S2000 Hood Louver Installation

Thank you for choosing Spiked Performance! 

This Hood Louver kit is a DIY product, and although cutting into your car can be scary, it's a fairly simple job. Just remember to take your time, and cut with the most precision possible. We are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle or this product during the installation process or after. If you do not feel comfortable, please consider professional assembly. 

 

Your Spiked Performance Hood Louver kit includes:

• Hood Louver set
• 1/8th Rivets
• Vinyl Cut template 

 

Tools needed:

• Icy cold beverage 
• Cutting tools- 
• Angle Grinder
• Dremel with cutting discs and drum sanders
• Drill & 1/8″ drill bit
• Rivet Gun
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape
• Basic metric socket set

 

Step 1: Install Cut Template 

From the front tip of the fender, measure 11" straight back and mark it. Do this on both sides of the hood, as close to the edge as possible. 

Run a piece or masking tape straight across the hood, under the marks connecting them together. This will create a straight line across the hood. Again, the 11" mark should be on top of the tape, closest to the windshield. 

On each side of the tape, measure 3.5" in, and lay the cut template down. The template will sit on the top side of the tape, with the bottom outside corner at the 3.5" mark. 

Secure the cut template with a small piece of masking tape on the lower inside corner. This will allow us to rotate the template into it's final position. 

Tilt the template so that the top outside corner is 3.25" from the edge of the hood. Secure the template with a piece of masking tape. 

With the template in it's final location, lay masking tape all around the template. This will make it virtually impossible to stick it down in the wrong location. 

Now it's time to install the template. This is a big sticker, so it's difficult to install without a wrinkle or bubble. The best way to be sure it's done right is by using a vinyl applicator liquid, or baby soap/water. 

Apply one template at a time. Spray the surface with a liberal amount of the vinyl applicator. Peel the backing and lay down the template. The application fluid will allow you to slide it around into the perfect position. Use a squeegee or a credit card to smooth out the template and run the application fluid out from under the template. Give it a minute to dry, and peel the transfer tape. 

 

Step 2: Remove Hood

Although this is not necessary, it only takes a minute and will make the job much easier and cleaner. 14mm socket to remove the 2 bolts per side. Set the hood on saw horses, or use a couple of boxes like I did. 

 

Step 3: Protect the Paint

Tape some newspaper or whatever you have handy to cover all areas of the hood you aren't cutting. You can also go crazy and just cover everything in masking tape. 

 

Step 4: Cut the top layer

I prefer to use an angle grinder, just go slowly so the paint does not overheat. You can also use a dremel with a cut disc, but it's going to take more time.  

Warning: Take your time. Do this in sections, and give your hood a chance to cool between cuts. If it over heats you'll melt the vinyl, and it can start to damage your paint. 

This is a good time to sip your icy cold beverage between cuts. 

 

Step 5: Cutting the Bottom Layer

Flip the hood over, and you should be able to see the holes you cut out on top. 

Using your angle grinder, cut out the bracing blocking the opening.

Slide the louver into place and fine trim any area that's contacting. This is a great time to clean up the edges with the drum sander Dremel bits.  

 

 

Step 6: Drill the mounting holes

Start by only drilling one corner hole. Drill through the louver and the hood together. Now stick a rivet in this hole to hold the louver in place. Once you make sure the louver is in the right position, drill a hole in the opposite corner of your first hole. (If you drilled top left, do bottom right.)

Drill the remaining holes through the Louver and hood together. After you drill each hole, set a rivet in to secure the placement. This insures perfect alignment.

 

Step 7: Install the Pop Rivets

This step is self explanatory. Use your rivet gun to install the rivets. If you don't have a rivet gun, you can order one for about $20 on Amazon. 

 

Step 8: Install the Hood

Only snug the bolts, then line up the hood. Tighten the bolts fully when hood is aligned. 

 

 

That's it! Congratulations on your new hood louvers! 

Email us hello@spikedperformance.com if you have any questions.