I've never owned any carbon fiber, and I was wondering how hard it is to take care of. Specifically lip kits, hoods and hatches. Is it worth whatever trouble they require to maintain? Especially for anyone up north in the snow?

 

Carbon fiber is a very strong material the only thing I recommend with mine and being in AZ too is that you need to have whatever piece that your getting clear coated. The first gel coating that they put on is ok, but I notice it fades and hazes a lot even with waxing, a clear coat usually remedies this problem and most places won't charge that much to throw on some clear.

 

The 'gel' coating is the resin used in the mfg. process that leaves the polished looking finish. The problem is most people improperly maintain that finish with a "wax" that actually contains abrasives that are doing more harm then good to the hood or other part, over time. You could get it clear coated, or have a clear vinyl overlay or "wrap" put on the hood to protect the finish but still allow the CF show through. Either way a carbon fiber hood should be protected with products safe for gel coatings such as 303 Aerospace protectant which could also be used to protect the vinyl wrap if you choose to go that route.