Why do I need hood pins with this hood?

Carbon fiber panels are lighter than OEM steel, so factory hood latches may not hold securely at highway speeds without additional support. Hood pins clamp the leading edge to the fenders, eliminating any lift risk and keeping the hood panel stable under acceleration and wind load.

Should I apply clear coat to the finished carbon?

Yes. The hood ships primed to accept your chosen finish. Clear coat protects the twill weave from UV fading, road debris, and moisture damage while locking in the gloss. Sand the primed surface and apply your clear per your paint supplier's specs.

Will this hood line up with my OEM latch and hinges?

The TS-1 profile follows the original hood mounting points and hinge geometry, so fit is correct. Verify hood alignment with your fenders before finalizing fastener torque, as any panel gaps will be visible on carbon once painted. Adjust striker position as needed for a flush close.