I am posting this for anyone that is considering purchasing the RKSport Functional Ram Air Hood (as described on the Group Purcahse Page).

I had the hood delivered to my shop that I do all my work with. I trust this group and they do amazing work. Now, here is what I have had to have fixed :

1. All 4 corners had to built back up.
2. The engine hood had to be straightened, lows and highs. This was very bad.

* this does not include the labor to prep for paint, paint, clear and finish.

To do all this is about 70 hours of labor. Now, my shop is charging me $40 per hour. $2800 to 'fix' what I as a consumer should lhave expected when I got the hood.

If anyone is considering this hood, just please note that if you want your hood fixed right, expect to play 2 to 3 times the value of the hood to get it fixed.

I will say this ... maybe it is just me. This is the first fiberglass hood I have bought and had no basis to assume that it would be mainly ready to shoot when I got it. Maybe it is normal to put 70-80 hours total into a hood. If so, please let me know and I will take a chill

-Bryan

 

OUCH Bryan....

Didn't someone else post about this hood already stating the problem withe the corners?....

If this is all true for all sold pieces... geez - I really expect to buy a finished product for my car... guess we'll see after that group order goes in....

(stinks you had to pay that extra cash bro - anxcious to see finished pictures on the car though!)

 

Talked to my body guy before I purchase this hood and without even knowing about your problems he said "Fiberglass huh, you do know that the chance of it just needing to be painted is very slim? They rarely line up on the corners properly".

Glad I didn't order. Have you contacted RKSport about the problem?

 

See, My ignorance in not understanding that I would have to put 70 hours into fixing this hood. That is why I am posting this ... to let others know

-Bryan

 

Yes, that was me. But back then it was only 40 hours. Now we are up to 70-80 hours of fixes.

-Bryan

 

$2800 on top of the price of the hood? You must really be in love with their design. 3Gs could buy you a ton of performance parts.

 

$2800 (fixes) + $800 (hood + delivery) + $1000 (prep + shoot + clear) = $4600 total.


I know. This is the reason I am very unhappy. I expected the around 20 hours of labor to 'fix' the fiberglass issues. I had no basis to know that they would have to build up corners + spend 20 extra hours builing up low spots, etc.

-Bryan

 

OMG Bryan, I sure hope you said something to RKSport. That is just insane.

 

See its is kinda like sticker shock ... It was not until today did I realize that it was so much work. The first 40 hours, OK, but it is too late now. A few people have said that I should have asked for a replacement, back then. But back then, I did not knew it was going to be so much work. Now, did the body guy ? Kinda hard to say ... I am not a body / fiberglass person. I would have to assume that each firbegless situation is its own entitity. By the time he got into corners, snorkel then the 'straightening' of the line did we realize the time.

To late now, but others can avoid this Abotu the only thing RKSport could do is pay for some of the work, but there is no reason for them to do it ... not wortht the effort. I will simply tell othes my tell of heart ache, never buy from them and never recommend their products.

-Bryan

 

I have no problem e-mailing the company to let them know I will not be buying because of the problems our forum members are having with their hood. I was ready, but not now. Just say the word and I will bombard!!

 

Now that would make me, personally, feel kinda bad. I know I am slamming them (a bit) but to be fair, I never called to female dog, unlike the others problems I have had with Steeda, Basanni and JBA. Mainly becuase it was too late for them to replace it since the work was under way. BTW, Steeda, Bassani and JBA all did the right thing and sent replacements. BUT the difference is that it was not a hodd that has to be worked on. They provide a complete bolt on solutions.

If you are intrested, just call and see if they have fixed that crap before you decide to get or not get their hood. Just 'buyer beware'.

-Bryan

 

One more note. I have spoken to the shop, they are going to cut me a nice bit off the final price. Drive out will be $3500 for the 'fixes', body prep, shoot and clear. It will also go into paint this week and will be ready by next Wednesday

Thanks to Street Rod Concepts (my body shop) for cutting me some slack.

-Bryan

 

I know on a lot of things for the new stang there were issues with several first runs from manufacturers, such as myself finding out the issue with Magnaflows axleback kit, which they then fixed. However, I have a feeling that this is not the last terrible story we will hear regarding fiberglass hoods. One thing I learned from my body man was when I order in a hood or body kit, which I am still thinking about, he said to prefit everything before it gets painted. I had purchased a different front bumper for my 97 GT and prefitted it. Company said "fits oem stock mount locations, you only need to paint". Several stock locations were not even on the bumper. I would have spend more money fabbing it up to fit than the thing cost me so I shipped it back.

Bryan, thanks again for the heads up on the hood. It definately answered my question on whether I should order it or not.

 

This incident makes a case for patience and to wait for Ford to bring out other models which will have different hoods and made available from FRP.

 

I had some experiences with Harwood and Firberglass Trends for old muscle cars and I have to say that Harwood was by far the best quality with fit and finish. Just think Bryan buy 4 more hoods and have them all "fixed", prepped, and painted, you will spent the same cash for another 2005 mustang GT!!!

 

ouch dallasw77, when you put it that way I am even starting to wonder about the mods I am doing. Better not let my wife know.

 

lol, funny

-Bryan

 

I'm sending them an email cancelling my order too. It's not worth taking the chance on it. I'll just be a little more patient and we'll see more hoods coming out. Sorry you had to go through this fiasco Brian! : :angry:

 

jeese bryan. at the meet you told me there was a little work involved, but good lord. that sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth. it better be the best darn hood anyone has ever seen... and add 100 more horsepower for that price.



sorry you had to go through it man, but thanks for the heads up. i probably won't be doing business with those guys any time soon.

 

Count me out of ever dealing with them on anything as well.....insane that the hood needed that much work and was 800 bucks to start with...BAD BUSINESS there..... :notnice: I'd be hotter then the hinges on the gates of hel l if I was in your shoes....Click Click BANG!

John

P.S. Yes, I defeated the stupid computer trying to turn hel l into the word heck....stupid to try to change a word in the bible....it's a place, not an obscenity! LOL