Are hood pins a requirement on day 1 of a CF hood install?

[uknwbtr]

I just put a carbon fiber hood on my Mustang. However, tomorrow I have to drive from Illinois to Tennessee because we're moving. The move happened on VERY short notice and I didn't want to entrust the movers with it so I went ahead and put it on.

My question is, how much risk am I taking by driving 575 miles without installing hood pins? I have them on hand but I've never installed them before and would prefer I not make it a rush job if I don't have to.

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[AzkAdAsh]

I mean, you kind of risk your hood flying up into your windshield at highway speed causing complete loss of forward vision and situational awareness of traffic in front of you, at which point you become a danger to your own life and the lives of those around you. But that's just the worst case scenario.

 

[uknwbtr]

I admit I'm asking out of inexperience and ignorance. I have no frame of reference for whether it's like a driveshaft loop or an immediate requirement and was just looking for advice.

 

[AzkAdAsh]

I admit I'm asking out of inexperience and ignorance. I have no frame of reference for whether it's like a driveshaft loop or an immediate requirement and was just looking for advice.

Being able to secure your hood is a day 1 requirement.

 

[GrabberB]

I just put a carbon fiber hood on my Mustang. However, tomorrow I have to drive from Illinois to Tennessee because we're moving. The move happened on VERY short notice and I didn't want to entrust the movers with it so I went ahead and put it on.

My question is, how much risk am I taking by driving 575 miles without installing hood pins? I have them on hand but I've never installed them before and would prefer I not make it a rush job if I don't have to.

I have to assume the CF hood you installed also utilizes the factory hood latch - correct?
If yes, you could do the following. You can get temporary paint protection film in 3 - 4" wide rolls. You could install the hood (with center latch) and apply the film around to cover the body lines between the hood, fender and front. Basically front and sides. This would obviously require monitoring and would be very temporary. I would not recommend tape such as "Bear Bond" due to potential paint damage. Bear bond would hold the hood in place with no latch however not worth the risk of damage.

I would not rush the hood pin install as you stated. Getting this wrong would very costly to correct.

 

[uknwbtr]

Yes, it does utilize the factory hood latch. This is what I was thinking as well. I already have some PPF on me that I could use.

 

[RLE55]

My question is, how much risk am I taking by driving 575 miles without installing hood pins?

The new CF hood, does it have heat extractors in the hood (vents)? If not, then the engine bay is susceptible to air pressure build up which will make the hood flutter and possibly...unlatch itself. Stock hood weighs 42 # , CF hood weighs 26.

 

[dusman59]

Use a Penske van and trailer. I used this combo 2 times from upstate NY to AZ. The box will protect the the car. I even went through a major hail storm going through NM at interstate speed. I thought the truck windshield was going blow into pieces. I was surprised zero damage to the car.

 

[Mr Hyde]

depends on the hood. some are reinforced at the latch area with heavier CF and a metal plate. If not then pins are recommended.

 

[Bikeman315]

Contact the manufacturer of your hood and get their advice.

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