After a few requests I have decided to make a writeup on how to install hood pins. I am assuming it is very close to the same installation for the classic style hood pins as well.
The pins I bought were on ebay from seller streetflame
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-CARBON-FIBER-RACING-LOCKING-HOOD-PINS-PIN-KEY-LOCKS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33646QQihZ003QQitemZ130003123430
I have already installed the pins on my hood so I'll do my best with the pics and explaining what you need to do.
What You'll NeedHood Pins
Drill
1/16", 3/8", 1/2"(larger in you have it) Drill Bits
3" Hole Saw
7/8" Socket with Socket wrench
Masking Tape
Paint or Wax
Tarp or Blanket
Patient (don't wanna F%$* up your nice carbon fiber hood)
A friend always helps too
** I am not responsible for any damage you may inflict on yourself and/or your car. Don't attempt this if you don't think you can do it** Please read all of the instructions first before you start.
Ok first off decide where on the hood you want to install the pins. Set the pin on the headlight core support and sorta eyeball the flattest spot on the hood or where you want them (reason I say this is that it is different for the sedan and hatch)
Once you have decided where to put the locks, to make sure both pins are in the same place, use a point to measure from on the core support and make a mark on each side (obviously to make sure pins are going to be drilled in the same spot)
Now take your drill and drill 3/8" hole through both layers of core support on both the driver and passenger side where you markered. (Make sure to keep your fingers out of the way of the drill during this process
)
Install pins into core support. Don't worry about the height of the pins yet as we will adjust them later. (I painted mine with some flat black spray paint just so they blend in and look more OEM.)
Here comes the part where you will need some patient. You will be drilling into your hood so make sure before you drill, you're doing it in the right place..also when drilling make sure to take your time (Sorry I don't have any pics for the following steps but I hope it is self explanatory.)
Before you start put a tarp or blanket or something to cover up the engine bay to protect it from fiberglass and carbon fiber shreds.
First off use some wax or model paint and put it on the top of the pins. Now when you put your hood down you should have 2 marks on the bottom of it. Just remember, the pins are straight up and down and your hood is curved so double/triple check that you will be drilling in the right place.
To make sure you don't damage your hood put masking tape on the top where you will be putting the pins.
Now drill a small hole through the hood from the bottom with a 1/16" drill bit (any small size will work..all you need it for is as a pilot hole)
With the 3" hole saw drill through the bottom layer of the hood (Same pics as ones below with pics installed)
Here's the hard part, make sure your little hole is lined up with the pin, then from the bottom drill a hole through the carbon fiber where the lock will go through. I had to use a 1/2" bit and just make the hole bigger until the lock fit good. (Not perfect but again who cares, it will be covered up anyways)
Put the lock through the hole then tighten it up with the provided nuts. Use the 7/8" socket to tighten down the nuts. Don't torque on em just tighten them enough so they don't move around and won't become loose.
Now adjust the pins to the height they need to be for the lock to sit just right and the hood to be at the right height.
Use the key and lock the hood in place.
Congratulations! If you did everything correctly your hood should look a little something like this. Now your hood won't be going anywhere :D
Close-ups (When tightening I made the weave of the pins match the weave of the hood..a must IMO)
Just a sweet pic of the cf
If you have any questions about the install just PM me and I'll get back with you as soon as I can.
