hood inserts

[LittleBeast]

How hard is it to remove the insert on the VX? I want to high polish that thing myself and if I don't like it I am going to paint it black to match the rest of the ebony

[Y33TREKker]

How hard is it to remove the insert on the VX? I want to high polish that thing myself and if I don't like it I am going to paint it black to match the rest of the ebony

I think the hardest part is removing all the plastic fasteners that hold the sound deadening pad to the underside of the hood in a way that allows them to be reused. There are tools made especially for the job, although a couple of well placed screwdrivers will do the trick too.

Trim removal tool

You can usually buy both the trim removal tool, and replacement fasteners (if necessary) for not much $$$, at most places like Autozone..

Once that pad is removed, a simple socket and ratchet is all you need to take off the insert.

[etlsport]

try doing it after the engine has been running awhile, the fastners will be less likely to break if they are warm..

when putting the insert back on be careful not to overtighten the bolts or you will run the risk of the insert cracking

[tom4bren]

& don't forget that your washer nipples need to be removed since they go through the hood & insert.

While you have it off, you may want to fill any recessed areas on the back side with body putty or epoxy. Those are weak spots that can eventually crack.

Be sure to post pix when you're done.

[LittleBeast]

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have been thinking about doing this for a while. Removing that insert would make polishing or painting 10x easier.

I also intend to paint the side view mirrors and the roof rack rails black to match the ebony, should I try and remove those pieces too? Man this would be easy if I could remove all those pieces. I already have the air compressor, just need to buy the gravity feed sprayer and lots of tarp.

I am assuming I should sand those plastic parts before I hit them with the paint. The grey side view mirrors have always bugged me that they don't match the paint especially when I hit the cladding with the back to black, and they stick out terribly!

[snowtrooper1966]

Bevis & Butthead voice ON/

He said "washer nipples".....

Beavis & Butthead voice OFF/

James

[tom4bren]

Use back to black on the side mirrors whenever you do the cladding. If your heart is set on paint tho - don't. It'll be a pain to clean off when you do paint.

[snowtrooper1966]

Speaking of old muscle cars, one of the things I dug about my Charger was the shape. It preportadley was designed with a fighter aircraft in mind. Also refrenced as a "coke bottle" shape. I always said it had "hips". Just noticed today while picking up Snowtrooper Jr from daycare, as I was looking in the driver's side mirror, that the VX had a shimilar profile from that reverse angle...
No wonder I love the Dragon so much....
James