Why are hood pins required for this hood?

FRP panels are lighter than factory steel hoods, which means standard latches may not secure them reliably at highway speeds. Hood pins provide positive safety retention and are a critical safety component for any aftermarket hood installation. Install them at both front corners of the hood opening.

Will this hood work with my factory latch and hinge?

Yes — this hood is designed with factory mounting points that align with OEM hinge and latch locations. However, you'll still need to add hood pins for proper security. Verify that your vehicle's hinges are in good condition before installation, as worn hinges may need shimming or adjustment to achieve even panel gaps.

Do I need to primer or paint this before installation?

The hood Requires Surface Prep. Sand and prep the surface before applying your chosen primer and topcoat. You can install it unpainted if your build timeline requires it, but protection from UV and moisture will extend the life of the FRP significantly once finish is applied.