Hail damage after all these years...

[Jackie]

The warehouse in this picture is where my temporary office is for my new job. My Jeep was parked there during the hail storm yesterday. Up to 4" of hail came down and some guys had to use snow shovels to clear a path out of the building for us when we left for the day. Every car in the lot was damaged (including mine). Fortunately it's just the hood since I have the hard-top on. I'm not sure how the soft top would have held up.

I'm debating whether or not to get the hood replaced/repaired. I have a $1000 deductible. It's an '08 and other than pin-striping, I've managed to keep it in good shape. Does anyone know what it might cost me to replace the hood without going through my insurance company?

[Swank1975]

Get a replacement fiberglass one for the next storm. :)

[Tom]

Sorry to hear that Jackie. I just looked online and saw used ones listed from $135 and new fancy ones for $1300, and everything in between. The used one required shipping. Both would need painted unless you wanted to go with a mismatched color.

[Jackie]

I might start by checking with some body shops to see if it can be fixed. The installation alone on some of the new hoods would be spendy, but they sure do look good!

[Tom]

I might start by checking with some body shops to see if it can be fixed. The installation alone on some of the new hoods would be spendy, but they sure do look good!
I’m certain there are many people in this group that would be happy to help install a new hood for you. I believe there are only 4 bolts that hold it on. Then just transfer the bumpers, windshield sprayer, etc.

I will be the first to volunteer if you decide to go that route.

[Jim]

I'm curious - care to share a pic of the hood. How heavy are the dimples? Any chance they could be popped out where it'd look decent? Hair dryer / can of computer air process?


As an aside since you mentioned soft top. When I bought my jeep the soft top on it was hail damaged. It was only noticeable with bright light shining down on it. Looking up at the top, each impact site had a spiral radiating out from the center that would show light. I don't recall any water leaks.

[Hypoid]

Trail Jeeps might have a take-off from one of the many vehicles they have upfitted.

[Spieg]

Sorry to hear that Jackie. If it's not too badly hammered, you may be able to pop the dents out with some dry ice, a hot glue gun and a piece of wooden dowel. If it's beyond that, I'd venture to guess that with some patience you can find a good used one that already matches your Jeep for 2-3 hundred $ (assuming it's a factory paint color). As Tom said, it's really a pretty easy DIY swap.

[Jackie]

I’m certain there are many people in this group that would be happy to help install a new hood for you. I believe there are only 4 bolts that hold it on. Then just transfer the bumpers, windshield sprayer, etc.

I will be the first to volunteer if you decide to go that route.

Thank you Tom. I'm still debating whether or not to do anything about it. I haven't been able to get a good picture of it. (I think I have to wait for just the right cloud cover)! Many of the dents look like golf ball bits, a few are bigger and the majority are smaller. It sucks that I don't even have bragging rights to the damage. :D

[Jim]

YMMV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0cLDU6USuQ

My SIL did it with a dent on her van. It worked perfectly (and the first time). While it might not work for hail, there's little expense involved to try.

[Max]

Keep checking Craigslist.

https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/d/colorado-springs-jeep-wrangler-jk-new/6968987815.html

[newracer]

Would this cover most of the damage.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71yuRVuIHJL._SX522_.jpg

http://shop.poisonspyder.com/JK-Hood-Louver-13-Bare-p/17-53-011.htm

[FINOCJ]

Jackie - how much damage are we talking about...I think we need to see some pics....

[Jackie]

Jackie - how much damage are we talking about...I think we need to see some pics....

I tried to get pics, but glare and reflections make it impossible. A co-worker who drives a 2 yr. old car was parked right next to mine and he is hoping his insurance company will total it. (Mine is just the hood thanks to the hard top. His is front-to-back). I wouldn't even consider having it totaled. I might not even fix it. (But I might try one of the above DIY tricks when I have time).

[4wdhunter]

Keep an eye on Craigslist for one the same color. People sell them cheap. I picked up a silver one for my 2012 JKUR that is just about perfect for a little over $100.

Mine got hailed on too, and I looked around at all the new hoods. Factory replacements are cheap, but it'll cost ~$500 to get it painted. Too much for me.

[Heather]

If you decide to get a hood off of Craig's List, and need someone to paint it - there's a guy that does awesome work, who did Mushu's hard top and armor. Happy to pass on his info. I'm not sure what he charges, but he can sure match colors amazingly well (paint code mix, then tweak accounting for sun fade, etc).