I am getting ready to cut the hole in the fiberglass hood for the blower..it is a beautifully painted hood and I am trying to cut the cleanest hole possible.

Various people have suggest different tools & technigues for the job, such as;

-Tool for cutting corian tile (I can't find such a tool anywhere)
-a fine-toothed diamond-tipped jig saw
-carbide cutting wheel on a dremel tool
-tape over the area that need to be cut

I am leaning towards taping the over the area to be cut and using a cutting wheel.

Anybody have any alternative suggestions, ideas or experiences to relate before I take the road of no return.

thanks

Do tape the cut line with good quality masking tape. Maybe a couple of layers.I say no jigsaw I think even with a fine tooth blade it will leave a jagged cut.Dremmel or a die grinder and cutoff wheel. It will be slower but you should have more control over the cut.JMO

Even if you make the most perfect cut in the world, it would still look much more complete with a chrome (or black) trim piece... if you like that idea and are fortunate enough to find the ideal trim piece for the hole, then you can cut the hole quicker with less concern for jaggies...

The saw blade cutting on the up stroke will tend to chip the paint by pulling up on it. I think it would be better to saw from the bottom if possible. In any case, tape is a good idea.

I'd try cutting 1/8" or 3/16" away from your final line, then carefully sand or grind up to the line.
I like the idea of some kind of trim on the edge, or maybe a pinstripe to cover any paint chipping.
David

I am fixing to do the same thing. I am going to make a template out of poster board from the fenders to the blower. Then tape it to the hood. I am going to cover the hood with 2" masking tape and double it where the cutout will be. I will cut about a 1/2" from the cut line. Then go back for a more percise cut. I am going to use a air saw to cut mine with a very fine blade like 32 tooth with a very thin tip. It uses a blade like on the jig saws. Harbour Frieght sells them and the blades. I have already cut the hood with the air saw and it didnt chip the paint. Once you cut it you are going to have to touch up the cut line and my buddy did his with the chrome edging tape from the auto parts store that they sell for door edging. The only problem is he has to replace it yearly because the chrome cracks.