I just finished the hood pin install on my '06 gt last night, these are just a few key points I thought I'd put out there for anyone thinking of doing it (if you have hood shake, this WILL fix it - my hood doesn't MOVE at 130).
Seriously though, don't be afraid to do this yourself, just take your time, follow some good directions (like the ones in my other post), and try not to cry. When it's over, it looks really good, IMO.
OOH and if anyone has any advice - I need to wash my car tonight ... as of early this morning there were still some metal shavings on it, on the paint. I don't know after my drive to work, the 130mph windtunnel might have got them off. But, I was wondering if anyone had any advice to making sure the metal shavings are COMPLETELY off before I wash it this afternoon?? Any advice would be appreciated.
- The Ford Racing Kit looks the best (IMO)
- But, the pins that go through your hood with the FRPP aren't long enough, go by and pick yourself up a $10 kit at AutoZone and use JUST the pins from it, everything else yo can use from the FRPP (except screws of course)
- A step bit make a wonderfully smooth hole in the hood, start with a 1/4 and then bore it with the step bit
- The easiest install is drill and tap the radiator support and then simply screw the pins into it and put a nut on top
- You may need to go through the bottom side of the support too, depending on how long the pins you buy are - but tapping it is only necessary on the top
- Make sure you drill your holes perpendicular to the hood's plane - the hole are NOT straight down
- Lowes had the drill and tap set you need for the radiator support (1/2" and either 13 or 20 thread depending on which set of pins you get - but they should all be 1/2")
- While you're there pick up 8 #6 pan head 5/8" inch ss screws - you need them - the screws that hold the plates to either side of your hood are not long enough
- SEAL YOUR HOOD. The hood is two layers, some people say use a grommet, some people say use a rubber hose glued to either side. THE BEST WAY is to take some RTV adhesive sealant (available anywhere - walmart, autozone, etc...) and run a bead around the inside of your holes, between the two layers of the hood - let dry - and then do it again. Use a flat head screw driver to push the foam that comes between the layers of your hood from the factory back so that you can get a thick application of rtv.
- PAINT BARE METAL. Pick you up some touch up paint while you're at autozone. After you finish drilling your holes, go back over all exposed bare metal that was previously painted with that touch up paint and allow to dry
- Have plenty of alcohol on had if you're a nervous person - can't describe the feeling when you first see a bit come through the hood of your new car.
Seriously though, don't be afraid to do this yourself, just take your time, follow some good directions (like the ones in my other post), and try not to cry. When it's over, it looks really good, IMO.
OOH and if anyone has any advice - I need to wash my car tonight ... as of early this morning there were still some metal shavings on it, on the paint. I don't know after my drive to work, the 130mph windtunnel might have got them off. But, I was wondering if anyone had any advice to making sure the metal shavings are COMPLETELY off before I wash it this afternoon?? Any advice would be appreciated.