[alfa] Carbon fiber Spider hoods

[alfacybersite <acs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I recently met with two guys concerning making short runs of Alfa Spider 
items in carbon fiber or fiberglass. The one we were all most interested 
in was the hood since new ones of course aren't available and the same 
hood is used throughout the entire Series 1 to 4 range - meaning for 28 
years.

Since many of you use sump guards and / or fail to replace your plastic 
fans on a regular basis, figure bodyshops at least might be interested. 
Yes, those upward / outward bumps can be shrunk back, but the hood will 
never be the same again.

The suggested retail price for a short run of carbon fiber hoods is $600 
per hood. Yes, of course that is more than your entire car is worth. 
And, yes, I'm kidding, but trying to make the point I don't exactly see 
carbon fiber hoods flying out the door. Not trying to be negative, but 
just being realistic.

However, most bodyshops would rather replace than spend a multitude of 
hours shrinking and filling, only to find there are still waves in it. 
Yes, used ones are available, but having purchased one not too long ago, 
even those which appear to be very good, still require many hours to 
make right - trust me.

I assume most would paint the hood body color. The exterior will look 
completely original - including identical shutlines /  gaps. Underneath, 
it will look quite similar, except there will be no gaps between the 
support area and the bottom of the hood. Therefore no more oil and dust 
traps. (Just cleaned one and while the gaps are small, an amazing amount 
of dirt can accumulate under the double skin over the years).

The sample I was shown (Honda Civic) was as good of quality I have ever 
seen in carbon fiber hoods. The fellows next door ship about a dozen 
(made in China) per day (google "Carbon fiber hoods" and they are on the 
top).

The Alfa hood in carbon fiber is estimated to weigh 15 pounds. The 
original is about 32 pounds. Shipping is pretty expensive since they 
require special boxes and vast quantities of bubble wrap, but should be 
cheaper than shipping a properly protected steel one.

Their plant is located not too far from me and the turnaround time is 
pretty short. From order to mold to product in about three weeks.

I personally feel the carbon fiber has more integrity / strength than 
fiberglass and should be close if not superior to a steel hood im many 
respects. During discussions, I was not told if fiberglass hoods will 
also maintain the original shutline as the material seems to shrink. 
There were large gaps / shutlines in a fiberglass trunk lid I had made 
for a client.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Biba
Happy the hiatus is over and the outcome is positive for all concerned
Irwindale, CA USA 
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