Beyond Wraps Hood Scoop Stamp – 5th Gen 4Runner

Beyond Wraps Hood Scoop Stamp for the 5th Gen 4Runner to Prevent Sun Glare from the Hood Scoop

This is compatible with the Trail, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro Editions

If you are reading this, then you are either ready to trade your scooped hood for an SR5 or, like me, you are really tired of being blinded by the sun from that gorgeous hood scoop on your 4Runner.

As a Trail or TRD owner, you already know the retinal pain that a hood scoop can inflict – mostly just after sunrise and just before sunset. Not only is the reflection unpleasant, but it is also dangerous as the driver fights with the sun visor, sunglasses and any other device used to limit the ungodly glare. Keeping an eye on the road is important and this quick install will help you do just that!

Allow me to introduce a modification that will allow you to keep your cool looks, save your vision, and possibly keep you out of harm’s way. Beyond Wraps offers a 5th Gen 4Runner scoop stamp (other generations are available too). The stamp is a satin black vinyl decal that is applied over the hood scoop. The material Beyond Wraps uses is from Avery Dennison (a well-known manufacturer) and is outdoor-grade vinyl that will provide years of service when cared for properly.

Find It Online

• Beyond Wraps 4Runner Scoop Stamp: Check Price

Tools & Materials

• Scissors
• Magnets
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Microfiber Cloth
• Waterless Car Wash
• Clay Bar
• Felt-Covered Squeegee
• Heat Gun
• Good Weather or Warm Garage

Step 1. Prepare Surface

Before you can install the hood stamp, you must prepare the surface. Since I had washed the 4Runner the day before, I didn’t have much prep work to do. However, it rained that night and I noticed I had some horrible hard water spots. So I had to take this part a step further with a clay bar. For most, this will be quick.

The first step of preparing the surface is to wash the hood with soap and water to get any road grime or grit off the surface. After washing the hood, dry it off well with a lint-free microfiber towel to avoid any water spots.

After washing and drying the hood, you’re not done with prep work. Next, you will use rubbing alcohol to strip any wax or paint protectant.

Note: Spot-check a small inconspicuous area with alcohol first. Since my rig is ceramic-coated, I wasn’t concerned with the alcohol being on the paint. Be careful and only clean an area slightly larger than the stamp. You will have to reapply any wax you stripped with the alcohol. I would suggest using 70% alcohol or higher. To make the install easier, apply the Beyond Wraps hood stamp when the ambient temperature is above 70 degrees and a surface temp above 65 degrees. If your hood is a little cold, leave it in the sun to warm up for a little while.

Step 2. Prepare Stamp

To prepare the hood stamp, you will need a pair of scissors.

As seen above, the hood stamp is shipped on a large piece of backing paper. I trimmed the paper to more closely match the profile of the stamp, itself, leaving only ¼- ½” of backing. Discard any extra backing paper and move the magnets onto the black vinyl to hold it in place.

Step 3. Align Stamp

Now that the stamp is more manageable, center the stamp on the hood.

Beyond Wraps recommends that the leading edge is about ¼” away from the scoop so that it adheres to a flat surface creating a better seal against the paint. Use magnets to hold the stamp in place. I used wine corks with rare earth magnets since they wouldn’t scratch the paint or mark the stamp. You can also use a strong magnet with a microfiber cloth between the magnet and the vinyl. Specialty magnets can be ordered with a vinyl install kit on amazon.

Step 4. Remove Half of Backing

Once you have the stamp where you want it, leave the magnets in place on one half and then peel back the vinyl on the other half as seen in the image above. Cut half the backing off and discard. Be careful not to allow the adhesive side vinyl to stick to itself; it can be quite difficult to undo.

Step 5. Begin Laying Stamp

Pull the vinyl to check the alignment. Don’t worry about the sticky part touching the paint. It is repositionable until you press down and set the vinyl in position.

When you are satisfied with the position, lock the vinyl into place nearest the other half of the backing paper. Use the felt-covered squeegee to press down not about ½’-1” of the vinyl.

The goal from this point on is to get the vinyl to lay as flat as possible and lock it in as you go. DO NOT overstretch the vinyl as it will cause wavy lines along the outside edges. Work in small sections from the centerline of the vehicle towards the outside (fenders). If you are having trouble getting the vinyl to lay flat, use a heat gun on low heat to warm it up and lay it flat. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to do the remaining half.

For the back edge of the hood (nearest the windshield), roll the vinyl around the edge and firmly press to ensure adhesion.

Final Thoughts

After having the Beyond Wraps Hood Stamp installed for a few weeks, I can say that it definitely reduces the glare from the hood scoop.

It does not entirely eliminate the glare but it does spread it out, reducing the harshness. Realistically, I will probably still need sunglasses, but it will no longer sear your retina nor blind you. It will still be bright but manageable.