AeroCatch panel fasteners - Step by Step Install

February 24, 2010 | | Andrew Wojteczko | Comments (0)

The complete kit with 2* Aero Catch, 2* aluminum pins, 2* rubber bumpers, fasteners and templates

First step was to choose the location for the pins and fabricate or find suitable mounts. In our case we used the OEM air conditioning condenser brackets and reversed the mounting location from behind the support to in front of it so that it's still using the original mounting holes. Be sure the pin location will place the Aero Catch on a suitable portion of the hood where they will lay flat.

Pins and mounts in place

Grease the top of the AeroCatch pin so it transfers a mark to the bottom side of the hood

Center punch the grease mark on the hood

Drill a half inch hole using a step drill to allow the pin to pass through. Continue drilling in line through the upper surface of the hood

Place the templates on the hood and use a straight edge through the cross hairs to ensure the templates are placed symmetrically. Measure multiple points to be sure.

Use a marker to trace the inside pattern of the template

Use multiple pieces of tape to follow the marker line. This will protect the hood and help guide you during the cutting process

A 3” Cutoff saw works great to cut the rough opening. Stay inside the lines and only remove as much material as necessary. A precise fit is important to keep adequate material for the fasteners

Next use a die grinder with aluminum bit to finish cut the opening. Use a 1/8” drill bit to make pilot holes for the fasteners

Use a 5/32” drill bit to open the holes to the final size if using the supplied fasteners. Alternately you can rivet the AeroCatch in if you cannot gain access from the backside to hold the nuts

Relieve enough material to allow the AeroCatch to sit flush with the top panel. Provide access points to insert a nut driver to tighten fasteners

Ready to install the AeroCatch

AeroCatch in place

Adjust pin to desired height and install support bumper. Trim if needed.

Open position is easily identified ensuring no more leaving the pits with the hood pins unclipped, and the resulting hood smashing the windscreen.

The finished product looks great and is far more aerodynamic than traditional hood pins. If your Aerocatch panel fasteners become stiff to operate over time, spraying a little WD-40 or similar multi-purpose lube on the mechanism will make for effortless opening and closing action. 

For more information on AeroCatch Fasteners please visit www.aerocatch.com

February 24, 2010 | | Andrew Wojteczko | Comments (0)