Vancouver, BC
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Q: What is Carbon Fibre?
Q:What is Carbon Fibre? A:Carbon fibre is the strongest reinforcement materials used in composites. It is made of pure carbon in form of graphite. It's a real hi-tech material, which provides very good structural properties, better than those of any metal! Originally, it was developed for use in space technology. Later on, carbon fibre was introduced in areas where high performance was needed, such as sports equipment, racing cars, boats etc. ^ Top Q:Is there fake Carbon fibre? A: No, there is no such thing. There are decals that imitate the look of Carbon fibre. ^ Top Q:What is advantages to use those parts? A:The benefits of Carbon fibre are many. For our hoods some of them are:
Q:What is the average weight of hoods? A: Hood weights differ depending on the size, but the average is between 12-15 lbs. Typically density of steel is 7 g/cc, for carbon it is 2 g/cc so our hoods are approximately 1/3 the weight of a comparable steel hood. We have designed an Ultra-light full-framed hood for a Honda Civic 2003, which weighs only 5 1/2 lbs, while our heaviest hood is for a Volvo 850 at 18 lbs vs. 58 lbs for factory. ^ Top Q:Can carbon fibre products be made as strong as steel? A:Yes.Carbon or Graphite fibres are a man-made material which is 3 times stronger and 5 times stiffer than steel. This enables us to produce products that are much lighter but the equivalent strength of steel. Kevlar is lighter than carbon fibre and steel but not as stiff as carbon fibre. This makes our "hybrid" material of Carbon/Kevlar even more appealing, not to mention the available colors. ^ Top Q:How durable are these parts? A:The Carbon fibre can last longer than any metal because it is resistant to fatigue or corrosion. We have developed our own exclusive blend of UV stable laminating resin for use in all our products. Our resin is ultra-clear, has a UV rating of approximately 7000 Hours /1000 Hours is equivalent to 1 year in Miami climate/ and has a very high impact resistance. Generally, a falling tree branch of a stray baseball would not damage our carbon fibre hood but could leave a steel hood with a dent. ^ Top Q:How can I buy Gemini Carbon Fiber parts? A: You can buy directly from Gemini, or from our distributors ^ Top Q: How long will it take to receive my product? A: Most products are made to order and generally take 2-3 weeks to produce and deliver the product to your door ^ Top Q:Do you insure the products when you ship them? A: Yes, Gemini insures all its products and the cost is included in the shipping price. ^ Top Q:How can I install my New Hood? A: NOTE: If you are replacing an OEM hood on a car that has a complete OEM front-end our carbon fibre hood fitment should be perfect. If you are replacing an after-market hood, a hood that has been damaged or altered or a hood on a car that has just received major front-end modifications some additional adjustments may be required. Please follow the steps: STEP 1: Remove latch from hood /proper alignment and height adjustments should be made before latch is re-installed/ STEP 2: Apply tape along fenders to prevent scratching paint. Install hood on hinges with bolts finger tight. Slowly lower hood into place checking for alignment. Adjust hood by slipping forward or back on hinges until fender gaps are equal. Once has been properly aligned tighten hinge bolts - DO NOT over-tighten maximum 8 ft-lbs. STEP 3: Lower hood into place and check for proper height alignment with fenders /adjustment in the front can be made with the OEM rubber stops/. If the back of the hood is low, adding washers between the hinge and the hood will help raise the hood. STEP 4: Re-install hood latch using tread sealer on bolts. STEP 5: Carefully lower the hood to see if the latch bar lines up with the catch / if adjustment is necessary loosen the bolts on the vehicle catch and align the catch with the latch bar and re-tighten catch bolts/ STEP 6: Firmly but carefully, pushing on the front centre of the hood, try to engage the latch. If the latch does not engages when the hood is pressed firmly against the rubber stops, the latch must be raised. STEP 7: Hood should now close and sit properly. If hood sits high on the front right adjust catch slightly to the left.. If hood sits high on the left adjust catch slightly to the right. Once all adjustment are finished remove each hinge bolt , one by on, apply tread sealer then re-install to 8 f-lbs torque. ^ Top Q: Are hood pins required? A: Hood pins are not required on our hoods although they may be installed if you prefer. Should you decide to install hood pins we recommend the pins to pass through both the hood skin and the lower frame. ^ Top Q:How do I care and maintenance? A: Your hood should be washed regularly with the rest of the car, avoiding abrasive detergent or harsh chemicals, and waxed with a high quality "CARNUBA" wax at least once a month. Minor scratches or damage can be removed by wet sending with 1000 grit wet/dry paper and rubber block, being careful not to burn through the clear coat If the hood is removed for any period, it should be hung by the latch or stored in an upright position out of direct sunlight. Do Not lean heavy objects against the hood or store near high heat source as this may cause the hood to wrap. ^ Top Q:Do I need to have my hood clear coated? A: For additional surface durability you may consider having your hood clear coated, although this is not necessary. ^ Top |
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