also use these for trunk latches. They come in black, white or polished aluminum. They work, and are about $40 a pair.
Finally, sparco style hoodpins on glass or carbon hoods suck. I watched the Axis Z pit crew last month scramble in horror as they nearly missed their session at Cal Spdway because the three phillips screws holding the latch to the hood wouldnt stay on. The threads were stripped out. You can also see on the back of the latch, a thumb latch so you can open the door from inside the car.
http://kognitiondesign.com/door_latches.jpg


Like I said the manufacturer does not offer enough room to even attempt a group buy. sorry guys I tried.

[anotherblusi]

nobody has pics of the bottom mount hood pins? Those would truly be flush and should be less "gaudy" as someone put

[skate07]

lol blowout

message

1100.00 a set SHIPPED, OMG SHIPPED!

[chmercer]

nah, the dudes hair

[blackflag_Rms13]

^ Haha, I rofld

[FRpilot]

do the locking versions have different key cuts? or we should do that by ourselves.. kinda be useless if everyone's key cuts were the same. meaning anyone can use the same key for the lock.

kinda same deal with steering wheel hub lock. are the knockoff steering wheel hubs key cuts the same? or different? i know the works bell real ones have different key combos but not sure about the knockoffs.

[chmercer]

man if i wanted to get into somebodys car with an frp hood and locking hood pins i would just bust the hood off in 2 seconds. i wouldnt worry about the key pattern.

[Ruby240]

http://www.hoodpins.com/index.html > all

[fromxtor]

yea I would need 2 sets one for the hood and another for my trunk.

[kognition]

Doesn't look like they are making or selling right now.
Quote from their website:
"Due to a problem with our manufacture in the US, we have temporarily suspended the production of this product and are continuing to find a reliable source to make a product. All orders receive within the last 4 weeks that have not yet received their order will be refunded and notified when our product is restocked."

http://www.hoodpins.com/index.html > all

[mrj355]

Hey guys, I posted a few up for sale a week plus ago. I have 2 sets left, "Plus Flush" style, the style that mounts on the top (NON LOCKING). Exactly what is shown in the pic below. I am in SoCal (Long Beach/Lakewood) area, $85 ea. or $90 shipped.......Pick up both for $160. Brand new, never opened.

Sorry, I don't have any pics on my car, I am still waiting for hood. It is sort of expensive but if you don't want to be the one taking a knife to your hood. A couple shops have done the installs before for $100-$125 (just an fyi).....

http://pic70.picturetrail.com/VOL1851/8282806/15464955/234627865.jpg


http://pic70.picturetrail.com/VOL1851/8282806/15464955/234627864.jpg

[chmercer]

http://www.hoodpins.com/index.html > all

those are crappy and dangerous

the pin only has like 2mm of engagement on the post

[Gumballf355]

I think the material and such matters more than how much engagement you get. I'm sure that its engineered just fine and is perfectly safe.

[Ruby240]

those are crappy and dangerous

the pin only has like 2mm of engagement on the post
Hoodpins are only meant as a quick release, and NOT a replacement for your hood latch.

FWIW, I know of several guys that got these when they were first produced on 7 and 8 second 1/4mi Mustang. If they can stand a speed blast over 180mph on a regular basis, I would say the engagment is good. There are also a couple of guys that use them for their SCCA cars that I know.

[Behind Horizon]

I wouldn't recommend you guys hood pins if you want them just for the look.
Recently i had an accident and the hood got damaged very badly because of the hood pins. If there wouldn't be any hood pins the hood would just pop out on top and would stay "nearly" undamaged but the hood pins forced the hood to stay down and it got bend.

Pictures:

http://mitglied.lycos.de/bkfhw2004/Projekt/200sx/IMG_1268.JPG
http://mitglied.lycos.de/bkfhw2004/Projekt/200sx/IMG_1290.JPG

[chmercer]

Hoodpins are only meant as a quick release, and NOT a replacement for your hood latch.

lol are you smoking crack

please never post again

[ThatGuy]

Hoodpins are meant to SECURE your hood, not look nifty and allow you to remove your hood easier. :duh:

[Ruby240]

Hoodpins are meant to SECURE your hood, not look nifty and allow you to remove your hood easier. :duh:

I'm not speaking from an astetic look, I'm speaking from race experience. Every car I have ever used pins on, I have always left the saftey catch on the hood.

Problem is, MOST people do put them on for astetics. I don't use them unless I NEED them.

[chmercer]

rofl. what race experience are you talking about. autocross? hahaha. NO race car uses a stock type latch with a cable release. thats fucking stupid. using the stock latch with a composite hood is a completely unsafe way to hold down a hood. there are a lot of retards on zilvia but i doubt there is anyone on here stupid enough to use hood pins for "style points". please spill a coke on your keyboard so i dont have to read anymore insane posts from you. please show me a race car that has a stock hood release on it.

[fromxtor]

rofl. what race experience are you talking about. autocross? hahaha. NO race car uses a stock type latch with a cable release. thats fucking stupid. using the stock latch with a composite hood is a completely unsafe way to hold down a hood. there are a lot of retards on zilvia but i doubt there is anyone on here stupid enough to use hood pins for "style points". please spill a coke on your keyboard so i dont have to read anymore insane posts from you. please show me a race car that has a stock hood release on it.

Quoted for truth, my hatch does not have the release cable at all. Its removed from the hood release to the hatch release.

[Ruby240]

rofl. what race experience are you talking about. autocross? hahaha. NO race car uses a stock type latch with a cable release. thats fucking stupid. using the stock latch with a composite hood is a completely unsafe way to hold down a hood. there are a lot of retards on zilvia but i doubt there is anyone on here stupid enough to use hood pins for "style points". please spill a coke on your keyboard so i dont have to read anymore insane posts from you. please show me a race car that has a stock hood release on it.

READ WHAT I SAID RETARD! I said nothing about the stock latch. I said the safety catch. Or do you even know WTF that is?

You need to learn some reading comprehension before you spout off on some tangent just because you misread a post.

+1 retard.

[TravisSW]

Weee. flamming.

Anyways to divert. This hood latches look pretty good, but prices, but they have a key lock! If they are the same key design or not, who cares. Or cares that much. I'm sure there is just a handful of people that has them. And like somebody mentioned before. If somebody is d-ck enough to mess with you. They'd just break the hood into 587235072053 lil pieces.

Personally, I think I may order these. Just afraid to put them on and I wonder if by luck they would fit the holes already in the hood. As well, I have some off and on unfriendlies that I work with and I always fear that they'll mess with my car and the engine is easy to get to. Pop the pins back and wallah. Engine access. At least with a lock, I will know as soon as I see my car that somebody messed with the engine or not due to a broken hood.

Better to find out that way then compared to starting your car with wires cut or a belt in the fan belt.

May not be the best looking latches, but at least they have an optional lock.

Off topic btw:
Sorry no pic, but has anybody seen those hood pins that are round and sit UBER flush with the hood? On the picture I've seen it was a black hood and the round pins where silver in color. Almost looked like a pop-up sucker candy. haha

Now back to D1 GP(ps2) getting owned off and on. -.-

[chmercer]

READ WHAT I SAID RETARD! I said nothing about the stock latch.

Hoodpins are only meant as a quick release, and NOT a replacement for your hood latch.

how many times do i have to call you an idiot before you stop posting

[McRussellPants]

Charlie is just being dumb.

Every body panel on a LMP chassis has a nissan latch with a cable going to the driver, you have to pop it before you undo the quick releases.

It wouldn't be safe any other way

[Ruby240]

Charlie is just being dumb.

Every body panel on a LMP chassis has a nissan latch with a cable going to the driver, you have to pop it before you undo the quick releases.

It wouldn't be safe any other way
Never really payed attention to how the safety latch is on the 240's as I don't ever plan on using hood pins for my car. All of the Mustangs I've dealt with they are seperate peices. On both of my Mustangs, they are pinned and safety catched.

[2Fass240us]

Sorry to dig this up, but I felt that I had something to add.

The key to getting these super-tight is cutting the rubber stoppers to the correct length/height. The rubber will create an upward force on the hood from being compressed, and this creates friction between the pin and the "plunger." Other than the pin nut vibrating loose from track use and the mechanisms binding, they are great. Speaking of binding, +1 on the earlier comment about WD40. I used a silicone spray and they are MUCH easier to engage/disengage.

For reference, I have these on all 4 corners my of stock hood (yeah, I know) and have the car up past 120 on track days.