Seibon CF Hood/Aerocatch Latch Install

sandersd

I tried bending the pin in an effort to align with the slot in the latch but as can be seen in the second pic even though it fit (sorta) in the slot the angle of the bend was the opposite of what it needed to be for the pin to engage. It was way beyond the 5 degree max specified by Aerocatch.

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Next I slotted the pin mounting hole and moved the pin as far back as it would go without a clipped washer. Then I rotated the pin 180 degrees so the bent portion faced forward instead of rearward. Close but not quite enough but at least the angle was now correct.

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I removed the latch, flipped it over, and used a Dremel to grind off a small lip at the bottom of the pin opening. Then I took a round and flat file and cleaned up the opening making sure all was smooth.

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I test fitted and tweaked several times and the pin finally seated and latched. The pin is aligned with the 5 degree spec. Now I have to do the other side.

Regarding the supplied rubber bumpers: they are suppose to fit over the pin and the base of the latch rests on the bumper with a light compression required to close the latch. This is so the bumper carries the load. It seems the bumpers should support a more structurally rigid part of the hood as opposed to just the upper skin. Remember the reinforcing second layer of cf was cut out to install the pin and latch. The skin is very flexible and I'm wondering if continuous vibration and bumps may cause the cf to crack. If the bumpers rested against the reinforced section like the OEM bumpers I would be more confident.

At any rate the supplied bumpers are suppose to be cut down to size but they're not long enough to reach the latch much less cut down to size. I'm going to Home Depot to look for something I can use as a spacer.

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

sandersd

Slotted the second hole, bent and mounted the pin:

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Here's the lip on the latch that has to be removed:

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And the transition on the underside of the latch:

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The next step is to remove the hood and predrill the holes to secure the seal that installs at the front of the hood. It attaches with a combination of push pins and adhesive. The hood doesn't come with the holes and I can't install it until after the hood is painted.

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I also purchased a new set of wiper washers and clips (also need to be predrilled) along with a pair of hood supports from Z1:

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After it comes back from paint and I install the seal I'll need to adjust the latches (OEM and Aerocatch) for a snug fit. The OEM push pins for the latched will not fit on the cf hood because they are designed for thin sheet metal. The cf is thicker and will not allow the prongs to spread. I picked up an aftermarket set from Doorman at Pep Boys that are longer and fit perfectly:

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These will also work although they are a different style with a threaded pin:

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I'll wait till next weekend to finish the pre drilling. It's 100 degrees and 99% humidity (at least that's how it feels) and I want to have at least half a day to relax. Can't wait to get it painted!

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

sandersd

From Aerocatch support:

"I must advise that the aluminium pins must not be bent at all as doing so will lead to failure. You must make the fixing point of the pin suit the angle required or alternatively you can remove a little of the moulded material around the pin entry to obtain a good closure. We must stress on no account bend aluminium pins."

I have to order replacement pins from Coast Fabrication, their US distributor and come up with a different mounting scenario. It would be easier I think if the holes in the hood were not already cut, then I could use a beveled washer to cant the pins, but I think I can come up with something that'll work.

I sketched this up to go where the pin is mounted now:

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I think if I use 16 ga plate I can TIG weld a compact angled mount. Wish me luck.

BTW does anyone know why the forum software continually rotates the pics 90 degrees counterclockwise and more importantly, how to stop it?

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

Rusty

Nice going so far. This is the hood I want! What is the name of it? and who did you get it from?

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sandersd

Seibon BD

They sent me to their authorized dealer THMotorsports

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

sandersd

I finished all the loose ends on my hood months ago but never posted the pics and descriptions so here they are for the record and the sake of completion:

Prior to painting the hood I wanted to prep it for the weather seal and washer install. The CF hood had dimples, small indentations for drill points, so that made locating the holes easy. Nevertheless I laid out the seal and taped it into position, then marked the holes to verify the location - the dimples were all accurate.

Seal laid out:
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The large circular hole near the latch is where the hood pin penetrates:
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Holes all drilled:
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Be sure to use a drill stop. The CF sucks the bit in as soon as it penetrates the inner layer of CF and you don't want it to continue through the outer finished layer of the hood. the finished layer, the side that's exposed, is very thin.
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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

sandersd

After the hood was painted I attached the seal with the provided pins. BTW I purchased an OEM replacement for the seal and the washers. I left the originals attached to the factory hood in case I ever wanted to sell or reinstall it.

Here is where the Seibon hood provided for the attachment of the washer hose clips:
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Here are the washer hose clips:
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The clips are designed to fit into a square hole. Unfortunately I couldn't find my square drill bit and Home Depot was out so I had to find another way to attach them. After scheming for a couple of weeks on how to cleanly install the clips and coming up with nothing that satisfied my standards of excellence, I just happened to find a package of adhesive wire tie clips on my workbench. The bells started ringing and the lights started flashing and I realized it was the perfect way to attach the clips.

I'll add a pic tomorrow for clarity.

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

Wonka2581

Awesome wright up!!!

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"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat""Winston Churchill"

sandersd

Welded these up as a prototype. They're too big to actually use but serve for planning purposes.

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If I had it to do again I would use something like this mounted to the crossmember, install the pins at the proper angle and then locate the holes in the CF hood. What I have, although not recommended and less than ideal, works so 'if it ain't broke - don't fix it'. I will however inspect the pins regularly for signs of failure. I have spare carbon steel pins that are bendable to use as replacements if I have to.

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2014 370Z NISMO -- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust -- Swift Springs -- BC ER Coilovers -- SPL Suspension Components -- Nismo R-Tune Intake -- Seibon BD CF Hood

Wonka2581

I ordered the VIS CF hood... I cant wait to get it, Im still debating on weather or not im going to go with hood pins or not.

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"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat""Winston Churchill"