Parts Source if needed

[JHarris1385]

Enlighten me on the hood insert you are referring to.
Im not aware of it.

The black piece that rests on top of the hood as an anti-glare device.

[Chopper]

The black piece that rests on top of the hood as an anti-glare device.

and is apparently made from material quarried near the place my granite counter tops came from

[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.

[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...