Are Fibreglass bonnets safe?

[Sam86]

Probably overthinking as I know other people use it, but before I committed to buying one I wanted to see if anyone has had any negative experiences with them.

I've heard carbonfibre especially is dangerous from splintering on an impact.

I wanted to get a replica hood in plain unpainted fibreglass so I can get it colour matched, potentially dangerous or is it fine? (I don't track my car)

[Ultramaroon]

I agree with your concern and actually think the risk of it being a factor is higher in traffic. Personally, I'd go with a salvage unless I was in the market for a decent vented one. I'd still color match because I go for the minimalist aesthetic.

[Sam86]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I agree with your concern and actually think the risk of it being a factor is higher in traffic. Personally, I'd go with a salvage unless I was in the market for a decent vented one. I'd still color match because I go for the minimalist aesthetic.

Yea I wanted the Varis 2 replica hood for the vents and because I like the look of it more than other vented hoods. I don’t know that you can get a genuine varis hood that isn’t carbon fibre, but have found a plain unpainted replica in fibreglass.

I know quite a few people have carbon fibre/ aftermarket bonnets- I personally haven’t seen anyone post about something bad happening in a crash but like you said it’s a risk factor I want to research before I make up my mind.


Ive seen this company claim to sell ‘street legal’ replica bonnets in carbon and fibre glass. I’m not in the same state however, and I’m not sure whether they actually make the bonnets themselves or source them from aliexpress like everyone else. They do emphasis on their website a lot though that it complies with regulations
https://www.blitsbonnets.com.au/

[x808drifter]

If then claim the are street legal then what is the problem?

[JD001]

Fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar are safe if done properly..

This car is mix of the above and is safe at 270mph.. The thing to remember is that they are only strong in the direction of their designed loading, away from this they crack, snap and splinter..

[EAGLE5]

The odds of a crash where a carbon fiber hood goes through the windshield and decapitates you is pretty darned low. How the material fails is not really a thing. It's more how the specific product you buy fails. I doubt that any effort whatsoever goes into crash worthiness of aftermarket body panels of any type.

[churchx]

It's possible that supercar costing insane sum may have designed properly. I doubt relatively cheap aftermarket part for very cheap car will be made with anything done regarding crash safety. Looks, cost, weight - yes, crash safety? Certain that no time/design changes/testing regarding that done in that "price range". It won't keep most target buyers from bying existing CF hoods though. There are (and will be) even way less safe then these aftermarket parts from various areas of cars made, sold, bought, if they are cheaper and provide looks. Offer is made according to what demand there is. 99% won't pay for twins CF hood that costs twice then others in market, even if it had crash safety bits designed in. Hence such are not getting made.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Sam86

Yea I wanted the Varis 2 replica hood for the vents and because I like the look of it more than other vented hoods. I don’t know that you can get a genuine varis hood that isn’t carbon fibre, but have found a plain unpainted replica in fibreglass.

Do they disclose weight? I bet the fiberglass is heavier than stock. I don't chase numbers so it wouldn't stop me. Just curious.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Do they disclose weight? I bet the fiberglass is heavier than stock. I don't chase numbers so it wouldn't stop me. Just curious.

I agree with you, I think fibreglass would be heavier than the aluminium bonnet.. I would only consider CF if I was looking for an alternative.. not FG!!

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by JD001

I agree with you, I think fibreglass would be heavier than the aluminium bonnet.. I would only consider CF if I was looking for an alternative.. not FG!!

If the glass was way cheaper. ... Yeah, I'd get Verus' vents before FG

[Ultramaroon]

Ok, as long as we're on the subject, I suggest that, while bonnet vents are functional, there is another hidden cost depending on how much it raises temp in the driveshaft tunnel. Maybe I'm FOS but I'm also with @rice_classic on the cause of his CV boot issue. The guys that designed those underside panels didn't just pull that shit out of their asses.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Ok, as long as we're on the subject, I suggest that, while bonnet vents are functional, there is another hidden cost depending on how much it raises temp in the driveshaft tunnel. Maybe I'm FOS but I'm also with @rice_classic on the cause of his CV boot issue. The guys that designed those underside panels didn't just pull that shit out of their asses.

There's probably an internet video of that.

[Sam86]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Do they disclose weight? I bet the fiberglass is heavier than stock. I don't chase numbers so it wouldn't stop me. Just curious.

No, there’s no product info or price, I don’t even know how to place an order outside of sending an email enquiry

[Sam86]

Originally Posted by x808drifter

If then claim the are street legal then what is the problem?

Because you’re taking their word for it and that’s it. This is from a different site and I don’t like how their disclaimer contradicts their legal claims.

Product description- “100% street legal in all states and territories”

But then in their product disclaimer at the bottom- “this product is intended for off-road use and may not be approved on our Australia roads”.

So if that’s the case how are they going to try sell it as street legal/ road legal certified?
And there’s no way to know if I’m buying a replica custom made by them specifically to meet road legal standards, or if they’re selling me a Chinese/ Taiwan replica that they just import in and send off as their own

https://www.spoilersandbodykits.com....SABEgLEofD_BwE