Drilling holes on fiberglass hood

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Are there any pros/cons with doing this? I have attached a photo of before and what I think would look good.

I am thinking 2" holes with these caps/covers.

If you have photos, I would like to see what you did.

All opinions are welcome and appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[markw]

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[markw]

I have holes in the rear of the hood as well but no pics. Hole saw and holding breath.


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[Ss76bronco]

Where do. You buy the hole plugs?

 

[Rustytruck]

I have holes in the rear of the hood as well but no pics. Hole saw and holding breath.


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helps to start the hole saw from one side and then jump over to the back side and start the hole on the back side then go back to the front side and finish the hole that way the hole saw doesnt tear out the fibers when punching through.

need plugs try McMaster carr.

 

[pcf_mark]

Very slow speed before cutting through the external skin. I have also run the hole saw (HomeDepot has an excellent selection) in reverse to score the surface enough to cut a groove through the outer skin. Keeps it nice looking then you can very slowly change direction and cut at a very slow feed rate through the part. Keep the drill straight too you do not get egg shaped holes. Bigger the hole saw slower you need to run it. Use a cordless drill they stop instantly a corded drill keeps turning.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

I purchased the black caps from (WWW.MFLOUVER.COM - 800 997 2877). I bought 2" and 2 1/2" caps, not sure what size I am going to use yet.

So on old threads there was some mention if you cut holes in the hood it effect s the engine with the pressure of the windshield. Other post say it's a good idea to cut holes to vent. I have seen this saying several times, and I understand it "every Bronco will have different results." Before I dedicate to the holes I just wanted to get some pros/cons from those who have done it.

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[EricLar80]

Surprisingly, a spade bit works really well with fiberglass. Gotta go slow to start.

 

[aisawalsh]

Not to state the obvious but drill the 1/4" pilot hole first without the hole saw on the arbor. If you don't when the drill but goes through the fiberglass the hole saw bit will grab and probably scratch/gouge the fiberglass. Drill the pilot hole, then install the bit then you can hold it directly against the material and use short burst versus running the drill none stop. Also buying a less aggressive bit made for metal might help as it won't grab as much.

 

[m_m70]

I was planning on two vents on the back like you showed. These are aluminum with stainless vents so should hold up. May even make functional %).

 

[markw]

My hood was painted when I cut the holes. It came out ok. Used a drum sander to clean it up. On the other hand it’s a race truck not a show piece. No louvers on the side vents but there are on the back side.
Great suggestions on using hole saws! If this is all done prior to paint you can fix misadventures pretty easily.


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[bigmuddy]

I was planning on two vents on the back like you showed. These are aluminum with stainless vents so should hold up. May even make functional %).

Wow those are nice! Where can they be found?

 

[m_m70]

I did a google search on custom ac dash vents and there's a lot to look at. I liked the size of this one at 7.5" wide but they're not cheap. I use a batwing style air cleaner and thinking tying the vents into each side of it. would be fairly simple if I were to spin the air cleaner around and fab a couple hoses.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...LqW0-rFqutZpBXzIp9_XxrcGGqcX0pVhoCPPYQAvD_BwE

 

[bigmuddy]

I did a google search on custom ac dash vents and there's a lot to look at. I liked the size of this one at 7.5" wide but they're not cheap. I use a batwing style air cleaner and thinking tying the vents into each side of it. would be fairly simple if I were to spin the air cleaner around and fab a couple hoses.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...LqW0-rFqutZpBXzIp9_XxrcGGqcX0pVhoCPPYQAvD_BwE

Very nice but damn those are expensive!

 

[sanndmann3]

Here’s mine... used a series of hole saws. Glued window screening to the inside.

 

[m_m70]

Very nice but damn those are expensive!

yes sir..........why iv'e had the project on hold!

 

[m_m70]

Here’s mine... used a series of hole saws. Glued window screening to the inside.

nice! like how you have the badge in there!

 

[67sport]

I've got a fiberglass hood with the old classic hood scoop formed in, about 4" of rise at the front, tapering to nothing at the windshield.

I want to open up the front of the scoop with 2 rectangular-ish holes for fresh air in. What has anyone used so it's not just a cut hole in the hood? The window mesh might work, but I'd like a framed 'grill' if I could find/make one.

What have others done?

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[m_m70]

I would do a quick google search (images) on automotive trim rings rectangular and see what's out there. I just did this search and there's lots of options if you haven't already cut the holes. Once you find something that will work (and you like) cut out with a small cutoff wheel.