ARCHIVE General hood refresh and upgrade, because why not

[NLXTACY]

On the turbo test mule the hood needed to be removed so that I get some engine bay work done. Since the hood was out I figured it would be the ideal time to do a ful; refresh to it. The ONLY thing I didn't do to it is repaint it. Otherwise its a full refresh and modification. This is not a thread about vents and louvers, I'm not convinced its the right way to go so I won't be doing it to this truck.

All of the rubber was removed along with the liner, the one with the turbo exhaust burn

First step was to thoroughly clean the underside of the hood and then use a wax to get it to shine. Knew that the hood fluttered while driving so knew that the hood's sheet metal separated from the frame so first step was to order up some 3M seal sealer and then order THREE wrong applicators until I finally spring for the 3M applicator for $$$

Application was fairly easy. It was just using some plastic pry bars to slightly lift up the frame so that some of the seam sealer could be applied under the frame. Once applied the hood is turned over so that the sheet metal side is up and sets up in its natural state.

 

[NLXTACY]

The 3M seam sealer I used:

 

[NLXTACY]

Once that was dried then it was time to replace all of the windshield washer clips and hoses and nozzle head using a 3-nozzle version.

 

[NLXTACY]

Then it was time to add hood lights. I have the typical cheapo LED light bar on the SC truck but figured I'd go a different out and go with the BajaDesigns rock lights for under the hood. These are the lights without a switch, didn't need it since I was going a different route. All of the wiring went thru the frame. Both lights were attached using M4 rivnuts and the wires went through a grommet that was drilled is just under the lights. Those two sets of wires were then wired together and tied into two wires going down the frame and popping out the bottom left hand side using a windshield washer hose grommet. From there it was terminated to a MetricPack connector.

 

[NLXTACY]

Quick test of the lights to make sure they were wired correctly.

 

[NLXTACY]

Now it was time to install a brand new OEM hood liner to replace the burned one. The trick here is to order direct from your local dealer because otherwise it gets shipped folded and you don't want that. The new hood liner is actually updated a little bit. Not identical to the older one. Also make sure to order 12 new clips. Cat not included.

 

[NLXTACY]

Now that the liner was here it needed to be painted because I felt too much of the yellow fiberglass material was showing thru. Using some matte black fabric dye and gave it a few coats. Sooo much nicer. Pick of the old liner vs new.

 

[NLXTACY]

Some quick work with some white VHT high heat paint to get some Wits' End action going on. Now its installed and plugged in.

 

[NLXTACY]

The wiring goes thru the SwitchPros and can be controlled thru the switch on the OBA manifold as well. Turn the truck off and the light goes off. If I want it on I just flick the switch.

 

[Rifleman]

NLXTACY Very nice work!

 

[SNLC]

I have had the hood liners shipped from the Middle East and they were not folded. Can’t get 70-series hood liners from my local dealership.



Cheers

 

[Desert Dino]

The wiring goes thru the SwitchPros and can be controlled thru the switch on the OBA manifold as well. Turn the truck off and the light goes off. If I want it on I just flick the switch.
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What is the spray for? Spring distiled water on the radiator like an old USSR ZIL truck?

 

[NLXTACY]

What is the spray for? Spring distiled water on the radiator like an old USSR ZIL truck?

Methanol injection pump

 

[bonestock]

Once that was dried then it was time to replace all of the windshield washer clips and hoses and nozzle head using a 3-nozzle version.

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Any part numbers on the nozzles or other items you used to refurbish the windshield washer parts?

 

[NLXTACY]

 

[bonestock]

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Are they on your website? I couldn't find them...

 

[NLXTACY]

Are they on your website? I couldn't find them...

will be shortly. I’m missing two pieces

 

[TYM4FUN]

Quick test of the lights to make sure they were wired correctly.
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Looks great! Now you have inspired me to rid of my zip ties and wire my lights more in the OEM spectrum. Going to order a new liner as well, because mine is becoming a sagging mess.

 

[surfpig]

Looks great! Now you have inspired me to rid of my zip ties and wire my lights more in the OEM spectrum. Going to order a new liner as well, because mine is becoming a sagging mess.

I've become a sagging mess but there are no factory upgrades available.

 

[lumbee1]

Is the hood liner really necessary? My hood liner is saturated with oil, mud, and grease and looks like it is more likely to catch fire. I know that if I pull it off, the clips will break but I need to reattach the ribs to the hood skin. Everytime I lift my hood, bits of old seam sealer fall out.