d#mn aluminum hood!

[cossie1600]

Originally Posted by mikepaul

More malleable than steel seems to be the issue here. A steel hood would probably spring back from hits that the current hood can't...

The car would also be 15-20lbs heavier, it would handle even worse. I would admit that aluminum does cost more.

[Jim Calvert]

Aluminum is mixed with other metals to produce a variety of aluminum alloys, and these alloys are subsequently given a spectrum of heat strengths. So just because the Prius hood is made of an aluminum alloy does not necessarily mean it is more prone to denting than some other material. For decades aircraft structure and aircraft skin have been made from aluminum alloys - quite successfully.

As for my 2010 Prius - no dents so far.

Jim

Originally Posted by mgb4tim

Back in the mid/late 60's, some MGBs had aluminum hoods. Sure, they were lightweight, but they didn't like to be taken out of the garage.

Good for me, since I make fiberglass reproductions, but bad for those who have to buy them.

Fast forward 40+ years... who's idea was it to put aluminum hoods on the Prius???? Did anyone do their homework?

I've found my second mini dent/chip on my hood this week. I could understand it if I heard something hit the hood, but I had no reason to suspect a dent! It would be different if it were just a chip, but a dent?!?

Looks like I might be making a carbon fiber or fiberglass hood after all. But I'll have to fill the dents with clay to make the mold.

Grrrrrrrr.

[mgb4tim]

Originally Posted by cossie1600

Your MGB also came from the 50s, where they haven't figured out how to build a safe or a reliable car. The chassis on that thing is softer than a piece of noodle, jack up one side and try to open the door if you don't believe me.

Softer than a noodle? Check this out - http://www.tgnagy.com/mgb/images/200007/spit1.jpg (from http://www.tgnagy.com/mgb/progressPages/199912.CFM)- mounted on the bumper supports (still there today as I havn'et been able to work on it lately) that are part of the unibody chassis.

Sure, all the MGB's rusted at the thought of water, but that's imported Russian steel for you.

[mgb4tim]

I realize that aircraft use aluminum skins. I'm just making the statement that I've not had a car hood dent so easily. I've seen paint chips from. highway rocks, but they've never dented like this. Especially when I didn't even notice the rock hitting. You'd think that a rock that hits like that would startle you, like when they hit a windshield.

My intent is - if you are on the fence about the clear plastic bumper and hood protection, get it.

[cossie1600]

that's right. so stiff that most of them are totalled. there is a reason why miata are great sports and race cars and why mgs aren't

[HI MPG]

Originally Posted by mgb4tim

Looks like I might be making a carbon fiber or fiberglass hood after all. But I'll have to fill the dents with clay to make the mold.

I've actually contacted a few of the import tuners in the Southern Cal area to see if they make a CF hood for the new Prius. I guess my initial reason for it would be lighten the car (although the weight savings would be barely substanital), but then my ulitmate reason would be to have a something that looks different. I have a winter grey metallic with the solar panels, so the look of a black carbon fiber hood might match the blackened glass and solar panels... Too bad none of them have contacted me back.

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by mgb4tim

I've found my second mini dent/chip on my hood this week. I could understand it if I heard something hit the hood, but I had no reason to suspect a dent! It would be different if it were just a chip, but a dent?!?

118,185 miles of driving my 2004 makes me wonder about cause. Since all I had was a bunch of tiny pits from all the winter sand & salt, I'd suspect a non-driving event.

For me, the color of aluminum & silver paint makes the tiny chips pretty much impossible unless you're standing on top of them. No rust bleed or steel flaking to ever wonder about (a big deal here in Minnesota) sure is nice. The reduced weight is obviously a perk too.
.

[a64pilot]

All Miata's have aluminum hoods. Doesn't seem to be a problem there. I assume the angle of the Prius hood as well as aluminum being softer metal combine to be a problem.

[mgb4tim]

Originally Posted by cossie1600

that's right. so stiff that most of them are totalled. there is a reason why miata are great sports and race cars and why mgs aren't

Are you serious? Nothing like a few decades of technological advance to give the Miata a bit of an advantage? Have you ever ridden in a sport tuned MGB? Have you ever driven a tuned MGB? They are a heck of a good time. Sure a Miata will outrun your average MGB, but it would outrun a Mustang of the vintage same era.

I didn't think I'd have to defend my second child here, I'm just miffed at the hood of my car that has 2 dents within 3 months of ownership. I had my Caddy with a dent-free steel hood for 146k miles.

Just trying to grieve a little. Thanks for the shoulder to cry on.

[cairo94507]

My NSX was all aluminum and never had a problem with dents.