|
|
Custom Hood: First Cut
|
|
This section covers my cutting vents into the stock hood. I'm well aware that this isn't for
everyone and that some will hate it. I can live with that. The point of this article is to share
the 'how' that I did it. Seeing how someone else does something gives me a starting point even
if I go off in a totally different direction. Enjoy. |
 |
 |
| First Cut |
Pic 1
|
Pic 2
|
Pic 3
|
Pic 1 Looking at the underside of the stock hood. Notice that the bracing for the hood forms a number of openings which you could use for vents. Three in the
center-rear, two center-front and then two on each corner giving you a total of nine possible places. I still like the idea of using the two outside openings at the rear of the hood also. It
would appear that opening up these would allow air to push in the front vents and out the rear.
Pic 2 Getting started with the driver's side vent. I used a Dremel with the abrasive cut-off disk to start the slot and then switched to my saber saw.
Pic 3 Well, THAT didn't work so well. The saw kept 'grabbing' the sheet metal causing distortions. Not good. Switched back to the Dremel. I used the Dremel for
most of the remaining cuts. I say 'most' because I killed my Dremel. It actually started smoking and-- flames flickered out and it-- died. I purchased a heavier duty tool, a
RotoZip which worked fine. I'm thinking though, that those electric shears might be best-- but have never used them.
|
Pic 4
|
Pic 5
|
Pic 6
|
Pic 4 The first rough cut opening in the hood. I made sure to leave metal to file to a 'finished' size.
Pic 5 It was at this point that I decided that it was time to stop playing around and remove the hood. Here I am marking the hinge mounting position
so when I re-attach the hood everything will align back up.
Pic 6 Hood is off and onto some sawhorses for the 'surgery'. It was a nice sunny day when I did this but suggest that a tarp be handy in case weather changes.
|
© 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 eTraxx.com |
|
