Why are hood pins required?

Carbon fiber hoods are significantly lighter than factory steel, which changes how the hood's hinges and latches engage. Hood pins provide positive hold-down and prevent hood flutter at speed. They're a standard safety measure for lightweight hoods and should be installed at both front corners.

Can I reuse my existing hood latch, or do I need to replace it?

Your factory latch mechanism will work with this hood. Before installation, inspect the latch and hinge for wear — if they're functioning smoothly on your current hood, they'll function on this one. If your OEM latch is stiff or damaged, consider servicing or replacing it before fitting the new hood to ensure proper engagement.

What prep and finish work do I need to do?

The hood ships with protective clear coat applied. Sand the surface lightly to promote adhesion if you plan to paint or apply additional coating. If you prefer to keep the natural carbon weave visible, wipe clean and install as-is. Avoid harsh solvents on the finish — use mild soap and water for cleaning.