a few paint and body questions for the experts

[notfastenuff]

Hi everyone. I've been gone for a bit, but I'm back, to an extent. I've got some issues to work thru with Haru. First, he got the CRAP beaten out of him in the storms that moved through last week. He needs a new hood badly, and I think I can repair the rest (I hope).

Next issue, the seams between my "side skirts" and the rest of the body are dried out and cracking. What can I do about this? Should I just grind it out, seal, and fill? I really have no idea as to the "proper" thing to do to fix that.

Also, on the hood topic, I've got an opinion question.....What do you think of unpainted carbon fiber hoods? Haru is silver, and we plan on either black or gunmetal wheels later on. One minute I like the idea, and the next, I think it's way too ricey. I'm just not sure.

Thanks in advance for the help.