Why are hood pins required?

Carbon fiber hoods are significantly lighter than factory steel, which means OEM latches alone may not hold the panel firmly under acceleration or rough road conditions. Hood pins provide redundant closure security and prevent hood flutter at speed. They're a standard best practice with lightweight performance hoods.

Will this hood work with my existing latch and hinge?

Yes. This hood is engineered to use the same mounting points as the OEM hood, so your factory latch and hinges bolt directly on without modification. You'll remove your current hood and transfer the hardware to the carbon fiber panel.

What finish should I apply to protect the carbon fiber?

Sand and prep the surface lightly before applying your chosen clear coat or UV-protective finish. A quality clear coat will preserve the weave texture, prevent UV degradation, and make cleaning easier. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure when the vehicle is stored to maintain the integrity of the material over time.