Why replace the hood pad? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

phasmatisnox · #1 09-20-2006, 09:51 PM

I've searched and found lots of threads with people planning to replace the hood pad, or already having done so- but why? I haven't seen very many other cars with hood pads. What job does it do? Noise reduction? Mine is hanging badly and I am very tempted to just rip it off and not replace it. What dangers do I run if I do that?

TheDon · #2 09-20-2006, 09:55 PM

well it keeps the hood cooler and the paint doesnt like heat, so ive been told,

i know when i get my car repainted im stripping the hood to bare metal and re doing the hood pad the correct way.. plus it looks good

phasmatisnox · #3 09-20-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

well it keeps the hood cooler and the paint doesnt like heat, so ive been told,

i know when i get my car repainted im stripping the hood to bare metal and re doing the hood pad the correct way.. plus it looks good

It's not something I'm interested in doing right now because it costs $80 for a new hood pad on fastlane, and that $80 would me much better spent elsewhere. Paint is oxidized to all hell already, and I don't worry too much about noise. Is it going to hurt anything else if I remove it?

mobetta · #4 09-20-2006, 10:03 PM

I dont have one. car didnt come with one, paint is fine, so what? just another c-note to burn.

#5 09-20-2006, 10:07 PM

If your not worried about the paint or the noise, just pull it off. Either that, or buy some adhesive for about $14 and put the old one back on (if it's not too torn-up or oily).

#6 09-20-2006, 10:07 PM

My hood pad was crumbling away so I used a pressure washer to "peel" it off. It's been fine for me for the last few months. I'm in no hurry to get a new one.

kip Foss · #7 09-20-2006, 10:07 PM

Aside from quieting the Diesel noise the most important reason to have a hood pad is so that when you close the hood you get that 'Mercedes sound'.

Snibble · #8 09-20-2006, 10:12 PM

My 1991 190E 2.0 AMG came factory WITHOUT a hoodpad and I recently bought one to put on. It will quiete the car down, protect the paint from cracking and fading and as said gives the car a nice solid sound when the hood is closed.

If $80 is too much than check out ebay... there's one for $62 item #110035411257 You guys really aren't THAT thrifty now, I hope.

greasybenz · #9 09-20-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

well it keeps the hood cooler and the paint doesnt like heat, so ive been told,

I dont believe that one bit. If it was to protect the paint from the heat then the entire engine bay should be covered in a hood pad material.
My dads mustangs dont come with hood pads by factory and ive seen some examples of mustangs with the original paint that is still incact under the hood. If you were too look at some one owner all original examples of the early mustangs youll see that the paint even under the hood is still good and the engine heat doenst mess up the paint. So i again i dont believe that.

The only real purpose i see of a hood pad is to muffle engine noise or to absorb and fluids that may shoot up. other then that i dont see a real purpose to a hood pad, my sd didnt have one. My 87's hood pad is still intact only one little peice coming off.

phasmatisnox · #10 09-20-2006, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snibble

My 1991 190E 2.0 AMG came factory WITHOUT a hoodpad and I recently bought one to put on. It will quiete the car down, protect the paint from cracking and fading and as said gives the car a nice solid sound when the hood is closed.

If $80 is too much than check out ebay... there's one for $62 item #110035411257 You guys really aren't THAT thrifty now, I hope.

Thanks for your input.

Thrifty? Perhaps. Cheap? Yes. Lots of disposable income? Hell no.

Hatterasguy · #11 09-20-2006, 10:17 PM

Noise reduction. So I can talk on my phone or to other people at 70 without shouting!

The SD lacks a hoodpad, you do notice it.

Palangi · #12 09-20-2006, 10:18 PM

I did away with the hood pad on my 300D. Couple years later, the hood paint above the turbo is toast.

phasmatisnox · #13 09-20-2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palangi

I did away with the hood pad on my 300D. Couple years later, the hood paint above the turbo is toast.

Hmhmmm.

I wonder if I can ditch the hood pad but put a heat shield under the hood where the turbo is?

#14 09-20-2006, 10:20 PM

I don't know about that, the top of the valve cover is very close to the hood on my 123s, and the turbo on the Cali 300D is pretty close to the hood too. I think they put that reflective heat shield on the pad (over the turbo) for a reason.

Palangi · #15 09-20-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phasmatisnox

Hmhmmm.

I wonder if I can ditch the hood pad but put a heat shield under the hood where the turbo is?

Some people have fabricated hood insulation out of other materials. There was a big thread on it a few years back by a guy in San Antonio. I don't remember his name.

Just be sure you don't mash the breather hose with whatever material you use.