[freedomgli]

I've decided that I want to have my hood done up exactly like this

I figure I'll polish the top side and leave the bottom side painted. Maybe a brushed finish would work better since it'd be easier to maintain and wouldn't show minor imperfections as much. Can anyone recommend any tips for a DIY'er like what to start with (aircraft stripper) and what grit sand papers to use (wet/dry)? I also recall seeing a website that showed how to make your own custom louvers but I can't seem to find it. Does anyone have a link?

 

[boogie van]

cool idea, would look good. although Im sure glare would be a bitch on that thing.

 

[Phatmiata]

i wonder how much weight you can shave with no paint? I remember Nielex's demo car had the hood, and the trunk polished like that.


Looks good, i like the rims too.


PhatMiata

 

[retrorocket]

i wonder how much weight you can shave with no paint? I remember Nielex's demo car had the hood, and the trunk polished like that.


Looks good, i like the rims too.


PhatMiata

the old Nielex demo car with the polished hood rocked ... didn't quite get the red door trim panels with the tan interior though :?

... one mistake putting a louvre in and you're looking for a new hood !!!

 

[Bryan]

Agreed on the glare comment...OUCH!

 

[freedomgli]

I've talked with a guy who owns a Morgan with a brushed aluminum bonnet and he tells me glare isn't bad with the brushed finish since it dulls reflections. I saw a Kirkham Cobra in person with a brushed aluminum body and it looked incredible. It didn't blind me as I drove by giving a big thumbs up. The polished looks so good but seems like a lot of maintenance to keep looking nice.

 

[Bryan]

Maintenance concerns are the other thing that'd scare me away. Heaven forbid you become one of those guys who wipes his car down everytime he stops

 

[freedomgli]

Never! I love driving too much to be one of those guys. I just washed my car for the first time in 2 months the other day. Then again, I did also spend 8 hours painting the rockers, claybaring, and doing the whole Mothers 1-2-3 by hand. I think the brushed finish only requires an occassional touch up with a quick wipe of the scotch brite pad.

 

[roadsternut]

Ask a Delorean owner if its fun keeping a polished metal body looking good. I've seen a fair few where the owner has given up, and got the car painted.

 

[LagunaMiata]

Stainless vs aluminum... not sure which would be less trouble.

 

[freedomgli]

Any tips on how to punch your own louvers?

 

[LagunaMiata]

These may help...

http://www.lowbucktools.com/louver.html
http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=11336&itemType=PRODUCT
http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=125

 

[roadsternut]

Of course, if you're feeling extravagant, you could take a pattern bonnet, which are steel, and have it chrome plated. Is it possible to chrome plate a large piece like that? Would weigh a ton though.

 

[freedomgli]

http://www.hotrodlouvers.com/

Fergie says that you've got to remove the skeletal support structure underneath the skin to do louvers. That seems like a lot of work and would involve removing numerous spot welds and then welding it back in place when done. I has hoping that I could just make the necessary cuts and use a spoon, body dolly, or special die to help me form them without needing to buy special bead roller/cutters or doing extensive work. I guess there's a reason why this mod is so unique.

 

[freedomgli]

Maybe I can do this myself afterall.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5581

 

[freedomgli]

Louver Punch Dimensions

 

[freedomgli]

Then again, the cost of prefab louver punches has me thinking about having the hood sent out to a professional metal working shop.

 

[Bryan]

If I were gonna do it, Kyle...I'd farm this one out. Louvering is kind of a lost art, from what I can see.

 

[Boily]

Stainless vs aluminum... not sure which would be less trouble.

Dependin on the grade of SS it won't corrode , Alum when in raw form will corrode it make a white powder but a SS with a high iron and low chrome will rust , than theres the weight issue , SS even if it doesn't rust is still steel just has a few extra ingredinets , chrome and nickle which are both kinda heavy too , Alum saves lots of weight and a nice 6065 or even a 7075 will hold up for a long time and if you clear coat them they'll hold thier finish but , then you'd be right back to where you started , an MX5 already has an alum bonnet and painted whatever the car is .

 

[Boily]

Look I ain't bashin or nuthin this is IMHO , I think the hood doesn't look all that great , hell the fit kinda sux , if you look at the pic its to long and doesn't fit right and maybe if the louvers were at an angleand alittle smaller , then maybe IMHO I would like them but as it stand who ever did that job didn't do a very good job , or maybe even the lack of paint , either way I would rather have a C/F hood and I don't like them either .

But hay man whatever floats your boat .