Hood vents

[MrJCRod]

Had some free time yesterday so I was able to install some vents in my hood to help drop the underhood temps a little... Let me know what you guys think...



http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_001.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_003.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_004.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_009.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110409_001.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110409_011.jpg

I'll be hitting all my electrical connections with di-electric to prevent any problems with rain but if that doesn't work I'll add some drip pans under each side... We'll see what happens after a couple of trips in the rain...

[4.3LXJ]

Looks good. You get an A+ for ingenuity and originality. And I don't hand those type of compliments out lightly.

[Ruinator]

F'n sweet. Looks real clean:thumbsup:

What kinda vents?

[d0nt_h8]

best home-done vent job I've ever seen... way to go!

[tbone]

Looks great, what kind of vent's, I like them. :patriot:

[jonesy]

i have to agree .. they do look really nice.. and very clean

[BlueXJ]

Great job and they look pretty much like they were a factory option.

[Mudderoy]

Yes, that is very nice. Anxious to hear what the vents are from.

[Melissa]

Yes, Yes, Yes, those look outstanding!!

[UKJeepThang]

I think they look really cool and fit the XJ lines perfectly. Also interested to hear where they came from as they look a neat alternative to the Le Baron vents (which are hard to find these days!)

I've seen some dodgy looking vents over the years but these look great!

Nice clean fitting as well. Good job! :thumbsup:

[MrJCRod]

Thanks everyone... I also looked into the Lebaron vents but the more I looked at them the more I got turned off by just having 2 rectangle vents on my hood... Don't get me wrong though, the Lebaron vents look pretty cool and a lot better than a plain stock hood but I wanted something different...

So I went to Lowes and got the reusable aluminum barbecue sheets. They come in a 2 pack and they measure 12x24. I only used 1 sheet. I just cut it in half. Scuffed them up, primed 'em and painted them...

The package was $6. Then I used leftover door trim from my fender cut to put on around the holes I cut with a cutoff tool... I actually got the idea from a buddy of mine who has a Honda s2000 and those guys have a problem with header heat so a lot of them are doing this type of mod.... cost me roughly $15 and a few hours...

[Mudderoy]

Thanks everyone... I also looked into the Lebaron vents but the more I looked at them the more I got turned off by just having 2 rectangle vents on my hood... Don't get me wrong though, the Lebaron vents look pretty cool and a lot better than a plain stock hood but I wanted something different...

So I went to Lowes and got the reusable aluminum barbecue sheets. They come in a 2 pack and they measure 12x24. I only used 1 sheet. I just cut it in half. Scuffed them up, primed 'em and painted them...

The package was $6. Then I used leftover door trim from my fender cut to put on around the holes I cut with a cutoff tool... I actually got the idea from a buddy of mine who has a Honda s2000 and those guys have a problem with header heat so a lot of them are doing this type of mod.... cost me roughly $15 and a few hours...

Nothing wrong with liking what you like! It's great seeing someone do something different (that actually works better, or looks different!).

Please keep us updated on how they work out. Water issues, etc.

[xjjeepthing]

Very Kool, Like this alot. May have look into doing this and some sort of pans or trays under them

[xj4life2]

Nicely done, factory apperiance !!

[96xj]

Had some free time yesterday so I was able to install some vents in my hood to help drop the underhood temps a little... Let me know what you guys think...



http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_001.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_003.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_004.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110309_009.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110409_001.jpg

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20vent/hood%20vent%20600x400/Photo_110409_011.jpg

I'll be hitting all my electrical connections with di-electric to prevent any problems with rain but if that doesn't work I'll add some drip pans under each side... We'll see what happens after a couple of trips in the rain...

:thumbsup: great job on the vents , also what size tires you got ?

[MrJCRod]

:thumbsup: great job on the vents , also what size tires you got ?

Thanks...

I got 33x12.5x15's on 15x8 with 3.75" backspacing...

[4.3LXJ]

Where did you get the door trim?

[MrJCRod]

Where did you get the door trim?

Local auto parts store sells door trim... I got mine from Advance Auto Parts...

[Ruinator]

If I saw this a month earlier I would not have bought my V34 vents. Dude you need to post this on NAXJA...it is way BOSS:notworthy:
Seriously......you will start a new trend:thumbsup:!

[UKJeepThang]

Thanks everyone... I also looked into the Lebaron vents but the more I looked at them the more I got turned off by just having 2 rectangle vents on my hood... Don't get me wrong though, the Lebaron vents look pretty cool and a lot better than a plain stock hood but I wanted something different...

So I went to Lowes and got the reusable aluminum barbecue sheets. They come in a 2 pack and they measure 12x24. I only used 1 sheet. I just cut it in half. Scuffed them up, primed 'em and painted them...

The package was $6. Then I used leftover door trim from my fender cut to put on around the holes I cut with a cutoff tool... I actually got the idea from a buddy of mine who has a Honda s2000 and those guys have a problem with header heat so a lot of them are doing this type of mod.... cost me roughly $15 and a few hours...

This is awesome and a fantastic idea! I've been scratching my head thinking which vehicle had vents like that, even sent the pics to a couple of mates and we just couldn't figure it out! And then I find out they are from a BBQ!!!!!:smiley-laughing021:

That is a great example of thinking outside the box and coming up with a solution that not only looks cool but is also very cheap!! Well done!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Mudderoy]

This is the first hood "hack up" that I'm actually considering. It really looks nice. Does it look that good up close?

[MrJCRod]

Actually, it does... I'm very proud of it and get lots of compliments from people who see it in person...

I haven't found anything that I would change and for me that's rare... I'm honored you would think of doing it... If you do and you have any questions just hit me up.... Good luck...

[TheWeiss]

I have to agree with everyone, there look great! I have a couple questions

1- How are they attached? Bolted to the hood? Hung in the lip of the door trim?
2- Can you send a link to the aluminum barbecue sheets you used?
3- Do you have a template for the shape of them? Or measurements? I think they look perfect and am tempted to copy exactly what you did.
4- Can you provide measurements from the sides and back of the hood where you placed the vents?

[MrJCRod]

I have to agree with everyone, there look great! I have a couple questions

1- How are they attached? Bolted to the hood? Hung in the lip of the door trim?
2- Can you send a link to the aluminum barbecue sheets you used?
3- Do you have a template for the shape of them? Or measurements? I think they look perfect and am tempted to copy exactly what you did.
4- Can you provide measurements from the sides and back of the hood where you placed the vents?

Thanks...
I'll do a better write up tonite when I get home from work... When I first posted I didn't know what people would think so I didn't do a thorough write up but I'll try to take more pics and measurements when I get home...

[xjjeepthing]

Looking forward to it. There are several types of material that would lend itself to this.
Barbeque sheets
http://cgi.ebay.com/GRILL-O-SHEET-ALUMINUM-BARBEQUE-SHEETS,-4-PACK,--NEW!_W0QQitemZ200402176658QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ200 91105?IMSfp=TL091105198005r34826

[COSXJFAN]

:thumbsup: great job on the vents , also what size tires you got ?

Check the drop downs to the right. This is where this was copied from:

Year of XJ: 2001
Engine: 4.0L 6 cylinder
Current Mileage: 115,000
Transmission: Automatic
Transfer Case: NP231
Front Axle: Dana 30
Rear Axle: Chrysler 8.25
Axle Gear Ratio : 3.55:1
Lift Size : 4.5"
Lift Manufacturer : Rough Country
Additional Info : 33x12.5x15 Destination M/T's on 15x8 3.75" backspacing Pacer 320C's

HTH!!:thumbsup:

[MrJCRod]

Looking forward to it. There are several types of material that would lend itself to this.
Barbeque sheets
http://cgi.ebay.com/GRILL-O-SHEET-ALUMINUM-BARBEQUE-SHEETS,-4-PACK,--NEW!_W0QQitemZ200402176658QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ200 91105?IMSfp=TL091105198005r34826

those are the sheets I used but I got ripped... lol. Mine came in a 2 pack from Lowes for $6.00

[MrJCRod]

Never did a write up before so if there are still questions after just hit me up...
To start here are pictures of the materials I purchased for the vent. Grill-O-Sheets for the mesh

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110709_010.jpg

and door edge molding from any local autopart store.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110709_011.jpg

In this picture it will show the cut-out locations... I did try to make the center line and the top line run parallel to the center line and in the upper edge of the hood as well...

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Hoodvent.jpg

After I laid out my masking tape I measured and drew out my two triangles... then I measured 1 1/2 from the top outer points and drew a line down and measured 3" up from the bottom points and drew a straight line out... I basically just cut the points off...http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110309_002.jpg then I took my Roto-zip with metal cut-off wheel attachment and went to work cutting out the shapes...http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110309_003.jpg http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110309_004.jpg
after grinding down the edges and priming the bare metal I put the door edge molding on... then from under the hood I put the mesh material up against the hood and cut it down a little... After scuffing, priming and painting the mesh I secured them to the hood with black silicone and masking tape to hold them up overnight.
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110709_003.jpg
The next morning I pulled off the tape and there was my finished homemade hood vents...
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110409_011.jpg
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110409_004.jpg
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110409_002.jpg
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/fsh247/Hood%20Vent%20Write%20up/Photo_110309_009.jpg

it was pretty easy, just a little scary making the first cut but overall it can be done in just a few hours... Obviously you can also come up with your own shapes and designs... and if it concerns you, drip pans should be a piece of cake to make if you got this far... Hope this helps....

[Audio222]

That's a great idea.

[Mudderoy]

I'm anxious to hear how well the sticky bits hold when under the hood temps approach 200 degrees. :boohoo:

[MrJCRod]

I'm anxious to hear how well the sticky bits hold when under the hood temps approach 200 degrees. :boohoo:

Pulled some info off the permatex site:

Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant

DOWNLOAD TECH DATA SHEET
Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant
General-purpose, black RTV sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -75ºF to 450ºF (-59°C to 232°C); resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease, and more. Non-paintable.

Packaging information is provided on your left.


KEY FEATURES

* General-purpose RTV Silicone
* Black
* Temperature range -75ºF to 450ºF (-59°C to 232°C)
* Resists aging, weathering, thermal cycling
* Use on metal, glass, wood, plastic, painted surfaces and more

I'm pretty confident that it should hold with no problems...

[Ruinator]

Shiet! Look's too good. Anyone wanna by some Z34 vents?

[Mudderoy]

Pulled some info off the permatex site:

Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant

DOWNLOAD TECH DATA SHEET
Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant
General-purpose, black RTV sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -75ºF to 450ºF (-59°C to 232°C); resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease, and more. Non-paintable.

Packaging information is provided on your left.


KEY FEATURES

* General-purpose RTV Silicone
* Black
* Temperature range -75ºF to 450ºF (-59°C to 232°C)
* Resists aging, weathering, thermal cycling
* Use on metal, glass, wood, plastic, painted surfaces and more

I'm pretty confident that it should hold with no problems...

Now the question is, did you read that before you used it or after my statement. :D :patriot:

[MrJCRod]

Now the question is, did you read that before you used it or after my statement. :D :patriot:

After...lol... But I run an 8 bay shop and am very familiar with the temps it can handle but info directly from the manufacturer is a lot better than my word... I should've put it in the write up so if anyone was wondering, it would be in there... a lot of people have shown interest in doing the same thing to their Jeeps so I hope all the info I provided will help...

[Mudderoy]

After...lol... But I run an 8 bay shop and am very familiar with the temps it can handle but info directly from the manufacturer is a lot better than my word... I should've put it in the write up so if anyone was wondering, it would be in there... a lot of people have shown interest in doing the same thing to their Jeeps so I hope all the info I provided will help...

Please don't think I'm trying to diminish your idea, or great looking results. I just think about things and ask the question. I don't consider the political position, I'm just dumb when it comes to that sort of thing. So my question truly was for a need of wanting to know the answer. BTW, you gave me the answer I was hoping to read.

Oh my other bad habit is not reading the little words. If I had I probably could have looked up the answer myself, or realized heat wouldn't be an issue. I hate reading. :smiley-laughing021:

[4.3LXJ]

Please don't think I'm trying to diminish your idea, or great looking results. I just think about things and ask the question. I don't consider the political position, I'm just dumb when it comes to that sort of thing. So my question truly was for a need of wanting to know the answer. BTW, you gave me the answer I was hoping to read.

Oh my other bad habit is not reading the little words. If I had I probably could have looked up the answer myself, or realized heat wouldn't be an issue. I hate reading. :smiley-laughing021:

They also make a high temp silicone with a high copper content. I don't know how much it is good for though.

[MrJCRod]

Please don't think I'm trying to diminish your idea, or great looking results. I just think about things and ask the question. I don't consider the political position, I'm just dumb when it comes to that sort of thing. So my question truly was for a need of wanting to know the answer. BTW, you gave me the answer I was hoping to read.

Oh my other bad habit is not reading the little words. If I had I probably could have looked up the answer myself, or realized heat wouldn't be an issue. I hate reading. :smiley-laughing021:

Not at all... that's what we have these forums for... I'd rather people ask questions... I have no problem answering anything if I can... like I said, I will probably edit the permatex info into the write up so it will be easy to find...

[MrJCRod]

They also make a high temp silicone with a high copper content. I don't know how much it is good for though.

you could go that route but keep in mind that the copper silicone is also copper in color (I think)... either way would be good... I just chose the black because it doesn't stick out as much and being that it is used underhood on all water pumps thermostat housings and other gasketed items I'm sure it will hold up to engine compartment heat... and then the info from permatex confirmed it...

[4.3LXJ]

Yup, looks like copper..

[Voldemort]

I still think I am going to wait and get a cowl hood or use a bolt on one and do the body work to make it look like a real one.

[MrJCRod]

I still think I am going to wait and get a cowl hood or use a bolt on one and do the body work to make it look like a real one.

I would have liked to do a cowl hood too but it's not in my budget or skill level... I needed something inexpensive and easy but when you do it I'll be looking forward to your write up... Cowl hoods are definitely cool...

[Mudderoy]

I would have liked to do a cowl hood too but it's not in my budget or skill level... I needed something inexpensive and easy but when you do it I'll be looking forward to your write up... Cowl hoods are definitely cool...

I can get one from 4wheelparts.com for $312 + tax. Local pickup. I want it bad.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/aux_incl/images.ashx?i=731800.jpg&partNo=RAP&w=200&h=200

[Voldemort]

I can get one from 4wheelparts.com for $312 + tax. Local pickup. I want it bad.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/aux_incl/images.ashx?i=731800.jpg&partNo=RAP&w=200&h=200

Yea that one is defiantly BAD ***!:thumbsup:But I saw this guy had a bolt on one on a XJ that looks alot like One of mine(so I am a little partial), it just needs to be filled in.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/XJ/NF.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Yea that one is defiantly BAD ***!:thumbsup:But I saw this guy had a bolt on one on a XJ that looks alot like One of mine(so I am a little partial), it just needs to be filled in.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/XJ/NF.jpg

I figured it would be more that $300 of my time to make it look right. And since I've never done it before I'm not sure it would EVER look right. :rotfl2:

[DETOURS]

Okay, guilty......trying to catch up with things........

Finally photographed my vents......here ya go and YES, they work GREAT!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/Detoursusa/100_6738sml.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/Detoursusa/100_6739sml.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/Detoursusa/100_6740sml.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/Detoursusa/100_6741sml.jpg

[TheWeiss]

I am probably more scared of water dripping on my engine than I should be. It seems like everyone with open vents is fine with them. I haven't heard of anyone having issues, yet. But I'm thinking about mirroring MRJCROD's install more or less exactly. They look great but I have a thought. I've heard of screening (like for windows) that is waterproof. So it allows air in (or out) but not water. I was thinking about copying this install but with some of the screening to run underneath the painted grill pieces. Its not going to be perfect but it will give me a little peace of mind about the water issue. Generally, if something on my rig could be a problem it is... I would do some drip pans but I think they'll be a lot of work and they'll more than likely hurt the flow of air more than screen.
Does anyone know where you can buy screen material? I'm sure it'll need to be metal screening because anything plastic will surely melt. Does anyone see holes in this idea? All input is always appreciated.

[Mudderoy]

I am probably more scared of water dripping on my engine than I should be. It seems like everyone with open vents is fine with them. I haven't heard of anyone having issues, yet. But I'm thinking about mirroring MRJCROD's install more or less exactly. They look great but I have a thought. I've heard of screening (like for windows) that is waterproof. So it allows air in (or out) but not water. I was thinking about copying this install but with some of the screening to run underneath the painted grill pieces. Its not going to be perfect but it will give me a little peace of mind about the water issue. Generally, if something on my rig could be a problem it is... I would do some drip pans but I think they'll be a lot of work and they'll more than likely hurt the flow of air more than screen.
Does anyone know where you can buy screen material? I'm sure it'll need to be metal screening because anything plastic will surely melt. Does anyone see holes in this idea? All input is always appreciated.

Well a few years back I made solar screens for the house. They had all the stuff necessary at Home Depot. I wasn't looking at regular screen material (the non dark stuff) but I know they had some. I don't know if they had metal or not though. The solar screen stuff (which actually would look pretty cool) didn't feel like plastic, but it didn't feel like metal either.

I bet because of it's dark color, and being in the direct sun, it easily withstood 110 temps for the last several summers in Houston. I measured 154 under the hood last summer. Dunno.

[xj4life2]

NO holes at all that I can see, I used screen under mine but I have the larger old school 4" deck plate off a boat. that can be sealed water tight in the winter, the screen is to keep debree from falling into the compartment. I do think metal screen is the way to go and any hardware store will carry it