Parts Source if needed

[Chopper]

ummmm...you have a '99 Astral, but don't know what the hood insert is?? only the one most obvious feature on the VX not found on any other production vehicle....ever...as far as I can remember.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

Correct, I do have a 99 Astral, sorry only have had it 4 days.
My insert other then being a little faded, didnt look bad to me.
All the plastic around the body seemed to have similar appearance
from being 8 yrs old.
The "insert" you referred to could of been structural Under the hood
as well as on top, ..give me just a little break.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

what are your options now ?
paint it
cover it in vinyl
make one out of aluminum and paint it ?
or ?

[Ldub]

what are your options now ?
paint it
cover it in vinyl
make one out of aluminum and paint it ?
or ?

carbon fiber

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

carbon fiber

We can do CF but I dont suggest it.
They look cool for a few month, but they all come clearcoated.
The reflexion off the clear alone would be a bad side effect.
Also
Ive been selling CF hoods for over 7 yrs and seen what they
look like after about a yr in the sun.
They ALL turn yellow and some eventually crack no matter
who makes them.
I sell Vis racing, Seibon and a few other manufacturers. If you want
something that will stand the test of time for looks, CF isnt the answer.
Its really meant for weight savings and strength.

Vinyl holds up well in the sun and cheap to replace in a few yrs
if it came down to it. Lots of options there.
Ill work on some other options this week.

[Chopper]

Wow, your plastics are beat! There are a few good spray on, urethane products out there for that. A very thin Rhino Liner if you will. Or shoot it like the Avalanches. Avalanche repair search will yield several things

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

I have a complete new set for all around the vehicle
I picked up from the dealer sitting in boxes in storage.

I have a few ideas for the plastic
Ive heard everything from using Pledge, Futura floorwax
to a realtively new product called Gatorback.
Im going to check with a friend in town who has a paint shop
too and get his opinion.
Its a restoration in progress, but look forward to driving it.
Not sure Ill be offroading much, even for being in Az.

[VCrossfan]

what are your options now ?
paint it
cover it in vinyl
make one out of aluminum and paint it ?
or ?

Welcome to the forum...

I've had a scooped CF insert for a couple years now and is still looking good (I do remove it a couple months out of the year due to the Illinois winters) and I just painted my stock insert with a durable Satin texture, and your cladding might need alittle elbow grease. I use Meguiar's NXT but do a search here, there are many members with great results with many products.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

I have my engine out so I cant take pics of it installed
but so far Ive fabbed up this short ram intake kit.
The silicone elbow will be available in black, red or blue.
Polished pipe or maybe even black chrome pipe section
and
choice of hi flow filters in Red, blue, chrome..

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

or a Hi flow Green Cone Filter will be available
in a few variations...

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

I have steel braided brake lines on order
will be available soon in steel braided finish
or even with color sleeves on them in red, blue or yellow.

[Vehi-Cross-Az]

Ralley racing and Govt vehicles for yrs have been using
pure silicone radiator hoses on their vehicles.
Much better then rubber, will last pretty much a lifetime
and wont break.
Companys such as SAMCO makes them overseas and only
for a few applications.
I did a custom order for the Subaru Svx owners, and they
loved them.
Im working on getting them made for us VX owners.
They will fit exactly like OE hoses, and come in gloss black, red
or blue. (maybe silver too, not sure)
They will be the last radiator hoses youll have to buy