VIS AMS CF Hood
 

Hey, so I'm not exactly sure where to put this, so I apologize if it's in the wrong spot. I just got off midshift and I'm real tired...

So I am purchasing a VIS AMS style carbon fiber hood from a dude on the Palmetto Z Club Facebook page tomorrow. I like the hood style and the carbon fiber look, it's normally around $800-900 after shipping and this guy has it for $700 brand new, never installed and is really close by. The reviews I've seen for this hood talk about all the fitment issues that I could face since these are apparently notorious for that. I asked the person if I could test fit the hood but he said that he does not have time for that. I can't fault someone for not wanting me to install a body piece before paying for it, so I'm definitely not hurt by the negative response. With that said, is there any advice you guys could throw me with regard to buying the hood? For example, other ways to ensure it will fit, any marks of authenticity I should look for, signs of "this thing's gonna break as soon as I install it," etc.

It's not that I don't trust people, I am just a little nervous about shelling out that kind of cash for something that may not fit properly. I've also somewhat little experience with buying things from people via forum, Facebook, etc.

The guy said he bought it for his Z but before he installed the hood, his wife and him decided to get a bigger vehicle.

Thanks a lot in advance for any input, I really do appreciate it!

-Brett

When I sold my Hood I allowed the person to test fit it. If he doesn't have time for that, then make the purchase on a different day. It doesn't take long at all with two people. I don't see a reason he can't spare 20min.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

I wouldn't feel comfortable buying Vis, seibon, or any mass produced hood without a warranty to exchange for defect


On my s14, I bought a brand new seibon hood that fit horribly, and even then, it was a bitch to get them to replace it

I would also do the test fit as mentioned above

its completely understandable to NOT trust a stranger, especially someone selling "used/new" car parts since you have to take their word for it.

If I were in your shoes, after he wasnt willing to let you test fit it Id tell him this.

"Iam very interested in it but I wont buy it unless I can test fit it. It wouldnt take us more then 20-30 minutes".

Otherwise I would search on here about fitment issues and if there were issues that were detrimental to good fitment, I wouldnt buy it. By denying you the test fit hes only causing suspicion.

He probably did test fit it on his car and thats the reason he's selling it...my seibon hood isn't a perfect fit either especially where it lines up with the seibon a-pillars. There's more of a gap than there should be and where it connects to the bumper also...its like its an eighth of an inch to small on the top and bottom

I purchased the same exact hood and have no fitment issues at all. We were amazed at that. After a year a half I have some slight hazing of the clear coat in a spot tbat is being taken care of. That at the moment would be my only complaint.

Thanks for all the replies! I did google it a few days ago, which led me to several threads here about the hood, which in turn led me to ask for the test fitment. He offered to let me return it to him should it end up not fitting, so that makes me feel a little more comfortable. I intend to put it on immediately after purchase whether he hangs out or not, just to make sure it's snug and remove any ambiguity that waiting could create.

Will this easily bolt up to the existing holes with the oem hood hardware? And the VIS website says to look for their "badge of authenticity." Do you happen to know where I might find that? Thank you!

VIS having a "badge of authenticity is funny, isn't it just a copy of the Amuse hood?

It is not exactly the same as Amuse, so they could probably get away with that. Teh vents are a different shape on the VIS.

VIS.

https://www.z1motorsports.com/images/VIS%20Hood.jpg

Amuse.

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/e...z20-3.34b7.jpg

oh, you're right

its fly1 that has the exact design

The picture of it that he posted is attached