Any interest in Carbon Fiber hoods?

[Dukes69]

Is there any interest in Carbon fiber hoods and decklids for 68-69 Chargers?  They would be high quality, made in the US, full CF no fiberglass.  Presently I don't think a scoop will be offered, just a stock style replacement.

Thanks
-Chris

[moparguy01]

I honestly don't think there would be a huge market. I few pro streeters and people who just want the Wow factor. But i think the cost would make it prohibitive.

[motorcitydak]

That would have to depend on the price, and I would for sure want a 6 pack scoop like my 'glass one has. The bad thing here is that my race weight hood is only 10 pounds, there is not much room for improvement there

[AKcharger]

No

[68X426]

Real carbon fiber -or- Chinese fiber? 

[kcederwall08]

Ultimately it would depend on the price. If it were priced to compete with the price of fiberglass ones, then absolutely. But i know how hard carbon is to work with and to get, so i'm guessing it wouldn't be.

[Dukes69]

Real carbon fiber -or- Chinese fiber? 

Real carbon fiber, manufactured here in the USA.  Both the top and bottom would be carbon fiber, not just the top.

[Dukes69]

Ultimately it would depend on the price. If it were priced to compete with the price of fiberglass ones, then absolutely. But i know how hard carbon is to work with and to get, so i'm guessing it wouldn't be.

I just googled "69 Charger fiberglass hood" and it came back with one costing under $250.  I know they won't be that cheap.  My guess is that it would be comparable or a little more than a new steel hood ($700).

[Troy]

Most fiberglass doesn't seem to fit very well. On the other hand, most guys wanting fiberglass and carbon fiber have race cars so fit and finish aren't really a priority. I'd want one that had the correct dimensions and fit right but I don't need one so I may not be in the target market. Basically, it would be cheaper/easier to make it for racers but I'd only be interested if it were exact for a "sleeper" image (yes, I'd paint it). I'd pay more for one like this but I'm probably the exception.

Troy

[charger2fast4u]

like said above it depends on how much the final cost would be. and how the quality and fit is on them. also i'd take one with a scoop not a stock replacement. i would think that there will be some interest in them for racers and people that just drive on the street if the weight is compairable to a fiberglass one. alot of people would probably paint the hood for a sleeper stock look since cf aint exactly a muscle car craze like it is in the import world.

[speedfreak68]

I'd like to have one... but I don't think I could afford it...

[mopar_nut_440_6]

I have a very high quality Charger hood with a 6 pack scoop I was going to paint to look like carbon fiber. I will paint the factory hood body color and when I want to change the look up I will swap hoods.

[motorcitydak]

You said top and bottom, so is this going to bolt to the hinges hood? Or just a lift off? You would have a bigger market if you can do both. Im assuming that the hood found for $250 is a lift off. There are bolt on's for around $600 iirc. If you are going to do these, I think your best bet is to make 4 different models, 1 stock bolt on replacement, 1 stock w/ 6 pack scoop, 1 race weight lift off w/o a bottom or scoop, just held on by 4 hood pins and finally 1 race weight lift off w/ the scoop. How well these things move will depend on your quality, customer service, weight savings and obviously price. BTW, the bolt on guys are going to want to keep their hood mounted turn signals

Also, you may want to try out a new option and make a shaker hood setup, just a thought

[Dukes69]

You said top and bottom, so is this going to bolt to the hinges hood? Or just a lift off? You would have a bigger market if you can do both. Im assuming that the hood found for $250 is a lift off. There are bolt on's for around $600 iirc. If you are going to do these, I think your best bet is to make 4 different models, 1 stock bolt on replacement, 1 stock w/ 6 pack scoop, 1 race weight lift off w/o a bottom or scoop, just held on by 4 hood pins and finally 1 race weight lift off w/ the scoop. How well these things move will depend on your quality, customer service, weight savings and obviously price. BTW, the bolt on guys are going to want to keep their hood mounted turn signals

Also, you may want to try out a new option and make a shaker hood setup, just a thought

The plan is to have them be bolt on.  The whole reason for this is I want one for my 69, with hood mounted turn signals  .  If others want one as well, then I can make that happen.  It's possible the hood I found for $250 was a lift off.

I completely agree with having a scoop, I just don't know how many part numbers I want to have.  If everything takes off, I have no problem adding options to the product line, as long as they sell. 

I have been thinking of a shaker set up for our Chargers for a while.  I'm pretty sure it would look nice and work well with the stock "peaked" hood.

[Troy]

I personally think shakers are way overdone and look completely out of place on a 68-70 Charger. I wouldn't waste the time trying to make it work. Six pack scoops actually look pretty good though.

Troy

[Ryan]

I think I carbon fiber hood could look cool on the right build up. It would look awesome if you painted over the carbon fiber but masked off the recessed areas giving you a carbon fiber V21 hood treatment

[motorcitydak]

What would be the weights of these hoods and deck lids?

As for the deck lids, you could also mess with the spoiler and then include side pieces to match it. Ive seen a few cars with a taller spoiler that looked pretty good. 

[Dukes69]

What would be the weights of these hoods and deck lids?

As for the deck lids, you could also mess with the spoiler and then include side pieces to match it. Ive seen a few cars with a taller spoiler that looked pretty good. 

Not sure what the weight will be, I'm in the real early stages of this project.  My goal at the present moment is to gauge interest, which there seems to be a few people that might be interested.

Neat idea on the decklids, I'll keep it in mind.  Thanks

[Dukes69]

I think I carbon fiber hood could look cool on the right build up. It would look awesome if you painted over the carbon fiber but masked off the recessed areas giving you a carbon fiber V21 hood treatment

Now you're talking!  That would look cool.

[suntech]

I have been planning the same thing for a while. Both hood and deck lid. I am actually taking off the parts one of the first days, and start on the model work. I will build them with innerliner, like the stock ones too, and it has to be with lock and hinges ofcause!

Have´nt calculated the weight, but as a rough guesstimate i would think it could end up app 60% of a stock part.

There is only one way to do this right, and that is to build them in 2 pieces, and glue them together, while outerskin still is in the mold.
Materials should be twill pattern Carbon, and vinylester or epoxy. Then vacum bag it.

IMO this will be to expansive to sell a lot of them

[SRT-440]

I'd buy one if you made some for a '70 Road Runner. 

[Silver R/T]

It'll look nice on black car

[69charger440]

I would like a bolt on one with six pack scoop!

[NorwayCharger]

I have been planning the same thing for a while. Both hood and deck lid. I am actually taking off the parts one of the first days, and start on the model work. I will build them with innerliner, like the stock ones too, and it has to be with lock and hinges ofcause!

Have´nt calculated the weight, but as a rough guesstimate i would think it could end up app 60% of a stock part.

There is only one way to do this right, and that is to build them in 2 pieces, and glue them together, while outerskin still is in the mold.
Materials should be twill pattern Carbon, and vinylester or epoxy. Then vacum bag it.

IMO this will be to expansive to sell a lot of them

I would buy them 

[Dukes69]

So to all the folks who said it all depends on price:  Realistically, how much would you be willing to spend on a high quality, proper fitting hood and/or decklid?  Also add which style, stock or 6-pack (since that seems like the more common request).

Thank you
-Chris

[69charger440]

So to all the folks who said it all depends on price:  Realistically, how much would you be willing to spend on a high quality, proper fitting hood and/or decklid?  Also add which style, stock or 6-pack (since that seems like the more common request).

Thank you
-Chris

Well I am cheap and always looking for great deals, so hmmm!!! $375 for a bolt on stock/6-pack!! Plus new mounting bolts

[Dukes69]

So to all the folks who said it all depends on price:  Realistically, how much would you be willing to spend on a high quality, proper fitting hood and/or decklid?  Also add which style, stock or 6-pack (since that seems like the more common request).

Thank you
-Chris

Well I am cheap and always looking for great deals, so hmmm!!! $375 for a bolt on stock/6-pack!! Plus new mounting bolts

I guess you missed the realistically part?   

[motorcitydak]

If you could get the price for a bolt on at $750-$900, I think they would sell. Obviously some guys would want the scoop which I would hope would not change the price much (You can just mold a scoop, cut out the hood and glue it on). I would be in for a lift off w/ scoop for $4-500. $3-400 on the trunk. Like I said earlier, if you alter the spoiler, you may have a better market for the deck lid

Make a chin spoiler too, I want one...and fenders, make some of those too. Mite as well do doors while you are at it

[suntech]

I guess you missed the realistically part? 

Exactly!! hehe....375 would´nt even cover materials!!! 

To sell a lot i guess the price is somewhat important, but i think making a really nice quality piece would be the thing to do, and let the quality sell, instead of price! As long as the quality is good and price is fair (and i dont mean cheap.....just fair), i think it would sell. 

[69rtse4spd]

Suntech is right, quality will sell itself. How about 70 hoods too.

[Dukes69]

Suntech is right, quality will sell itself. How about 70 hoods too.

Agreed.  The 70 hood is a tough egg.  One year only, etc.  At least with the 68-69 I get 2 years out of it. 

[suntech]

True, but it could be done just with a new outer skin mold, and an insert in the inner liner mold

[Troy]

True, but it could be done just with a new outer skin mold, and an insert in the inner liner mold

The 70 hood is shorter due to the wraparound bumper.

Troy

[suntech]

The 70 hood is shorter due to the wraparound bumper.

I know, and because of the "arrow" on the nose of the 68/69, an insert in the mold, to make a shorter hood, would not work, but i would think it would work with an insert in the inner liner mold, to shorten that down.

[Dukes69]

OK guys, here's what I've got.  I would need a minimum of 10 people interested to pay a 50% deposit to get these going.  The price is $1400 shipped in the lower 48.  Just so we're clear, they will be stock replacement, bolt on, full carbon fiber (inner and outer skin) hoods for 68 and 69 Chargers.  I have setup a paypal address for this purchase.  Here is my info if anyone needs to talk to me:

Chris Field
951-551-6181
Chris@protouringmopar.com

Thanks!

[Dukes69]

I need to add that if we can get more people the cost will go down.   

Thanks

[suntech]

I think it sounds very reasonable......almost a little bit to reasonable.... How are these going go be made?? Is this a company with experiance in carbon work?? What about trunk lid?
My plan for the hood would be with a slight modification, but a direct replacement trunk lid.....that i would order right of the back!

[lisiecki1]

If I could get a six pack style for my 73 for $500 I'd be all over it since I was going to spend 400 for a fiberglass one anyway....I know this is for the 2nd gens, I'm just sayin.....

[motorcitydak]

If I could get a six pack style for my 73 for $500 I'd be all over it since I was going to spend 400 for a fiberglass one anyway....I know this is for the 2nd gens, I'm just sayin.....

You have to be realistic here, $500 is not going to buy a brand new custom carbon fiber hood. The materials alone are going to run that much if not more

I think that it is a good deal and I really hope that these things sell well, but like I said before, Id want a race weight lift off w/ 6 pack scoop. I have a used fiberglass one that I will probably use on the car, but I know that is what I want

[Dukes69]

I think it sounds very reasonable......almost a little bit to reasonable.... How are these going go be made?? Is this a company with experiance in carbon work?? What about trunk lid?
My plan for the hood would be with a slight modification, but a direct replacement trunk lid.....that i would order right of the back!

The hoods will be made by a company here in CA that builds everything in house.  They do automotive as well as aerospace.  

The trunk lid is still in the works. I figured if I couldn't get the hoods to sell then the decklids probably wont move much either.

[Dukes69]

If I could get a six pack style for my 73 for $500 I'd be all over it since I was going to spend 400 for a fiberglass one anyway....I know this is for the 2nd gens, I'm just sayin.....

3rd gen stuff isn't out of the question.  I just have to start somewhere and since a 69 is what I have and what I know, it's an easy place to start.  $500, however, might be difficult to obtain.  Maybe for a non-bolt on, race only style, but not a full replacement hood.   

[Dukes69]

If I could get a six pack style for my 73 for $500 I'd be all over it since I was going to spend 400 for a fiberglass one anyway....I know this is for the 2nd gens, I'm just sayin.....

You have to be realistic here, $500 is not going to buy a brand new custom carbon fiber hood. The materials alone are going to run that much if not more

I think that it is a good deal and I really hope that these things sell well, but like I said before, Id want a race weight lift off w/ 6 pack scoop. I have a used fiberglass one that I will probably use on the car, but I know that is what I want

A race weight, lift off hood with a bolt on 6 pack style scoop is definitely something that can be done.  Just not sure how to go about it.  I could make it 2 piece and have the customer cut a hole in their new hood, but that kinda sucks.  Unfortunately a hood with the scoop molded in will require a new mold and all the cost associated with that.  Ideas?

Thanks
-Chris

[motorcitydak]

Obviously some guys would want the scoop which I would hope would not change the price much (You can just mold a scoop, cut out the hood and glue it on). I would be in for a lift off w/ scoop for $4-500. $3-400 on the trunk. Like I said earlier, if you alter the spoiler, you may have a better market for the deck lid

Make a chin spoiler too, I want one...and fenders, make some of those too. Mite as well do doors while you are at it

I think you should be able to mold the scoop by itself and then just cut out the hood and glue into place. Maybe put a small flange on the bottom side of the scoop and insert it from the bottom of the hood skin. Like I said earlier, I have the hood in fiberglass, do you want me to take some pics of it for you? It may be a little flimsey with just the top in CF by itself, maybe a few ribs glued to the bottom would help

[J-440]

  Duke...I definitly would by a fiberglass/shaker hood for a 68 Charger.  That was my original plan seeing that I don't care for the stock hood.  Or, just take a stock fiber hood, fill in the hood indentations, shave the peak off the center, and cut a big old hole in the middle for the Shaker.  Just my

[jww426]

Im in for a c-fiber hood and trunk lid for a 70.
JWW

[HPP]

OK guys, here's what I've got.  I would need a minimum of 10 people interested to pay a 50% deposit to get these going.  The price is $1400 shipped in the lower 48.  Just so we're clear, they will be stock replacement, bolt on, full carbon fiber (inner and outer skin) hoods for 68 and 69 Chargers.  I have setup a paypal address for this purchase.  Here is my info if anyone needs to talk to me:

Chris Field
951-551-6181
Chris@protouringmopar.com

Thanks!

Obviously asking the guys here is a great first step. Aside from putting this up on a dozen different web forums. you may need to reach out and actually solicite some of the high end shops to see if they would be interested in a unit. Never know who might have a 2nd gen Charger project kicking off somewhere in the country that doesn't participate in any mopar based web boards.

[bill440rt]

This thread is 4 years old already.

[Cncguy]

I Think your best bet would be to prototype a few, and get them into car shows on actual Chargers, so people can see how they fit, and look.

[Mike DC]

  
I can't understand why the musclecar hobby has never been very interested in aluminum panels.  It seems like a much better weight loss option than either fiberglass or carbon.  

[JB400]

The interest is there, the funding, not so much.  Carbon fiber process doesn't cost much more than fiberglass until you start using the autoclave.   Aluminum, on the other hand, takes different dies and a different welding process than steel.

[HPP]

Return on investment I'd imagine. I wouldn't think stamping aluminum is much different than steel, but it must be or suppliers would just hammer them out through the established machinery.

Of course you can get aluminum body panels for 1st gen Camaros.