Interest: OEM Aluminum Hood

[ixfxi]

I am making this thread as a 240SX enthusiast (not as a vendor) to see who here is interested in a high quality reproduction part for their S13 240SX. In specific, I'm talking about taking the FACTORY S13 240SX steel hood and having it replicated (precisely, to spec) in high quality aluminum.

I'm not the biggest fan of non-production composite materials (ie: fiberglass and carbon) and am have a highly qualified vendor who is (very) capable and willing to reproduce the factory S13 240SX hood. Those familiar with me, and with what I build - know that I am committed to quality, and therefor this hood will be of absolute high quality.

Estimated pricing will be starting at $1500.00 USD per hood. Understand that this is estimated pricing and that its subject to change.

I dont see this appealing to too many people other than the true die-hard enthusiasts. If you're tired of hoods that dont fit properly... or tired of hood latches that de-laminate... and you consider yourself a hardcore 240 enthusiast.....

Maybe you can purchase, AN ALUMINUM HOOD.

Mike / ClearCorners.Com
Feel free to e-mail: [email protected]

[mrmephistopheles]

Haha wow. Read the thread title, and as I clicked to open it, thought 'that's something Mike would want'.
Then I saw who posted it.

Respect!

[omgRWDgoodness!]

Respect!

"Don't worrry bout Omar, he's not wit us no more..."

Anyways, I think you have an excellent idea overshadowed by a steep price. I understand you might not like fiberglass/carbon products, but there are those who do and they would definitely choose one of those for 1/3 the price instead of aluminum. I know I would if I were in the market. Just my :2c:

[godrifttoday]

1500 people would get eBay aero. Hood, trunk..

[ericcastro]

I would love to see this.
But the price is way to steep for me.
If I could put that much into the hood, i would be trying to build a GT class track car.

[R33E8]

I could make a full dry carbon hood for less than that... Anyways, I have an S14 Kouki so I'm not interested..

Isn't aluminium really hard to repair?
The only advantage to this is that it may weight just about the same or even slightly less than most of those "carbon fiber" hoods out there...

[hOngsterr]

i'd buy one if it was same price as CF,
but damn 1500.00 is a shitload.

[vtund777]

Estimated pricing will be starting at $1500.00 USD per hood. Understand that this is estimated pricing and that its subject to change.

I dont see this appealing to too many people other than the true die-hard enthusiasts.

I like the idea. But just like what everyone else has said, the price is way too high. Spare hoods are still readily available in the market (in decent condition), but this would be better for old school hard to find parts that aren't as readily available.

I know you're targeting a small niche market or the die-hard enthusiasts, so good luck. Are there any hoods you guys are currently producing? I'm curious on the process.

[ManoNegra]

Hood, no. I'd rather give money to have Kognition make a proper carbon fiber one.
Have your aluminum guru make 30mm oem type (no vents) fenders instead.

[R33E8]

Have your aluminum guru make 30mm oem type (no vents) fenders instead.

+1

For s14's too :D

Some sheet metal rear over fenders would be sweet too..

[Touge Noob S13]

Terrific idea, I like innovative products.

[jspecusa]

mike,
I have a aluminum hood and believe me it's not that much difference in weight,
not enough where weight vs price.
even at $500 no one would buy a stock aluminum hood.
when it comes to spending alot of money people expect alot in return and
for this community it's all about looks.
if it's a dmax or bn sport aluminum hood then you might have a chance,
but then again probably sell like less then 10.
like Juan said the only thing that would sell is probably s135 s145 conversion fenders or
wide stock fenders out of aluminum.
this is a 240 not a exotic car.
good luck,

sam

[godrifttoday]

I’m curious how did u come up with the price of 1500? How was it calculated? Was it predicting if only 1 or 100 people buy them? Or was it calculated on hrs spend to produce 1 hood? And also including material cost? And have u completed one hood? Just curious not meant to bash on u

[mattack69]

This hood you speak of with it give me sweet street credits? http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/mattack69/Random/back-to-the-future.jpg LAWLS, j/k lighten up guys he obviously knows the price margin is high and covered that it wouldnt be for all but geared for die hard enthusists... Neat idea! IFL wanna see how this pans out.

[ThatGuy]

An interesting idea, for certain. We have discussed this before Mike.

While I like the thought of the aluminum, I, for one, wouldn't mind at least a slight cowl to the hood .

Good luck with this, Mike. You and I both know you'll get little support from the typical S-Chassis owner.

[Hashiriya415]

make a hood with wide 70mm fenders in 1 piece along with half of the bumper, and ad some shocks on each side so when you need access you just have the whole thing pop up. The fenders, hood, and bumper as 1 piece will definitely look good

[s14unimog]

I'd love to see this go through but I own a Zenki S14; any chance for those? I would like to see a slight cowl in those as well.

Considering the available manufacturing means for something as involved and as low a quantity as this, I can't imagine there will even be that much of a profit margin at $1500.

Hit me up when the s14 ones hit the market.


^ he brings up a point. It would be awesome to see metal, possibly aluminum, wide fenders for the S chassis.

[nopwrsldr180]

i would love an all aluminum hood, no cowl, but make the skeleton underneath shallower than the stock skeleton.

However, $1500 is a hard pill to swallow for a hood.

good luck.

[projectRDM]

I opened this and expected exactly what I read from everyone.

The idea is awesome. Simple. I have a CF hood filled and painted to match because I hate how CF looks but I wanted something lightweight. I looked at a ton of hoods, even tried a few, and nothing fit worth a fuck. I finally paid a premium for a "quality" piece and it still doesn't fit perfect, even with a lot of tweaking and sanding done to it. It's close, but nothing near an OE fit and not anything I'm truly happy with. A perfect fitting lighter hood would be worth the price to me and I'd pay it *if* I cared about my car anymore, but I don't. Times have changed and I won't ever put money into it again so this is a non starter for me.

For the majority of 240SX owners the above doesn't even begin to matter. In the two decades I've dealt with these cars I have met or seen maybe a dozen other owners who even remotely care about their car being built properly or looking like it wasn't thrown together like a bowl of salad, and that's being generous. 99.9% of 240 owners do not have the mindset to do anything correctly, nor do they have the money to try to. It's all about cheap and quick no matter how shitty the end result is. This is not the market to sell anything to if it exceeds $300, no matter what it is. $150 manifolds, $80 camber arms, $200 set of wheels, $40 steering wheel, this is the 240SX owner that has thrived since the internet became mainstream. The owner who appreciates quality, ingenuity, and originality doesn't exist anymore, so there certainly isn't anyone who would pay more than $150 for a hood of any kind. Some people balk at paying $400 for an entire frontend with lights, $1500 is just way out of the question.

You would do it Mike, and I would have a few years ago when I cared about my car. There's maybe three other people currently who would too, and they're not to be found on car forums these days, they're too busy with real life.

[godrifttoday]

Well u must consider the cost to own vs the actual cost of ur car... Something ain't right... I do agree with u most aftermarket things don't fit like oem but one must draw the line on Somewhere. 1500 for something to be just perfect... Ehh I don't know... When something of 300 dollars fit almost as good... This ain't a domestic car that sells for 40k and that potential buyers look at every detail to make sure it looks like it just came out of the factory line... Bottom line hood cost more than the car.. That's y people won't buy it. Now let's say if it was a 80k Porsche u will have more buyers, highend car u want to best of everything but then gain if u have 80k I'm sure u have 1500 for aftermarket hood

[projectRDM]

Well u must consider the cost to own vs the actual cost of ur car... Something ain't right... I do agree with u most aftermarket things don't fit like oem but one must draw the line on Somewhere. 1500 for something to be just perfect... Ehh I don't know... When something of 300 dollars fit almost as good... This ain't a domestic car that sells for 40k and that potential buyers look at every detail to make sure it looks like it just came out of the factory line... Bottom line hood cost more than the car.. That's y people won't buy it. Now let's say if it was a 80k Porsche u will have more buyers, highend car u want to best of everything but then gain if u have 80k I'm sure u have 1500 for aftermarket hood

That's a stupid comparison.

You're saying that 240SX owners own these cars because that's all they can afford. And that if they could afford more, they'd have a better car. That's ignorant.

True, most of the current owners, this is all they can afford. Some of them can't even afford it. Mike owns a business. He makes good money. He has owned his 240 forever, so he appreciates the car for what it is and what he's done to it, and the experiences he's had with it. I'm the same way. I could afford more easily, but I've owned 240s for nearly 15 years, I've enjoyed the cars and learning about them and have appreciated what they are. A few years ago, I would gladly have paid double what the car cost me to make it nicer (I did with my second 240 easily) and I'd gladly pay the price for the right part. It's not about an investment, or what you'll get out of it, or even showing it off and winning awards, it's what you care about. You obviously don't care as much as about your car, neither do most the people on this forum, it's the current fad, it's cool, you'll drive it until something better comes along, but Mike has owned his for long enough and been a part of the real community long enough to appreciate it for more than just a ticket home.

Why do people buy muscle cars and drop tons of money into them when they can just buy a brand new BMW? Same reasons apply. There just isn't anyone with a 240 who does that anymore.

[godrifttoday]

U Miss understood me. I'm not saying 240sx owners can't afford anything else I'm saying that the majority of the 240sx owners would see the cost of the hood is almost the same as buying another used car that's y they won't buy it... Now yes, like u said there are some people who would pay for the hood, but it won't be alot because like u said most don't care. As for me caring about my car, I'm not building a show car but I am using oem hood. And that should be fine. As for as mike I don't know him but it seems like he does high end stuff and that's cool. Nothing against that. But for the muscle car usually the age of owner are older people, not in there 20's like most 240sx owners. Older croud usally has more money to spend and do it to make everything look good.

[ixfxi]

I really didnt expect the shitfest of responses, but I havent posted here in months now... nice reminder of who the Zilvia community is. Good to see that folks like Johnny, Kevin and Russ still understand where I am coming from and still post here.

I dont have any expectations from the community, I simply made the post to see if indeed there is anyone else out there who has the same interest that I do. If not, thats fine.. I'll continue building my car my way - and you guys can keep doing what you do.

During my build, the least important objective for me has been price. I, like many other car enthusiasts, want something bad enough will do whatever it takes to acquire it. I waited 7 years to locate and purchase R34 GTR seats, wheels, paint.. whatever.

To restate, I do not do any metal work. My company solely specialized in automotive lighting, which has nothing to do with this post. I am not posting from the vendors perspective, I am posting as a 240 enthusiast looking for others who are interested in the same thing.

---------------

Over the years, I've had numerous friends and customers who've had composite hoods that:
1) Did not fit right
2) De-laminated, flew open and smashed their windshield and roofline almost causing a full on wreck
3) Yellowing clearcoat (as non-yellowing clearcoat like that used on the ZR1 Corvette costs *A LOT*)
4) Weight more than a stock aluminum

One of my good G-Coupe customers has a Top Secret hood, cost over 1k for something that still has its share of imperfections - and this is a very high quality hood.

I've seen Seibon hood for the R35 GTR which doesnt fit right and weighs more. Go figure.

If your S13 is valued at 500-5000, dont even bother clicking on this thread or posting. You're not someone who's opinion is valued. Not putting you down, just speaking truth. This is for someone who, like me, has spent over 20-30k in build parts alone and is looking for something that is hand-made and high quality.

Sam, I understand where you are coming from. The 240SX is not the S30 240Z, but I dont see that being the same way a decade or two from now. I've always loved the 240Z and I think the S13 240SX is and has always been the closest thing our generation ever had to being similar to the older platform. Afterall, there's a reason why you, me, russ, alex, and so many others still stick around these old ass cars.

[ixfxi]

my number one thing is

its a 240sx... not a race car?

you're not shaving off seconds of anything by getting a lighter hood

pointless mike

And I dont need to hear useless opinions like that.

How about this:
- Mike, your Miata is not a racecar. Remove the OE aluminum hood and replace it with steel.
- Mike, you are not a sound engineer - sell your Mackie studio monitors.
- Mike, you are not a mechanic - sell your Snap on Ball joint press

I mean, I dont need anyones reason why I dont need it. I'm not asking anyones opinion here. All I am asking is that if anyone has interest, to e-mail.

So far, I have received zero e-mails. As long as this thread exists, people will know to e-mail me. Should I get enough interest, I will contact my business associate and hopefully have something unique, rare, and high quality built for this chassis. This is hand-made metal work, not cheap junk. I am talking about 100% OEM replica.

[email protected]

peaceout

[ericcastro]

And I dont need to hear useless opinions like that.

How about this:
- Mike, your Miata is not a racecar. Remove the OE aluminum hood and replace it with steel.
- Mike, you are not a sound engineer - sell your Mackie studio monitors.
- Mike, you are not a mechanic - sell your Snap on Ball joint press

I mean, I dont need anyones reason why I dont need it. I'm not asking anyones opinion here. All I am asking is that if anyone has interest, to e-mail.

So far, I have received zero e-mails. As long as this thread exists, people will know to e-mail me. Should I get enough interest, I will contact my business associate and hopefully have something unique, rare, and high quality built for this chassis. This is hand-made metal work, not cheap junk. I am talking about 100% OEM replica.

[email protected]

peaceout

ya know.
The Japanese treat these cars the way you do.
Well, some.
But they are much more about keeping stock 510's or Z's stock.
I wont know if its hit 240's yet, but that may be a market where you could sell some to get a run made.

[bigOdom1]

this thread is a perfect example of why our community sucks. good luck with this endeavor mike.

[SoSideways]

The hood sounds awesome.

And I would totally save up to buy it.

But the fact is, my car will end up seeing some track time, therefore I think I would need some vents built into the hood to help dissipate some heat.

If your hood guy can make a vented aluminum hood, I will start saving up for it right now.

[ixfxi]

The hood sounds awesome.

And I would totally save up to buy it.

But the fact is, my car will end up seeing some track time, therefore I think I would need some vents built into the hood to help dissipate some heat.

If your hood guy can make a vented aluminum hood, I will start saving up for it right now.

I cant answer whether or not hood vents will be an option. It would be hard to add hood vents without removing part of the structural frame support. While I dont think a vented hood will be an option, I wont rule it out either.

Reality is, if you're going to track something this expensive.. you might as well run a different hood for the track. Furthermore, I doubt a vented hood will give you much functionality. You're better off focusing on ducting and/or better oil/water cooling than doing stupid shit like adding vents or raising your hood with washers.

But thats just my 2c...

[Brian]

Good luck on the idea Mike..... sounds like it's going to be more of a one-off thing though.

[SoSideways]

I cant answer whether or not hood vents will be an option. It would be hard to add hood vents without removing part of the structural frame support. While I dont think a vented hood will be an option, I wont rule it out either.

Reality is, if you're going to track something this expensive.. you might as well run a different hood for the track. Furthermore, I doubt a vented hood will give you much functionality. You're better off focusing on ducting and/or better oil/water cooling than doing stupid shit like adding vents or raising your hood with washers.

But thats just my 2c...

Well that's just it.

The more air you can move through a car's cooling system, the more efficient it will be, and the better the cooling will be.

Thus, having vents there will help with cooling.

Spacing the rear of the hood up with washers? Not so much.

I'm just throwing out ideas, because for $1500 and the hood to be pretty much custom made, I figured you could make a frame that has the infrastructure to run the top skin with or without vents, so that some of the more hardcore guys that can't afford the more expensive dry carbon hoods or whatever could look at this hood as a possible alternative for their race cars.

Oh well...

I'm not going to hold my breath on it, but if your guy could make a hood with vents on it, then I would definitely start saving for it, and I'm sure a lot more people would be more interested.

[Slidin240Wayz]

How much would a fabricator or car restorer charge for an aluminum hood?

You can cancel out the middle dip and have it fully smooth.

[ManoNegra]

I understand where you
and Arnie that wanted Vorshslag camber/caster plates
and the kid with the titanium exhausts
and the other kid with the front wishbone conversion
and the other other kid that wanted a CNC billet aluminum subframes
are coming from

I too only buy quality brand name parts without much thought to cost
$1500 for a hood doesn't bother me, if I wanted one

I too make 'quality' parts for the community and this is what I've seen over time:
most of the people that ask for something will never buy it
a lot of the people that say they'll buy it won't either
and then there'll be some people that you've never heard of that will pony up money no questions asked when they see something they want

this sounds like a one off type of deal to me

oh, what about the fender idea Mike?
Now that's something I would put money on.

[drift freaq]

I understand where you
and Arnie that wanted Vorshslag camber/caster plates
and the kid with the titanium exhausts
and the other kid with the front wishbone conversion
and the other other kid that wanted a CNC billet aluminum subframes
are coming from

I too only buy quality brand name parts without much thought to cost
$1500 for a hood doesn't bother me, if I wanted one

I too make 'quality' parts for the community and this is what I've seen over time:
most of the people that ask for something will never buy it
a lot of the people that say they'll buy it won't either
and then there'll be some people that you've never heard of that will pony up money no questions asked when they see something they want

this sounds like a one off type of deal to me

oh, what about the fender idea Mike?
Now that's something I would put money on.

Aluminum fenders would be sick, shit an aluminum hood would be dope and Juan the uprights are sick and on my short list. As is your front knuckles you're working on.

Says Dave, who spent the money to make steel s15 conversion fenders among other things.

[DALAZ_68]

if your car is seeing track time, why would you buy this...?

Mike - i like the idea, its just this crowd isnt going to bit...since...well lets face it...90% are broke, 5 % are gonna get most bang for buck, 4% are either on budget or still saving to finnish there car, 1% if not less have money to actually do this...

but mind you there are people like Mike (Kognition) who like you, is about the details and function of the product they put out...and deals with the same broke fucks as well

just my .02

[ixfxi]

edit: noticed you addressed this, so you're saying buy this expensive aluminum hood SO YOU CAN'T EVEN USE IT? just stare at it in your garage at such marvels you have created

or even street driving risking getting in an accident with your one of a kind hood

then you're fucked out of 1500 dollars

stop being an elitist fuck because you think your idea for an aluminum hood is above and beyond everything else

Note to Soapgun (who apparently has forgotten during my absence how capable [and willing] I am to p0wn retards such as yourself). Allow me to quote myself:

"Reality is, if you're going to track something this expensive.. you might as well run a different hood for the track."

This means, if you're a fruitcake who is too worried about damaging your car - remove the hood, remove the wheels, shit.. why not just remove the car and walk the track.

The first 12" of my car (parts alone) can easily purchase 2 of your cars, in case you were wondering. But that again has nothing to do with this thread. So please, dont post if you're just going to litter it with your stupidity.

Thanks.

[ManoNegra]

info on these?

thanks

search for them if you care that much

the point is that these were threads from people drumming up interest
in nice expensive parts that the community isn't able to pay for and/or appreciate.

[drftwerks]

i like my stock fc al hood.

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

thoughts:

i'm interested as to what the total weight of an alu hood would be as compared to a proper dry carbon hood. i'd imagine that it would be comparable to a regular off the shelf carbon hood.
alu hoods dent a lot.

some other ones, maybe, but i have to go to class. maybe more later, if this thread isn't locked by then.

[ThatGuy]

I would rather see ONE car with an innovative part like this, then 1 Million piece of shit "missile" cars.



Keep up the good work Mike, no matter the price.

[bboyoracle]

I would rather see ONE car with an innovative part like this, then 1 Million piece of shit "missile" cars.



Keep up the good work Mike, no matter the price.

I agree.

I'm personally not interested in the hood. But im glad to see something innovative when it comes to 240s. Instead of the copy of a copy bullsh*t.

[Brian]

If you guys are interested in an aluminum hood, email Mike. He will work with you.

[Katsumbhong]

composite ftw

[Dream240]

Since this thread has degraded I don't feel bad adding my opinion.

When it comes to building a unique part for ANY car it's going to cost $$. Whether it's a 240, a Pinto, a Saturn. While I think the idea has merit, I don't think you will find that many people owning 240s that are willing to spend that much on a hood. For the simple fact that they could spend that money on other parts of the car, ie. rims, turbo parts, etc.

Me personally, I wouldn't throw 1500 on a hood before I spend that money on getting my car completely repainted or getting my rims. I have owned many 240s in the past 9 years, and hood types as well. Yes CF doesn't fit perfect, but then again neither do most body kits, or most other aftermarket exterior parts that aren't OEM.

And while I don't have alot of money, I have spent ALOT on my cars over the years. I fall under the category where I have to prioritize my spending based on my budget and the fact that I refuse to go into debt for my hobby. It sucks sometimes but I know I'm better off in the long run. My daughter's tuition is more important.

Bottomline, I say go for the hood if you got the money. Nothing beats boasting about a unique car part when you get the chance. And custom work is always nice.

Actually I would think you should have kept this idea to yourself and sport the only one around!

Peace.

[ixfxi]

Mods, can you please remove the useless posts from this thread?

I really dont understand why Soap in particular decides to post about something he has no interest in purchasing or developing.

As for Dave, he's just doing what many other people do - restate the fact that I am a person who appreciates quality products and attention to detail.

See, the problem I have with the negativity in this thread is that its based on one thing: price. If I said that it could be done for $50.00, I am sure I'de have quite a lot of interest.

This isnt a debate nor is it a comparison thread to say who's penis is longer. This thread is and should continue to be an interest thread. So, if you're not interested - please go away and refrain from posting. In the meantime, I would like to ask the mods to please prune the useless posts from this thread.

del soap*.*

[racepar1]

I really LOVE the idea Mike. I was thinking the same thing last week when I was lifting the hood of my buddy's R-32 GTR last week, which is aluminum. It would be a LOT lighter for sure. Unfortuanetly the pricing is just way out there though, which I can understand. If I did have the budget for it though I would definitely be interested in one, I'm scheming on a 2-tone coupe daily... I think that you should pursue thid for your car no matter what anyone else says, it would be unquestionably badass.

Well u must consider the cost to own vs the actual cost of ur car... Something ain't right... I do agree with u most aftermarket things don't fit like oem but one must draw the line on Somewhere. 1500 for something to be just perfect... Ehh I don't know... When something of 300 dollars fit almost as good... This ain't a domestic car that sells for 40k and that potential buyers look at every detail to make sure it looks like it just came out of the factory line... Bottom line hood cost more than the car.. That's y people won't buy it. Now let's say if it was a 80k Porsche u will have more buyers, highend car u want to best of everything but then gain if u have 80k I'm sure u have 1500 for aftermarket hood

It is absolutely retarded to compare the price of modifications to the original purchase price of the car. It doesn't matter if it is a $500 coupe shell or an $80k porsche if you REALLY LOVE the car. Most 240sx owners are not in it for the love of the cars anymore and that is the primary cause of the decline of the 240sx "community" in recent years. If you are in it because the cars are cheap then this thread was not created for you, or others like you.

my number one thing is

its a 240sx... not a race car?

you're not shaving off seconds of anything by getting a lighter hood

pointless mike


WOW, you should drive a civic...

...off a cliff.


Not only is lighter always better and DOES in fact shave seconds off things, but lighter is not the only point. Fiberglass/"carbon" hoods look like ass. They fit shitty and are wavy as fuck. Stock hoods fit nice and are smooth as glass, but weigh as much as the rest of the front end put together. An aluminum hood would be an ideal median for those NOT looking to build a shitty drift bucket or a retarded track slut (like mine). The idea is sound, but the price is very high.

[lflkajfj12123]

Mods, can you please remove the useless posts from this thread?

I really dont understand why Soap in particular decides to post about something he has no interest in purchasing or developing.

As for Dave, he's just doing what many other people do - restate the fact that I am a person who appreciates quality products and attention to detail.

See, the problem I have with the negativity in this thread is that its based on one thing: price. If I said that it could be done for $50.00, I am sure I'de have quite a lot of interest.

This isnt a debate nor is it a comparison thread to say who's penis is longer. This thread is and should continue to be an interest thread. So, if you're not interested - please go away and refrain from posting. In the meantime, I would like to ask the mods to please prune the useless posts from this thread.

del soap*.*

Look mike, you've already said your point and everyone has heard it. If there is interest you'll receive it, but we are in fact posting on a FORUM and anything is up for debate.

I actually was going to refrain from posting in this thread originally. I'm not sure why i did but you need to realize that it isn't negativity its purely analyzing your proposition from every stand point. Is this shit really worth it?

Also, what gets me is NOT the price so much because I'm about to spend 1300~ dollars on a hood, its the fact that its a one of a kind deal. A one of a kind metal hood which is hard to repair if anything happens to it.

[ThatGuy]

Mods, can you please remove the useless posts from this thread?

Clutter removed. Thank you for asking so nicely. :bow:

[DALAZ_68]

See, the problem I have with the negativity in this thread is that its based on one thing: price. If I said that it could be done for $50.00, I am sure I'de have quite a lot of interest.



and you'd still get people bitching and moaning about the price...

im pretty much in the same boat as Dream240, can i afford 1500 down the hole? yes...very easily, but i cant justify it to myself...especially my car, which is a track car, and me still new to driving it hard...im bound to hit the wall...hence why im not worrying about body kits yo.

if i intended to spend any money on the DD coupe, yes i would buy it...specially since i might actually repaint the whole car down the road...but its a DD...and i cant justify spending money on something ive only bought oil for...

when my tax refund comes in, ill consider it...

sounds awesome...the thought is there, and obviously from what i've seen in your work...detail will be there as well..



PS... Thank you Soap and freaq...best read of the day... :bowrofl:

[lflkajfj12123]

Um... My mind is a blank... and... uhh... and I'll smash your face!

[Flicktitty]

i like the idea i think it could work in theory i just think it's going to cost too much money for the majority of the people who would consider running one.

i would consider getting one just to cut some weight off the front of the car that the 2JZ created but i don't know about spending $1500. i think if you could put the price in the high hundreds it could be successful ($750-1000). I also think that with an aluminum hood you would have better chance of heat dissipating from the engine bay too correct? which could be handy for track cars.

something to always consider.

[PoorMans180SX]

Hey Mike. I'm actually interested in this. Like SoSideways, I would really like a vent. I was planning on running a Koguchi Power Hood, which costs $1200 anyway.

Even if you make a totally stock one, I'll probably go that route because of the fit and finish. Maybe even do some custom work on it.

But here's the thing. I'm poor. Unless I get a decent job soon (I'm thinking about going back to school) then I'm going to have to save up for a good long while to buy one. So I'm probably not much help right now.

My car is pretty much stock because I have to save up so long for parts, and refuse to buy cheap crap.

[Matej]

Hello everyone.
While on this topic, I have been presented with the special opportunity to have a windshield made for our cars out of solid diamonds, which will be about 1 lbs. lighter than the stock one, and explosion-proof.
The initial cost will be 120 000$.

P.S.
Anyone who is not interested in buying it is a peasant.

[godrifttoday]

It is absolutely retarded to compare the price of modifications to the original purchase price of the car. It doesn't matter if it is a $500 coupe shell or an $80k porsche if you REALLY LOVE the car. Most 240sx owners are not in it for the love of the cars anymore and that is the primary cause of the decline of the 240sx "community" in recent years. If you are in it because the cars are cheap then this thread was not created for you, or others like you.



It's not when most people won't see a benefit to a hood than let's say coilovers. That's why there are more people buying $1000+ coilovers. And as far as the love of the 240 everyone loves them who ever drives one. It's just people want shit for cheap and get a decent looking car, but then again there would always be people to want the best regarless... I'm sure this hood would be nice add to a 240 but if there is no market for this product why produce it?even though there might be a limited amount of people to buy it, but is it enough that is the real question.

[R33E8]

Why not put the effort in getting real FULL carbon fiber hoods made (prepreg+autoclave, not vacuum infusion).. They would cost and weigh less..

[racepar1]

It's not when most people won't see a benefit to a hood than let's say coilovers. That's why there are more people buying $1000+ coilovers. And as far as the love of the 240 everyone loves them who ever drives one. It's just people want shit for cheap and get a decent looking car, but then again there would always be people to want the best regarless... I'm sure this hood would be nice add to a 240 but if there is no market for this product why produce it?even though there might be a limited amount of people to buy it, but is it enough that is the real question.

It's not stupid to weigh what is more important to spend money on given your budget. That is not what I said at all. It IS stupid to say "I'm not going to spend $1500 on a hood because the car only costs $1500 or less". If your budget allows it, you really love the car, and you like the idea of the part then you are going to buy the part. If the part does not meet those criteria then you won't buy it. That is simple common sense.

Why not put the effort in getting real FULL carbon fiber hoods made (prepreg+autoclave, not vacuum infusion).. They would cost and weigh less..

First that would not cost very much less, if at all less. Second that does not fix all the issues with carbon body parts. A carbon fiber hood will not stay nice and smooth, the surface of the hood will become wavy over time due to heat expansion and contraction. That is a simple fact of composite body parts, they are not factory perfect smooth.

It is all about what kind of car you want to build. On my fastback I wouldn't even consider putting a $1500 aluminum hood on it. It's a track car, fitment and factory smooth panels are not important. Now, on the coupe that I am scheming on building I would be all over an aluminum hood if it fit my budget.

[godrifttoday]

No no no... Yes like u said it's stupid to say just beause the hood is 1500 and the car is worth the same u won't buy it. Most people would weight it as hood or another part that can give me more satisfaction Like coilovers or wheels something With similar price tags

[R33E8]

First that would not cost very much less, if at all less. Second that does not fix all the issues with carbon body parts. A carbon fiber hood will not stay nice and smooth, the surface of the hood will become wavy over time due to heat expansion and contraction. That is a simple fact of composite body parts, they are not factory perfect smooth.


It's probably around $400 or so worth of pre-preg carbon fiber and foam for reinforcement to make a dry-carbon hood.. The mold would be the most expensive part but would probably cost about the same as making a mold for the aluminum hood.

Warping should not be as large of a problem if some gold heat reflective material is placed under the hood.. You can also use pre-preg with a higher Tg..

[Wave_s13]

I too make 'quality' parts for the community and this is what I've seen over time:
most of the people that ask for something will never buy it
a lot of the people that say they'll buy it won't either
and then there'll be some people that you've never heard of that will pony up money no questions asked when they see something they want


^ That is so true.

Mike, I've seen Don's LED koukis, awesome work!
Wish you best of luck with this hood. It's gonna be very unique.

[GripTerror]

If it was vented properly for releiving pressure (read: fight lift, add downforce) and better cooling id see it as a possibility. Otherwise just oem hood no. I dunno... i guess for those wanting a nice show car with added benefit of some weight reduction maybe...

[DALAZ_68]

one thing i have noticed...is that my 90' hatchback hood...is lighter...than my 91' coupe's hood...im guessing theres more bracing somewhere...

atleast to me it feels liek it...

[SoSideways]

If it was vented properly for releiving pressure (read: fight lift, add downforce) and better cooling id see it as a possibility. Otherwise just oem hood no. I dunno... i guess for those wanting a nice show car with added benefit of some weight reduction maybe...

That's the whole point, to look good while hauling ass around a track enjoying myself in my car.

I just don't get the whole "use another hood if you're gonna track the car" bit though...

Why?

I mean, if there was going to be damage to the hood, that usually means a front end collision, and to involve the hood in that crash usually mean you have more things to worry about than just the hood... you know, probably because most of the front end would be destroyed in that case, doesn't matter if you were running a $100 POS hood or a $1300 BN Sport hood or whatever, it will be trashed.

So why shouldn't people track on this aluminum hood, if they so choose to?

Anywho, awaiting response for whether vents can be incorporated into the design or not.

[Matej]

Out of curiosity, would anyone happen to know how much weight cutting all the supports out of the stock hood would save?
I have been contemplating doing that.

[Bubbles]

doesn't matter if you were running a $100 POS hood or a $1300 BN Sport hood or whatever, it will be trashed.


Yeah, but it's still a $1200 difference.




So why shouldn't people track on this aluminum hood, if they so choose to?


They could if they wanted to.

[SoSideways]

Yeah, but it's still a $1200 difference.


So? It would be the same difference if someone trashed their Koguchi Power or BN Sports hoods at the track.

Plus, we were talking about getting this hood if the hood's price wasn't a factor in choosing it, ergo, it doesn't matter how much the hood cost since the owner of the hood opted for it for its superior fitment, and hopefully function as well, which is why it shouldn't matter if it was on a car that sees the track sometimes as well.


They could if they wanted to.

Yes, yes they could.

[nathanong87]

aluminum foil would save weight and keep cost down.

[SoSideways]

aluminum foil would save weight and keep cost down.

Really?

How is that constructive?

[godrifttoday]

Since we are going to the track we could simply take of the hood and done deal!

[gt35built]

dood i kud get an sr20 with trans on fleebay or some volks from jay dm land. Or some tein coil overs!!!

Its seriously the wrong crowd for what it is. A hood. There are so many more cars and their supporting communities that may show some interested in shelling out that much cash. My suggestion would be do some research, and post up in a different forum. My guess would be high end European applications.

In some applications it may make sense, but the fact of the matter is relying on this forum (not sure if you advertised the idea anywhere else) for solely a s13 240sx chassis... it is just not going to happen.

[SoSideways]

dood i kud get an sr20 with trans on fleebay or some volks from jay dm land. Or some tein coil overs!!!

Its seriously the wrong crowd for what it is. A hood. There are so many more cars and their supporting communities that may show some interested in shelling out that much cash. My suggestion would be do some research, and post up in a different forum. My guess would be high end European applications.

In some applications it may make sense, but the fact of the matter is relying on this forum (not sure if you advertised the idea anywhere else) for solely a s13 240sx chassis... it is just not going to happen.

You missed the whole entire point for Mike's posting then.

He isn't interested in making money off of this hood idea.

His idea is that, THERE AREN'T ANY GOOD FITTING HOODS OUT THERE FOR THE 240SX, even the $1300 BN Sports or Koguchi Power hoods don't fit 100% like OEM, and they aren't glass smooth like the OEM hoods due to the fact that they are FRP.

That's where the aluminum hood idea comes in.

Mike isn't looking to make money off of this idea, he's just wondering if anybody else would be interested in this, so he could get in contact with his guy and tell him about the interest in this whole project.

Good lord.

Fucking cheap asses, all they see when they see this thread is the price, and from there they stop reading the rest of the posts or anything and just say the hood's too expensive, completely missing the point of the first post altogether.

[projectRDM]

dood i kud get an sr20 with trans on fleebay or some volks from jay dm land. Or some tein coil overs!!!

Its seriously the wrong crowd for what it is. A hood. There are so many more cars and their supporting communities that may show some interested in shelling out that much cash. My suggestion would be do some research, and post up in a different forum. My guess would be high end European applications.

In some applications it may make sense, but the fact of the matter is relying on this forum (not sure if you advertised the idea anywhere else) for solely a s13 240sx chassis... it is just not going to happen.

It would have happened a decade ago though. Easily.

Before the whole F&F and drifter phase there were plenty of 240SX owners with money and appreciation for their cars, the median age was still around 25 but the majority of the guys weren't nut swinging kids with a $2500 budget for an entire build. I once added up receipts from my second 240SX which I bought in 1997 and retired in 2004, in parts/wheels/paintwork I had over $40k in it by the end. True there's a several sets of wheels and tires in there and a lot of maintenance work, but that's still a lot of money. Mike probably has way more than that into his car now.

The change from experienced, educated, financially able owners to 18yr old fucktwats who spend their allowance on dildo shiftknobs, neon lighting, and Ebay steering wheels killed any real chance to continue creating high end parts for these cars. No big deal, the ones like Mike who are still passionate about their cars will just prototype unique parts for themselves. No one ever said there has to be a mass produced aluminum hood that we all have to buy.

[enkei2k]

dood i kud get an sr20 with trans on fleebay or some volks from jay dm land. Or some tein coil overs!!!

Its seriously the wrong crowd for what it is. A hood. There are so many more cars and their supporting communities that may show some interested in shelling out that much cash. My suggestion would be do some research, and post up in a different forum. My guess would be high end European applications.

In some applications it may make sense, but the fact of the matter is relying on this forum (not sure if you advertised the idea anywhere else) for solely a s13 240sx chassis... it is just not going to happen.

i wish i could ban/pink you for your stupidity, lack of proper education, and you telling Mike to do more research when he's probably did more research than you think.

[gt35built]

i wish i could ban/pink you for your stupidity, lack of proper education, and you telling Mike to do more research when he's probably did more research than you think.


Too bad you cant. :mephfawk: Nothing I said was stupid, it was the truth. Thinking zilvians will spend 1500 dollars on a hood is stupidity. Its likely I have more education under my belt than you.

And to who ever said he isn't trying to make money- thats complete bullshit. Is he going to loose money making people hoods? no. break even? doubtful. and 1500 dollars for a aluminum hood cost? haha. I really hope some of that price is profit for the maker.

[ThatGuy]

He is NOT making the hoods. Please, stop posting if you're not going to take the time to understand what is going on here.

[racepar1]

Out of curiosity, would anyone happen to know how much weight cutting all the supports out of the stock hood would save?
I have been contemplating doing that.

It doesn't save enough weight, the hood's still heavy as fuck. My hood is floppier then a limp penis and it's still a tank. I'll weigh it later since it's off the car. Anyone know the weight of a stock hood?

dood i kud get an sr20 with trans on fleebay or some volks from jay dm land. Or some tein coil overs!!!

Or, you "kud" get a fucking brain "dood". You shouldn't type like a retard, it makes you come off as even more of a loser then the quality of your post does.

Its seriously the wrong crowd for what it is. A hood. There are so many more cars and their supporting communities that may show some interested in shelling out that much cash. My suggestion would be do some research, and post up in a different forum. My guess would be high end European applications.

In some applications it may make sense, but the fact of the matter is relying on this forum (not sure if you advertised the idea anywhere else) for solely a s13 240sx chassis... it is just not going to happen.

You're actually right, but it's only broke dumbfucks like you that make that statement true. Owning a modded 240sx didn't used to mean that you are a broke/cheap ass.

Too bad you cant. :mephfawk: Nothing I said was stupid, it was the truth. Thinking zilvians will spend 1500 dollars on a hood is stupidity. Its likely I have more education under my belt than you.

And to who ever said he isn't trying to make money- thats complete bullshit. Is he going to loose money making people hoods? no. break even? doubtful. and 1500 dollars for a aluminum hood cost? haha. I really hope some of that price is profit for the maker.

Nobody expects the "average zilvian" to buy a hood like this. Nobody is trying to sell hundreds of hoods here on zilvia. A guy had an idea for HIS car that he THOUGHT some others may appreciate and be interested in. I am absolutely POSITIVE that Mike is NOT trying to make any money on this deal. The price he is advertising is the price he was quoted. If you actually knew anything about Mike, or his car, you would know that. But, you don't know shit and are doing nothing but fucking up a thread.

[enkei2k]

Too bad you cant. :mephfawk: Nothing I said was stupid, it was the truth. Thinking zilvians will spend 1500 dollars on a hood is stupidity. Its likely I have more education under my belt than you.

And to who ever said he isn't trying to make money- thats complete bullshit. Is he going to loose money making people hoods? no. break even? doubtful. and 1500 dollars for a aluminum hood cost? haha. I really hope some of that price is profit for the maker.

judging by the way you post, with your failed attempt at grammar and spelling, i doubt you have more education than i do. but this isn't about that.

Mike, sorry to shit up your thread, just defending myself. but just in case you read this post, let us know if/when an S14 version becomes available. :bigok:

[Bubbles]

So? It would be the same difference if someone trashed their Koguchi Power or BN Sports hoods at the track.




You're arguing two different points and doing a poor job on both sides.



You asked the difference between a $100 hood and a $1300 hood.

$1200. Pretty simple.


Now it would appear you are comparing this hood to other very expensive hoods.

You're assuming many people own $1300 hoods..................they don't.


Find 5 people who own those, if you do(which you won't) that number is still double the number of people who would buy an aluminum stock version.

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

Since we are going to the track we could simply take of the hood and done deal!

lies. none of y'all goin to the track. besides, if you're gonna take off the hood anyways, one would surmise that you would do fine with a STOCK HOOD because no hood equals 100% weight reduction for $0 dollars.

[ixfxi]

The change from experienced, educated, financially able owners to 18yr old fucktwats who spend their allowance on dildo shiftknobs, neon lighting, and Ebay steering wheels killed any real chance to continue creating high end parts for these cars. No big deal, the ones like Mike who are still passionate about their cars will just prototype unique parts for themselves. No one ever said there has to be a mass produced aluminum hood that we all have to buy.

You know Russ, I'll have to chime in and say this doesnt apply to all the younger cats. I havent even met Johnny and he seems to have appreciation for the car and ambition to build a clean car with quality parts. They may not all be new parts, but it doesnt matter.. as long as you spend the time to clean and restore them. I've always rocked used/reconditioned parts when I couldnt afford new parts. I'de rather do that then waste time with cheap shitty aftermarket parts.


Nobody expects the "average zilvian" to buy a hood like this. Nobody is trying to sell hundreds of hoods here on zilvia. A guy had an idea for HIS car that he THOUGHT some others may appreciate and be interested in. I am absolutely POSITIVE that Mike is NOT trying to make any money on this deal. The price he is advertising is the price he was quoted. If you actually knew anything about Mike, or his car, you would know that. But, you don't know shit and are doing nothing but fucking up a thread.

Thanks Aaron, you hit the nail on the head. I may not know the full workings of how to make an aluminum hood (by hand), but from what I've gathered it requires specialty tools and jigs. Just like when I make my lights, I have to tool up for building a certain product and the prototype is always a loss, I'm lucky to break even. So, I only asked my vendor how many people he desires to do the job and he requested (not demanded) about 10 people. In this case, I'll call those people LUCKY INDIVIDUALS because I really think this guys business is rare, high quality, and that the hood will be highly desirable.. if not a collectors edition. I for one, will be having mine signed if I am indeed lucky enough to have it made. The way I see it, acquiring his parts is like acquiring a Hattori Hanzo sword.


Mods, please lock this thread. I dont see it being useful. Later guys.

[GripTerror]

too much retardness in this thread.

Anywho onto my question. Would it be possible to make a lightened version for track use which doesn't necessarily have the crazy oem style behind pieces and that its vented... much lighter and still solid. /legit question

or its just gona be oem style and thats it.

[ThatGuy]

Mods, please lock this thread. I dont see it being useful. Later guys.

At your request Mike.

:lockd: