Are aftermarket steel hoods ok?

jelloslug has posted lots of info about his 2G Prius rebuild.
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/51021-i-just-acquired-new-project-vehicle.html

He was dissatisfied with the fit of the aftermarket steel hood due to excessive gaps with the front fenders. I understand that he eventually bought the correct aluminum part.

 

An aftermarket steel hood could weigh three to four times what the OEM hood weighed.

I was in a smashup with my 2005 Prius this past summer, and took it to a less-than-wonderful body shop. They put aftermarket sheet metal on (in violation of the insurance estimate).

The first time I lifted the hood, I could tell something was wrong. It was much, much heavier than the original, and did not line up correctly. The gap line between hood and fenders was varied widely in side.

I'd look for an OEM hood if I were you.

 

If I were a person who have to replace the hood, I'll try to get a used OEM hood for cheap.
I'm doubtful that the aftermarket steel hood was certified by a crash test. I don't want the hood come into the cabin on a heavy accident from front.

Ken@Japan

 

I forgot to mention above that I insisted that the body shop use an OEM hood. They did replace the heavy aftermarket one with an OEM hood, and I could tell the difference immediately--both by looking and by lifting it open.

I never thought of the safety issue, but Ken is exactly right. A hood of the proper weight will behave in a predictable manner in a crash. An aftermarket hood will not.

 

There are aftermarket aluminum as well as steel hoods. When I rebuilt my car, I opted for the steel one. It fits fine, and the weight of the hood is not excessive. Of course, is the insurance company was paying for it, I would get the real deal.