Dragonfly Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 I recieved the other day my new carbon fiber/nomex hood and carbon fiber rear hatch from Beta Motorsports (John C.) needless to say I am quite happy. My car is now 71 pounds lighter and no longer has the 280zxr wing on the back so the drag has been reduced as well. I don't have any pictures at this time but when I get some I will post them (no digital camera). As far as the quality and craftsmanship on the parts I would have to say that I am very pleased. I personaly do not know much about carbon fiber besides what I have read, but I spent many years as a calibration tech and inspector in the aerospace industry so I feel qualified to say I got what I paid for and I am quite happy. Thanks John. Dragonfly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RCNSC Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 Prices.... Prices!!!!!! and PICS! I know some company sells the hood for like 625 bucks which is waaaaaaay too much IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonfly Posted July 27, 2004 Author Share Posted July 27, 2004 Here is a link for you with some pictures and prices http://www.betamotorsports.com/products/index.html but if you think that $675 is to high... you might want to sit down. You should be aware that these are actual race parts and not some of the cheaply made "look at my hood" parts that you see on ricers. As for the hood you where talking about I believe that is made By Les Canady of Classic Datsun, and if that is the case it is a very high quality hood as well but it is made for apperance and not as a race part, his hood weighs 17 lbs and can be attached to your hood hinges/springs and held down with your hood latch. Dragonfly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaleMX Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 I really like the look of that hood. When I get my conversion together I might go for one. Are you going to use the stock hinges and latch? Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Johns parts are intended to be pin-on. I'm pretty sure. I want a hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonfly Posted July 28, 2004 Author Share Posted July 28, 2004 The parts made by John (Beta Motorsports) are intended to be pinned, they have no mounting points for hinges etc. The hood made by Les (Classic Datsun) http://www.classicdatsun.com/new/carbonfiberhood.html is made as a direct bolt on replacement for your stock hood. Both of these hoods are made with a very high attention to detail and they are both at the top of thier respective uses. It is important to remember that 99.9% of the time you get what you pay for. If you want to go less expensive both of these guys also make very high quality fiberglass parts as well for much less money. Dragonfly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Thanks Miles. The CF/Nomex hood I sell can be attached to the stock hood hinges and use the stock hood latch but you'll have to add the inner frame option which bumps up the weight and price. As Miles said, the parts I sell are race parts and most racers I've dealt with want to remove the front hood hinges, springs, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsun327 Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 only if i had the cash i would be all over it. how many are with me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 For a street car that's not going to see consistent 90+ mph speeds the lower priced two or three layer CF hoods makes sense. The hood on a raced 240/260/280 has to be pretty strong because of the air pressures that build up in the engine compartment at speeds over 90mph. At Willow Springs big track, where even a stock 240Z will see speeds over 90 mph for 15 seconds a lap, I've seen low priced fiberglass and CF hoods literally tear apart and fly off the car. My hood even moves up hard against the hood pins at speeds over 130mph as Ken Jones, John Williams, Art Singer, and others can attest. But, for a street car, the parts I sell are overkill. Plus, by default, my CF hood and hatch come primed, ready for paint. It costs extra to a clear Gelcoat so that the CF weave shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dot Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 Hey John: This is the first time I have heard about Nomex being use in an automotive part. How/when did this come about? I wear Nomex suits when I have to do refinery work. I can't picture that suff covered in resin. Nice work on the hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RCNSC Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 Oh lord.. Heres the ricer coming out in me. I love the clearcoated hoods.... That cf look is awesome and would create awesome contrast to any Z with some flares and maybe black wheels? Thats my plan anyway.... White Z, black flairs, black rims, CF hood...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilj Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 280zx please =) and make some fenders, doors, hatch etc.. haha in my dreams? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slownrusty Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 I'm with lilj....ZX parts please...heck I'll take a hood! Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 This is the first time I have heard about Nomex being use in an automotive part. http://www.fibreglast.com/documents/175.pdf Been used in miltary and aerospace for decades as a honeycomb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 I'm with lilj....ZX parts please...heck I'll take a hood! If someone can provide a perfect AND I MEAN PERFECT 280ZX hood I'll check with my CF guy about making a mold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WickedWild Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 I'm with lilj....ZX parts please...heck I'll take a hood! If someone can provide a perfect AND I MEAN PERFECT 280ZX hood I'll check with my CF guy about making a mold. I was planning on picking this up, but if your intersted in it, let me know and I won't bid on it. Besides, you'll put it to more use than I could http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7912886907&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT *edit* oops ZX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2126 Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 On the subject of carbon fiber parts, I was on another Z car site and one of the members was inquiring about a carbon fiber rear tail light panel. Not a bad idea ehh! Sure would look good with a carbon fiber hood, don't you think. When they're available, I would buy one for my 1970. What do you think guys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted July 30, 2004 Share Posted July 30, 2004 I live in Richmond, I emailed the guy to se if I could come look at the hood mold. We'll see how it looks hopefully. I have a fiberglass hood, but it is poor quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToplessZ Posted July 31, 2004 Share Posted July 31, 2004 Darn in jamie I wanted that hood mold. I was going to see if he would ship it greyhound. Want to sell it to me when your done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titanium Posted August 1, 2004 Share Posted August 1, 2004 How much does a stock 240z hood weight vs. Carbon Fiber vs Fiberglass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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