Replacement Fiberglass hood

[dbayer79]

Hey All,
I was wondering if anyone has had any luck finding replacement fiberglass hoods for their VX. The front lip of mine was "kissed" by a jeep in a parking lot and was repaired but still looks lumpy and i was wondering if anyone knows of any good fiberglass replacements.

[nfpgasmask]

I bought a new one from St. Charles Isuzu about a year or so ago. I think at that time Merlin only had 8 left in stock. iirc, they cost around $400.

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/merlin.jpg

Give Merlin a ring and see if he has any left.

Bart

[Mile High VX]

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=17309&highlight=carbon+fiber+hood

You might see if this is still available...

[MSHardeman]

I'm assuming (you know what they say about that) that you are talking about the grey (HERE we go) hood "insert" in the middle of the hood right? Since you talk about a Jeep kissing the front lip it makes me wonder if you're talking about the metal hood, but you're looking to replace it with a fiberglass one. It would be tough for anything to get to the insert without damaging the metal part of the hood too.

Like Bart said, Merlin may still have some inserts left so you should give him a call. Or there are a few people on the site that are either parting VX's out, or have access to parted out VX's that might be able to get the insert for you.

If you're looking to replace the whole hood with a fiberglass version; as far as I know those don't exist. There where a few carbon fiber full hoods out there, as well as some carbon fiber hood inserts, but those are super rare and weren't put into any kind of mass production.

[nfpgasmask]

you are talking about the grey (HERE we go) hood "insert"

:laughing: Funny how memorable that discussion is.

:rotate: Bart

[dbayer79]

I was actually talking about replacing the whole hood. I have refinished the insert, but the hood itself right above the grill has a 3" crease in it that i have had repaired but still looks bad to me. I found a replacement hood online for like $420 but i was wondering if anyone knew of any fiberglass production hoods out there. I have had the VX for 4 years and am now just starting to realize how rare parts are for it. Thanks for the help.

[Triathlete]

You could probably get one made localy using your old hood as a mold.:yesgray:

[SuperBoomTurbo]

If you're not shy about playing with silicone and fiberglass mat, set some pennies aside and check out both smooth-on and US composites for molding your own. I'm contemplating doing the cladding, just haven't had time to pull the mixer and vacuum bagger out and get sticky :bwgy:

You could quite easily mold in whatever sweet one-off hood insert (vent, cowl, etc) you wanted! Yeah, it'll cost a few dollars, but if you make a three and sell two, recuperation of costs wouldn't be hard to achieve

[lasturbo]

:laughing: Funny how memorable that discussion is.

:rotate: Bart

LOL Bart.......................:yeso:

[Ldub]

I got my replacement hoods & latch kits (http://www.stylintrucks.com/sn.aspx?category|category_root|-34=Restoration&category|cat_-34|420=Replacement+Hoods+%26+Latch+Kits) from jcwhitney, I suggest that you try to check it there. I'm pretty sure they can help you in finding your replacement fiberglass hoods. Good luck!

Good one...:laughing:

You find me a replacement fiberglass hood on jc whitney, & I'll buy you one when you get a VX.

There were fewer than 5000 VX's imported into the states...there is VERY little aftermarket anything made for such a limited production/ten yr old vehicle.

Welcome to the forums...:yes: