Why are hood pins required with this panel?

FRP hoods are lighter than OEM steel, which means factory latches alone may not secure the panel reliably at highway speeds. Hood pins provide the extra holding strength needed to keep the panel locked down during spirited driving or track use. Plan for two pins—one on each side of the hood for balanced support.

Will this hood work with my factory hinges and latch?

Yes. This panel is engineered to mount directly to your existing hinge and latch hardware without modification. The factory attachment points align, so installation is a straightforward bolt-swap. Verify your hinges are in good condition before fitting the new hood—any play or damage in the hinge pin will affect panel alignment.

Do I need to do anything special before painting?

Sand and prep the primer surface with appropriate grit sandpaper before applying your chosen finish. FRP surfaces need clean adhesion for paint to cure properly. A light scuff ensures primer-to-paint bonding. Once sanded and cleaned, apply your base coat and clear coat system per the paint manufacturer's instructions.