i would use plexi-glass. If you remember Hector from Fast and The Furious, his golden-copper car had a clear hood. Looked really good. If you want to see what i'm talking about I think its the part where Brian (Paul Walker) goes to the first meet in the movie, where he races and loses. After he backs in his car Hector comes over and says hes going legit and yada yada. Point is, it looks good, especially if you have a nice clean engine bay.