Jantzer98SS

iTrader: (54)

I like the stock SS hood, but it's too heavy for me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> The 4" raised SS hood that is being released is OK, but it looks HUGE to me and not exactly what I want. So I'm gonna build a plug/mold for a new SS hood using most of the stock features, but.....

I'm thinking of doing the following...
1) Raise it about 2"
2) Widen it about 2"+ (similar to 97SS hood)
3) Make it functional

My question is, what would you like to see? What would make the hood particularly attractive to you?

Also, I'm thinking about doing some fiberglass/carbon fiber t-tops for a lightweight track alternative for the hardcore guys. Is there any interest for a product like this and what would be a reasonable price? I think the weight savings would be around 13-15lbs.

Any comments/suggestions appreciated.

Slow Z28

iTrader: (19)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jantzer98SS:
<strong> Also, I'm thinking about doing some fiberglass/carbon fiber t-tops for a lightweight track alternative for the hardcore guys. Is there any interest for a product like this and what would be a reasonable price? I think the weight savings would be around 13-15lbs.

Any comments/suggestions appreciated. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That sounds cool for the hardcore guys, but will it compromise structural integrity of a car that doesn't have a roll bar? most of the drag guys have SFC's, so that will help yes, but the t-tops are a very big part of the car body's strength.

Chris

Coach 02 A3 Z/28

iTrader: (10)

I would have a interest in both the hood and the t-tops. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

I guess that makes me HARDCORE! <img border="0" alt="[evil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" />

IMO-it needs to work, cut weight off, and most of all look really cool! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Coach

LARRY01Z28

iTrader: (28)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Coach 02 M6 Z/28:
<strong> I would have a interest in both the hood and the t-tops. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

I guess that makes me HARDCORE! <img border="0" alt="[evil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" />

IMO-it needs to work, cut weight off, and most of all look really cool! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Coach </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree, I d be interested. I like the ZL1 hood also. the SS hoos is just a little to plain. I like cowl hoods but they dont look good on 98-02 camaros.

Jantzer98SS

iTrader: (54)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Coach 02 M6 Z/28:
<strong>IMO-it needs to work, cut weight off, and most of all look really cool! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Coach </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wouldn't have it any other way. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> As far as I know, Terry Burger's wood hatch worked, cut weight off, and looked cool. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> j/k Everybody has a different opinion of what looks cool, so any feedback will help. But I pretty well know what will be badass.

If you're worried about the t-tops providing structural support, you better find another car. Don't you ever drive around with the t-tops off? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Jantzer98SS

iTrader: (54)

I'm also considering the L88 corvette hood I think it is. Looks pretty cool. I can't recall what the ZL1 hood looks like, I'll have to take a look. But, the SS can be made functional that's what I like about it.

Coach 02 A3 Z/28

iTrader: (10)

Remember, You have to look good to play good. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Coach

Fenris Ulf

I doubt the T-tops would pose any problem to the frame integrity since the bracing is done through the T-bar and not the tops themselves as far as I can tell. Besides, carbon fiber holds up very well in compression <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

badass 2002 z28

iTrader: (5)

the only hood that looks good on 98-02 4th gens to date is the OEM SS hood. As said before the cowls just don't look right and the VFN SS hood IMO is just too big. a 2" raised version of an SS hood sounds interesting...my only request is that it be light! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Jantzer98SS

iTrader: (54)

I agree, the only hood I like is the SS hood also. That's why I haven't changed it yet, even though I'm pretty hardcore about weight reduction. It's killing me knowing how much weight I can save.

How much wider would you like it to be? I want the hood to make a statement and be considerably different and more aggressive looking than the SS hood.

ROB'S SS

yes, i think a light weight ss hood needs to be made for these cars. since i couldnt find one, i went with the 4" cowl. and i would be interested in the t-tops as well

Slow Z28

iTrader: (19)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jantzer98SS:
<strong> If you're worried about the t-tops providing structural support, you better find another car. Don't you ever drive around with the t-tops off? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Got a '98 Z w/ t-tops, got a '94 without it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

I drive around with the t-tops off, but i'm just asking in terms of drag racing cause i didn't know if it would hurt the car at all. But if not... **** i'm down <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> !!!!!!!

badass 2002 z28

iTrader: (5)

width? I think an extra inch on each side would be perfect. Ya know..not too much, but just enough to be different <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

riddler

iTrader: (4)

I'd be in for Carbon Fiber T-tops no question about it <img border="0" alt="[judgement]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" />

Fenris Ulf

Any guess on the cost of the T-tops?

Jantzer98SS

iTrader: (54)

I don't even wanna guess on pricing yet. The hood will be competitively priced, but the best looking, lightest hood available. The t-tops I'm not quite sure, I'm not sure how much the material costs are gonna be yet. It's gonna take the glass/carbon fiber, the resin, latching system, and some kind of weather stripping to look close to factory and seal properly so it doesn't sound like a wind tunnel inside the car. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

I'll be starting on the molds probably next week. The hood first then the t-tops. I have to get that weight off the front of my car first. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

CHRISPY

Both T-Tops weigh only 16 pounds right? You would need a pretty light and strong solution methinks <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Also I saw a guy lose his T-Top at launch. Car twisted so much the T-Top flew straight up 30 feet and smashed behind the car LOL!!!

Fenris Ulf

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Chris ARE 360:
<strong> Both T-Tops weigh only 16 pounds right? You would need a pretty light and strong solution methinks <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Also I saw a guy lose his T-Top at launch. Car twisted so much the T-Top flew straight up 30 feet and smashed behind the car LOL!!! </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like some tinted Lexan for the hardcore guys might be a more affordable alternative...

Colonel

All I want for Christmas is a bolt-on SS exact replica lightweight hood. Anyone make that?

CamaroSS_2002

iTrader: (4)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Colonel:
<strong> All I want for Christmas is a bolt-on SS exact replica lightweight hood. Anyone make that? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ditto