Does anyone know why...

[Cale]

They don't make hoods out of plastic?

[Blue Flame V6]

Heat would melt them. They do make them out of fiberglass though.

[DeathBuzzz]

Also, fiberglass is much stronger than plastic as far as bending and flexing goes.


~Brian

[Cale]

I'm sure there is a plastic that can absorb and dissapate the heat coming off an engine, properly.

I'd think maybe some stronger urethane or something... then perhaps line it with a heat absorbing material.

SO I take it no one really knows why?

Fiberglass is some of the crappiest material ever. Very hard to work with and very hard to make it come out properly. It is also prone to absorbing heat and flexing - shrinking-expanding....

EVery fiberglass hood I've owned has been absoloute SH!T

[RoyalBlaze]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> SO I take it no one really knows why? <hr></blockquote>

Maybe because it would look sh*tty? ;)

[J-Dubb]

Not too sure, but also wouldn't the paint and clear coat ruin/desolve the plastic. Like spray paint and thinner does? To me the chemical reaction doesn't seem like it would work, but like someone already said, the heat would warp the entire hood.

Jason

[Cale]

Ugh.

You know your front fascia? That's plastic - more specifically, urethane, but nonetheless.

A lot of cars are made with plastic pieces in place of sheet metal on the body, and there is no problem with the paint.

I seriously doubt paint is not the issue but I appreciate the comment.

As for warping, I know cheap plastic would, however, we have heat absosorbant materials that could help.

Also - most engine covers are plastic. I know they aren't urethane, but it's plastic sitting right on top of the engine (over intake manifold) and that doesn't melt.

There has got to be a better reason.

[Blue Flame V6]

Metal and fiberglass are stronger. Plastic wouldn't stand up against the wind force forever. Yes your front is made out of plastic but it isn't near as big as a hood or flat. THere for in can resist more force. The heat also will cause a problem because of the size.