Showdown Accessories called us one day and said they had a part that would not only save weight on our minis, but fit perfectly and look cool as well. Well slap us silly and call us Suzy. That sounded good to us, so we had the company send one of its new fiberglass cowl-induction hoods out to DropWerks in Newark, Delaware, to be installed on a body-dropped Toyota. Boy, were we ever impressed.
The new hood had an excellent fit and finish and gave a new look to a truck that is tough to make stand out in a crowd. We also learned that Showdown Accessories also makes these cool hoods for just about every mini on the road. For more information on this cool product, contact the companies listed in the source box.
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 This Toyota is body dropped...  This Toyota is body dropped with the stock hood still intact. This is a respectable feat, but a cowl-induction hood will offer additional clearance for the engine. |
 After popping the hood open...  After popping the hood open and releasing the latch, a ratchet and a socket is used to remove the 12mm bolts that hold the stock hood to the hinges. The hood is then removed and set aside. |
 This is the new Showdown Accessories...  This is the new Showdown Accessories fiberglass cowl-induction hood. It's lightweight, saving a few pounds over the original steel hood, and it has a remarkably good fit and finish. |
 The bottom side of the hood...  The bottom side of the hood is just as smooth as the top. The cowl is fully molded, which makes painting it much easier than painting a stock hood with a thousand seams and recesses. |
 It takes three people to install...  It takes three people to install the hood without damaging the paint on the fenders. One person on each side lowered the hood onto the hinges while a third person threaded the 12mm bolts into the hood loosely. The hood is then gently shut and shifted left to right and front to back in order to line it up with the fenders, the grille, and the cowl. |
 Once the hood is positioned...  Once the hood is positioned correctly, the 12mm bolts are tightened up and the hood is once again closed. |
 Here she is. Ain't she a beaut?...  Here she is. Ain't she a beaut? This Toy' now has a lightweight, perfect fitting, and stylish new hood. |