2012 Carbon Fiber Hood & Fenders

Hi all,
I've seen a few posts about carbon hoods here and there, but still don't see a solution for 2012MY Tacomas.

My goal is to reduce the weight of the truck, I don't want any fancy hood scoops or vents - simply carbon fiber OEM-style hood and fenders that I'll end up painting to match the color of the truck.
As a bonus, the hood and fenders can be used on pre-12's for those looking to upgrade to the new-for-12 front end (additional parts necessary). I have a 2006 and would be doing a full MY12 swap.

I contacted a southern ca shop that builds quality carbon fiber hoods and other body panels to get a price on building a hood and front fenders - I'm waiting to hear on a cost from him, but I'm sure we could get the price down if a few members showed interest.

1. Is anyone interested? Next step would be getting price & weight savings
2. Would anyone be willing to loan a hood/fenders to the shop to create a mold? (I'm very particular with my cars, as I'm sure most of you are - I will find out how long he would need these)

I just got off the phone with VIS (one of the larger makers of carbon fiber panels - http://www.visracing.com/newcatalog/) and they don't expect to have a carbon hood for the 12 until the end of the year/beginning of next. It would be nice to have a better option, sooner.

Let me know what you guys think.

 

Why are you trying to make the truck weigh less? to save on gas?

 

Could be for racing too, desert or pavement.

 

True, that's why I asked tho lol although if its racing don'tcha think glass would be better?

 

I wasn't sure how glass and carbon fiber compare weight wise haha. I just know both are considered to be lightweight.

 

I think CF is lighter but glass is already made and shaped so you wouldn't have huge wait times

 

Hmm i know my fiberglass fenders were much lighter than the factory ones!

 

I want glass but I already have a snorkel and it just wouldn't work out lol

 

Why won't glass and a snorkel not work

 

It can be made to work but its not pretty

 

This is exactly why - honestly I probably won't notice much of a difference, but I'm interested in seeing how much weight I can shave off. My goal with the truck is to maximize fuel economy.

The fuel savings (if any) would never come close to the price it will cost for carbon pieces, but I have a damaged hood and front fender and was looking into a 2012 front swap anyways.

 

If you are looking to save fuel, dont keep the truck.. Sorry to be so blunt but you will never get your truck to get amazing fuel economy. Glass hood and fenders will save weight but the price and the minimal increase in fuel economy will outweigh the benefits.

 

You're right, did some searching - my mistake, my apologies.

 

The stop-and-go traffic of SoCal will offset any minuscule gains from a light-weight hood

 

I agree with you guys, I realize it probably won't make much of a difference if any.
Luckily I really only use the truck to haul a motorcycle out on the weekends, no commuting, so I'm just trying to see how high I can get the hwy mpg for my own kicks.

 

What kind of tires are you running right now? Over-sized off road tires will eat up your MPGs.

 

Unless you have legit carbon fiber fenders/hood the weight savings will be minimal. Most aftermarket CF parts are fiberglass with CF laid overtop. Don't think the cost would be justified. You could shave weight in other areas or cut the guts out of the fenders to save the same weight IMO.

 

This. Lighter rims and tires will help reduce rotating mass, but in reality, it's a truck and trucks weren't meant to be aerodynamic.