[lagonwagon]

Vent bracket and hood blanket necessity.....(pics added of bracket and blanket delete

My hood vents from Btjetman just arrived and I can't wait to install them but I have some questions for the community.

What is the general opinion on the vent brackets structural support for the hood? I can't imagine that it is offering much but wanted to hear what everyone thought. I would like to just cut it out to increase the flow of air exiting the dog house.

What is the purpose of the hood mat? Is it for heat protection, sound deadening or both? I would like to leave that off if it won't cause an issue to the paint.

Thanks,

Garrhett

 

[Velocity]

My hood vents from BJetman just arrived and I can't wait to install them but I have some questions for the community.

What is the general opinion on the vent brackets structural support for the hood? I can't imagine that it is offering much but wanted to hear what everyone thought. I would like to just cut it out to increase the flow of air exiting the dog house.

What is the purpose of the hood mat? Is it for heat protection, sound deadening or both? I would like to leave that off if it won't cause an issue to the paint.

Thanks,

Garrhett

That is a fire blanket. It will (attempt) to put out a fire if one should happen in the engine bay. During the fire it will fall onto the bay and try to smother a fire. Of course, depending on intensity it may or may not work.

 

[lagonwagon]

Good to know, thanks!

 

[Velocity]

Good to know, thanks!

No problem! Most people never transfer it over if they get a new hood and such. There's some debate of usefulness as not all cars have them. It also helps reduce noise and vibration. I should have added that originally.

 

[HyundaiVeloster]

no its just a sound deadner... absolutely no fire retardant whatsoever.

 

[NEVL666]

no its just a sound deadner... absolutely no fire retardant whatsoever.

That's what I thought.
My '03 Durango didn't come with one, but the previous year did. When I complained about hearing the engine thru the windshield when driving, the dealership fitted one and it made a world of difference. When I asked why it wasn't fitted from the factory, I was told it was a cost cutting step done by the Corporate bean-counters.

 

[lagonwagon]

I removed the blanket and it says "glass wool". I'm going to leave it off. I drove to work with it off and didn't notice an increase in engine noise.

The vent bracket does appear to provide structural support so I will just trim it up to increase air flow but leave the "spine" intact. Here is a pic:

 

[lagonwagon]

I asked a guy I know who does sheet metal work for a body shop about the need for the portion over the vents. I specifically asked if I could remove it entirely and he said, "Not a good idea." He likened it to having the rigidity of a pop can. I just wanted to double check with him to make sure that the hood wasn't over engineered, allowing for such a mod. I will stick with my plan to trim up the OE vents mounting points while leaving the spine intact. I just wanted to update the thread.

 

[swordfish]

I will stick with my plan to trim up the OE vents mounting points while leaving the spine intact.

It is also critical that when cutting leave the 'bent' steel around the spine intact. Flat sheet metal has 0 strength. But once bent, it stiffens up nicely. Make sure you leave a 1/4-1/8" lip on the outside and you will be fine.

 

[lagonwagon]

It is also critical that when cutting leave the 'bent' steel around the spine intact. Flat sheet metal has 0 strength. But once bent, it stiffens up nicely. Make sure you leave a 1/4-1/8" lip on the outside and you will be fine.

Very good advice. I was planning on do so, but stating it will help anyone else thinking about doing the same mod. Thanks!

 

[swordfish]

Very good advice. I was planning on do so, but stating it will help anyone else thinking about doing the same mod. Thanks!

Because knowing is half the battle!

 

[lagonwagon]

LMFAO! Thanks for that!

 

[lagonwagon]

One side done.

 

[13EliteVT]

One side done.

View attachment 6472

That actually looks factory-like. Great job!

 

[btjetman]

One side done.

Raising the bar for the rest of us vent owners huh?

 

[lagonwagon]

That actually looks factory-like. Great job!

Raising the bar for the rest of us vent owners huh?

Thanks!

 

[[email protected]]

very clean

 

[lagonwagon]

very clean

Thank you.
Do you guys think that the cut outs need some type of trim?

 

[Reaper7]

Lagon I would honestly leave them as if, it looks professional. The overall flow is very consistent.....also u might create small pockets of water, lol.

 

[lagonwagon]

Lagon I would honestly leave them as if, it looks professional. The overall flow is very consistent.....also u might create small pockets of water, lol.

Lol, darn that water! Thanks for your input.