RKSport hood

[brfatal]

Does anyone have one? Have any pictures? I've been debating it but on forums for other models I've seen mixed reviews on fitment for that brand's parts.

 

[jtreadway]

I had looked at the RK Sport extractor hood, seemed like it might be a nice look. The show stopper for me was the fine print that said since the hood is fiberglass, mounting a stock hood latch would be problematic and they recommend using hood pins and retainers to secure the hood. Yikes, no thank you.

 

[brfatal]

Hmmm, it's even advertised everywhere for it's use of the stock hardware.

 

[jtreadway]

Many aftermarket manufacturer of fiberglass or carbon fiber hoods makes a recommendation to use hood pins. I suspect this is mostly due to liability concerns, since there are many conditions that could lead to a fiberglass or carbon fiber hood flexing and cracking, which is when the problems start. The Duraflex hood (not RKsport) I was looking at http://www.duraflexbodykits.com/2013-hyundai-genesissedan/carbon-fiber-hoods/ included the statement "We do advise that our customers use hood safety pins to protect against latch failure due to the latches being bonded in during manufacturing as opposed to being bolted or welded onto a metal hood."

This video talks about it a bit more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xJJxVcPIc7I

Given that most Genesis sedan owners are not going off road or hitting the tracks, and probably not going 150+ mph, the risks associated with not using pins on the aftermarket hoods is probably low. But the consequences of a hood coming off could be very bad indeed.

I think I'll call both Duraflex and RKsport and ask them specifically about how they bond the latch to the hood, and also how they are providing sufficient stiffness around the front corners of the hoods, and report back to this forum.

 

[brfatal]

Oh I know the reason for it. I was just going by the advertisements that say word for word that you use the stock hardware.

I would never buy Duraflex. Their stuff is well known for horrendous fitment.

 

[Alwaysforward]

Throw some hood pins in it an go... Guarantee not many have seen this on the road an will definitely gain questions from on lookers. Being different than everyone else is what it is all about... Post up some pics if you get it done. I would like to see it as it is a sharp looking hood.

Only draw back is that it takes this sleeper and wakes it up

 

[NSXNEXT]

Does anyone have one? Have any pictures? I've been debating it but on forums for other models I've seen mixed reviews on fitment for that brand's parts.

This hood?

 

[brfatal]

Yep, that hood, but I would paint the whole thing including the louvers.

 

[jtreadway]

This morning I spoke with Frank Rizzotto at RK Sport to get some specifics on their extractor hood. This unit looks pretty nice, and I am pleased to report that I stand corrected, RK Sport does not require hood pins on this hood! The hood is stiff enough across it's entire surface that there is no issue with excessive flexing causing cracking (or worse). Here are my notes from the conversation:
1) The hood is a double walled design that sandwiches metal reinforcing plates for the hinges and latch, so this hood does not use a "bonded" latch that could come off.
2) He emphasized that correct fitment is critical, one must make sure that the rubber bumpers are properly adjusted so you don't get any hood play.
3) He also stressed "Do not slam the hood!". It is fiberglass, after all.
4) The extractor vents are open, there is an integrated tray beneath the vents that runs the length of the hood. In a followup e-mail he wrote: "There are 2 sets of extractor vents with 3 openings in each vent. We utilize a tried and true water management system in our extractor hoods. Using a water shelf and weep holes, the water is forced to exit the hood away from any critical engine components."
5) The underside of the hood is cleanly finished (but not gel coated), it is not just raw fiberglass on the underside.

Frank was very knowledgeable about their product, and did not hesitate in the least to say that no hinge pins are required on this hood. I asked him for some better pics, and two hours later they were in my inbox. These pictures are attached below.

 

[zielritter]

Did anyone ever get this hood? I think it looks awesome and would look good unpainted on my black Genesis. How's the installation.

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[Tailwalker]

Kdm imports or KAI. I would at least plastidip it or something, just to have some protection.

 

[zielritter]

Kdm imports or KAI. I would at least plastidip it or something, just to have some protection.

Thanks. Import Shark has a couple too although I've heard worse things about Duraflex quality/fitment.

RKSport responded quick to my question about weight. Didn't have an exact value, but stated that their fiberglass (not carbon fiber) hoods are about 20% lighter than a stock hood.