Q. When installing a fiberglass hood can you use the stock hardware?

A. Partially. You can employ the factory hinge assembly, but you must change the springs to some with less tension. If you keep the stock springs you’ll likely damage the hood over time. Unlimited offers a full selection of low-tension replacement springs, as well as optional prop rods.

Q. What is required to install a scoop?

A. Many of Unlimited’s hood scoops are equipped with either internal or external flanges. This facilitates installation with pop-rivets or bolts. It’s recommended to also use fiberglass and epoxy resin for reinforcement and a finishing touch. Non-flanged scoops are installed using fiberglass cloth and resin. Complete installation details are available on this website.

Q. Can I use fiberglass doors on the street?

A. You can, but the reality is that you probably wouldn’t want to. The doors are designed for racing applications and for use with bolt-in Lexan windows. There are no provisions to mount roll-up window tracks, cranking mechanisms, etc.

Q. Why are Unlimited scoops and body parts plain gray?

A. Since 99.9% of the hoods, scoops and body panels we sell are painted to match the vehicle, we do not burden our customers with the added expense of a white or black gel-coat finish. This makes it easy to take care of any imperfections, and our components are easy to prep and paint.

Q. What are the advantages of fiberglass components over stamped steel?

A. For openers, fiberglass won’t dent or ding under mild contacts like steel panels, and it won’t rust. Ever. Of course, fiberglass body parts are substantially lighter than their steel counterparts and can shave hundreds of pounds of performance-robbing weight.

Q. How about the weight difference in hoods?

A. A fiberglass hood is typically about 1/3 the weight of a steel hood.

Q. Why would I want fiberglass bumpers?

A. Here’s where some serious weight gains can be made. And the fiberglass is easily painted to match the vehicle for a monochromatic look. Many are used for racing.

Q. Do hoods, fenders, etc. have to be fitted to the vehicle?

A. In most cases, yes. You will find there are surprisingly generous OEM tolerances, and this combines with vehicles that have been subjected to road abuse and flexing for 30, 40 or 50 years. Some applications may require trimming the part.

Q. Can I get a good with a different scoop?

A. Yes. We can custom-build a hood with most any scoop. In many instances this makes for a strikingly different look (like Hemi scoop on a Camaro).

Q. What about clearances for hi-rise manifolds, blowers, etc.?

A. To accommodate highly modified engines, Unlimited offers cowl induction-style hoods for most applications with heights up to nine inches.

Q. Can I install a fiberglass scoop on a steel hood?

A. Sure. The same basic procedures apply for all hood installations.

Q. Why is hand-laid fiberglass better?

A. The “chopper guns” used to make some fiberglass components spray a mixture of short fiberglass strands and resin into the mold. Controlling thickness is difficult. And because the strands are short, they do not have the structural integrity of woven fiberglass cloth. The resin-to-glass ratio is higher in a “chopped” part, which greatly reduces its strength. Thickness is accurately controlled through the number of layers employed, and the resin is hand-worked through the cloth to assure optimum consistency.

Q. What happens when a part is damaged in transit?

A. Great care is taken packaging all Unlimited components, but we have no control over what happens after the freight company takes over. It is absolutely IMPERATIVE to note any damage to the box—regardless of how insignificant it may appear—and it’s highly advisable to examine the contents before signing off. Any issues with damaged shipments MUST be taken care of with the freight company.

Q. What are the differences in hoods?

A. Unlimited makes three different style hoods. One is designed to utilize the factory hinges (with a low-tension spring) and latch assembly. It will operate just like stock. Another uses the OEM hinges (remove springs and use our low tension springs), but has no provisions for a hood latch. You must use hood pins to secure the front. Both of these are medium-weight hoods. There is also a lightweight lift-off style race hood that is for use with hood pins all around.

Here are photos and description of the 3 different mounting
style of hoods that we produce.