R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 VIS vs Seibon carbon fiber hood

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  #1  
Old 01-02-2019, 03:49 PM
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VIS vs Seibon carbon fiber hood

Insurance check finally came, ordering a new hood in the next few days. Anyone have experience with both and care to comment? They are basically the same price
 
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Old 01-04-2019, 01:55 PM
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I'm curious as well since i'll need a new hood and was thinking about going OEM. I've heard of fitment issues in the past with carbon hoods...not sure if that's still the case or whether it was related to both brands.
 
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Old 01-04-2019, 02:09 PM
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They are both ok. Since they are handmade they can be a hair off from one to another and need a fine alignment or working with.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-seibon-parts/v-mini/
 
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Old 01-28-2019, 06:36 AM
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Had some lady back into my hood recently, so i will be watching to see your thoughts.

new oem + paint + decals + blending = much more $$ than a carbon fiber hood.... it seems attractive on paper.
 
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Old 01-28-2019, 09:07 AM
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I worked for a carbon composite company which transitioned to aerospace exclusivly and closed their automotive department.

The VIS and Seibon hoods are hit and miss, some look fantastic, some have air bubbles throughout, distorted carbon pattern, or are over saturated and have wavy carbon as a result.

Regarding fitment, every car is shaped slightly differently. A few, rare times, they'll go straight on and line up. Expect to adjust hood mounting points, bump stops, and the latch at a minimum when aligning body line gaps. Some of the VIS hoods I've seen have been so bad they couldn't be made to fit even with bumper and fender mount adjustments.

ALL carbon should be coated with Urethane clear. The only exception are those built with Marine grade UV protected gel coat as their exterior layer (none of the Chinese companies do).

Not trying to scare you away, they look great. Just want to inform expectations.
 
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Old 01-28-2019, 02:41 PM
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I went VIS, have not installed it yet I'm in the middle of a clutch job
 
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Old 02-09-2019, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by MrBlah
I went VIS, have not installed it yet I'm in the middle of a clutch job
please post a few pictures once you get it mounted. I’m interested in your experience as well.
 
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Old 02-11-2019, 06:20 AM
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I’ve had experience with both. The SEIBON stuff seems to be stronger and fit a little better and VIS needed a little massaging to work and I have to redo the clear coat afterwards.
 
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Old 02-23-2019, 04:36 PM
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hood is on, just waiting on clips for the fender. I had no major fitment issues, I had to enlarge 2 holes for the drivers side headlight top mount posts but that was it
 
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Old 12-25-2019, 11:24 PM
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Could you guys post some photos of your hoods on? Anyone try Seibon doors or hatch?
 
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