Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Colorado Hood

Chevrolet offers the Colorado mid-size pickup from the 2004 model year forward, with complete redesigns in 2015 and 2023. (IIHS) Across every generation, the hood opens on hinges at the cowl and tilts forward after pulling the cabin release and lifting the secondary latch at center-front. (Chevrolet) Because the factories build the hood, fenders, and grille as one crash-management zone, replacing the hood demands correct gaps on all three for even panel alignment and wind noise reduction.

• 2004-2012 first-gen hoods interchange among Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series. (eBay)
• 2015-2022 second-gen hoods interchange across trim levels, including Z71 and ZR2, because all share the same inner bracing pattern. (355 Nation)
• 2023-present third-gen hoods are unique owing to a taller front fascia and revised slam-latch position; earlier hoods will not bolt up without fender and grille swaps. (IIHS)
  Always reuse the factory hinges and latch to keep crash performance intact. (GM Parts)

Most 2015-2022 Colorados left the plant with an aluminum hood that resists rust and trims roughly 20 lb off the nose compared with the old steel panel. (Colorado Fans) Aftermarket steel service hoods still appear in collision catalogs and weigh about 60 lb crated. (eBay) A quality carbon-fiber hood for 2017-2022 trucks weighs near 26 lb and mounts with the original bolts. (Madness Autoworks) Composite or fiberglass versions land between 30-40 lb. (355 Nation)

The hood is part of the truck's pedestrian protection zone. GM's optional Active Hood system pops the rear edge up roughly 4 in (100 mm) in certain impacts to absorb energy. (GM Authority) IIHS crash tests rate 2015-2022 Colorado crew cabs "Good" for structure, underscoring the hood's energy-management role. (IIHS) After the 2010-2012 latch recall, checking both primary and secondary catches became a key inspection step during oil changes. (MotorTrend) A U.S. rule proposed in 2024 would introduce head-form impact tests up to 40 km/h for pickups, meaning future Colorados may adopt thicker under-hood padding or pop-up hinges. (Reuters)

Aluminum shrugs off rust but dents easily; paintless dent repair (PDR) cured hail dents in owner reports without filler. (Colorado Fans) For DIY painting, clean, sand to 600 grit, spray adhesion promoter, then primer-sealer, color, and clear; two medium coats of each suffice for a garage job. (YouTube) Always support the hood with prop or struts before unbolting hinges; removal uses two 13 mm bolts per side-have a helper hold weight. (YouTube)

• Hood scoops (stick-on or molded) add airflow to intercoolers or just style; GM performance catalogs list direct-fit scoops for 2016-2022 trucks that bond with OEM-grade tape-no drilling. (Air Design USA)
• Functional power-dome hoods clear supercharger kits and channel hot air out through rear vents, reducing under-hood temp by ≈10 °F in owner testing. (Colorado Fans)
• Mat-black vinyl wraps shield factory paint from chips and cut glare while costing less than a full repaint. (YouTube)

Legal note: any scoop or vent must remain below the driver's sight line and cannot obstruct washer-spray pattern under federal rules. (Chevrolet)

1. Disconnect washer-fluid hose and under-hood light.
2. Mark hinge outline with tape for quicker alignment.
3. Torque hinge bolts gently-service literature lists about 18 lb-ft for a painted hinge to avoid cracking the aluminum flange. (Reddit)
4. Confirm latch height by closing the bonnet onto a strip of modeling clay; 2 mm impression means proper preload. (Chevrolet)
5. Re-install the insulation pad; it cuts engine noise by roughly 3 dB at idle and protects paint from turbocharger heat. (355 Nation)

Q1: What years share the same hood?
A: 2015-2022 trucks share one part; 2004-2012 and 2023-up each use unique designs. (355 Nation, IIHS)

Q2: Is the factory hood aluminum or steel?
A: Most 2015-2022 Colorado bonnets are aluminum; 2004-2012 hoods were mostly steel. (Colorado Fans, eBay)

Q3: How heavy is a stock hood?
A: Around 40 lb for aluminum and over 60 lb for a steel service replacement. (Colorado Fans, eBay)

Q4: Does swapping to carbon fiber save weight?
A: Yes; carbon fiber units weigh roughly 26 lb, trimming about 14 lb. (Madness Autoworks)

Q5: Did GM recall any Colorado hoods?
A: Yes; 2010-2012 trucks were recalled for missing secondary latches. (MotorTrend)

Q6: What tools do I need to remove the hood?
A: A 10 mm socket for washer nozzle bolts and a 13 mm socket for the two hinge bolts per side, plus a helper to hold weight. (YouTube)

Q7: How do I adjust the latch height?
A: Turn the two rubber bump-stops equally; they should lightly compress when the hood closes. (Chevrolet)

Q8: Is the active pedestrian hood standard?
A: It's optional on some trims with advanced safety packages. (GM Authority)

Q9: Will a scoop affect rain drainage?
A: Factory-style scoops channel water into side gutters and away from the air intake. (Air Design USA)

Q10: Do I need the insulation pad?
A: Yes; it dampens sound and protects paint from turbo heat. (355 Nation)

Q11: How do I stop hood flutter at speed?
A: Confirm both latches engage and adjust the rubber stops; flutter often means they're too low. (MotorTrend, Chevrolet)

Q12: Are hood pins required on composite hoods?
A: Yes; most carbon or fiberglass hoods specify pins for safety above 45 mph. (Madness Autoworks)

Q13: Can I paint the hood myself?
A: Yes; scuff, prime, and spray two color coats and two clear as shown in common DIY guides. (YouTube)

Q14: How does hail affect the aluminum hood?
A: It may dent but resists rust; PDR often restores it without repainting. (Colorado Fans)

Q15: What torque for hinge bolts?
A: About 18 lb-ft is a safe value for painted aluminum flanges. (Reddit)