Which hood pins?

So, what are you guys using for hood pins? A few people have recommended the Aero Catch pins, but it looks like a PITA to cut out such a big and weirdly shaped hole. Also, I've heard some horror stories about them bending/breaking.

I'd like something easy to install (preferably requiring just a drill) and robust.

What de we like?

Make sure that you get the kind that captures the pin when it's not latched so you can't lose it.

I used these:

I'm running the ford racing stainless set on my mustang. They're pretty standard but don't capture the pin. I installed them in my freshly painted hood with a unibit and it worked fine. Staring at the taped of points in the hood with drill in hand may have been the longest 15 min of my life.

I'm not wild about the way they look but they are effective. Without them he corners would lift over 100mph. You could almost put a fist between the fender and hood.

Look online for used nascar ones. To keep from loosing the standard ones get the ones with the lanyard. Put one end loop on the pin and cut the loop off the other end. Slip the cut end through the center of one of the rivets holding on the scuff plate then crimp an unused rivet onto the end of the cable to keep it from pulling out.

Related question: I see some people running what's basically just a skin made of fiberglass. Is it safe to cut out some of the bracing under the hood?

Wally wrote: Look online for used nascar ones. To keep from loosing the standard ones get the ones with the lanyard. Put one end loop on the pin and cut the loop off the other end. Slip the cut end through the center of one of the rivets holding on the scuff plate then crimp an unused rivet onto the end of the cable to keep it from pulling out.

That's a great idea...thanks! Any benefits/drawbacks to cotter pins vs. the ones Wally posted above?

Aerocatch. Not that hard to cut, very secure and you can see if they're not latched from the driver's seat. They have aluminum posts, but you shouldn't have bending forces on your hood pins. I used to run alloy apc pins with the captured pin, but the aero catches are far easier to use.

To cut the hole, drill two holes with different size hole saws. Then connect them. There's a template.

I'm super happy with my quick latch pins.