Carbon Fiber hood insert

[owhite3003]

I have a 2013 zl1 and I can see dimples in my clear inserts. Had the dealer replace it but the dimples on the new insert seems worse then the old ones. From the back of the insert in about an inch and half and in from the sides about an inch. Anybody else notice this?

[Flea]

I haven't noticed it, and I don't even want to look. If I do notice it, it will drive me crazy.

[16floz470ml]

With RPO B92
The appearance concerns with “Raw” carbon fiber (non painted) may include, but are not limited to, uneven material color or weaves, wrinkles or “waves” in the fabric, light or dark fish scale type spots, loose threads, fabric seams or joints.

Types of “Carbon Fiber” Vehicle Applications Most automotive “carbon fiber” trim used on vehicles is a cosmetic applique that gives the look carbon fiber but is not structural Composite Carbon Fiber. This material has a consistent weave and color appearance.
Structural Composite Carbon Fiber generally has visible fabric inconsistencies and a yellow or milky appearance unless it is sanded, clear coated and polished to give the panel a more finished look.


Real Composite Carbon Fiber Appearance Every Composite Carbon Fiber panel or part has a unique appearance based on the color and clarity of the resin, the pattern and layout of the fabric and the shape of the part. The weave of the material, the color variation of the fabric in the weave and the layout of the layers varies slightly from part to part and no two pieces are identical or “perfect” in appearance. This is similar to the way a natural wood or a hand made piece of ceramic or pottery varies from piece to piece.
In the case of the ZL1 hood insert, the part is inspected, wet sanded to smooth the surface, coated with a UV (ultra violet) protective clear coat and polished to a high gloss finish.

Addressing Customer Concerns
The following images display some acceptable non repairable Composite Carbon Fiber appearance traits:


Light and dark spots, sometimes described as “Fish Scales.”



Wrinkles or “waves” in the fabric weave.



Uneven material color, color shift.

Repair Procedures With RPO B92 If there are minor scuffs or abrasions on the UV protective clear coat surface, hand polishing with a mild polish such as 3M™ Finesse-It™ II Glaze, Part #059283 is recommended. No machine polishing is recommended.
If there are small dimples or impressions around the perimeter of the insert, loosen the threaded fasteners (retaining nuts) and Re-Tighten to 4 Y (35 lb in).


Repair Procedures Without RPO B92 Camaro ZL1 vehicles may also be equipped with a hood air extractor that is finished with a conventional paint finish. If there is a flaw in the finish on the Ashen Grey gloss painted finish, conventional polishing methods can be used to correct minor surface flaws and scuffs. If the panel is finished in a semi-gloss black, there are no recommended repair procedures for surface imperfections.

[owhite3003]

Thanks. The Carbon fiber looks good, it is the clear coat that looks dimpled. I might just have to live with it.

[HDRDTD]

Is there any chance those are the locations where mounting studs are located and someone just slightly overtorqued them during the install??

[camaro2lt]

if anyone has pics of the underside of the hood were all the bolts go can you post them thanks

[Russo]

the thing is that it's supposed to be uneven... imagine spraying a clear coat on sand...

[hognutz]

try some pictures. "dimples" are kind of like say your car is making a wonka wonka noise. a picture is worth 1,000 words.

IF it is fish eye's in the clear it is poor paint prep and could be sanded and recleared possibly.

Without "seeing" it hard to comment.

[owhite3003]

The dealer said it wasn't where the mounting stud was. The first one you could see and feel a crack. This one, I just noticed the divot and thought I would ask.

[razorz28]

Originally Posted by Russo

the thing is that it's supposed to be uneven... imagine spraying a clear coat on sand...

That is not how it is sprayed.

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

Is there any chance those are the locations where mounting studs are located and someone just slightly overtorqued them during the install??

That sounds like the problem he has too much pressure on the studs this can be fixed losen the bolts holding the insert and let the vehicle bak out in the sun the dimples should go away.

[Russo]

Originally Posted by RazorZL1

That is not how it is sprayed.

i know how carbon fiber is made.. don't go full retard on me please

[ZL1 TIBS]

I think I know what you are talking about. My ZL-1 has the same thing. I don't let it bother me, but I may try to loosen the mounting stud if it appears that is where it is dimpled.

[razorz28]

Originally Posted by Russo

i know how carbon fiber is made.. don't go full retard on me please

Well if you are comparing it to sand you have no idea how CF is made.