Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

[Bob B.]

Hello all,
I am trying to make the best decision possible of which replacement hood I should buy for my '63. I want it to be correct and I want it to fit. I just don't know the trade offs involved. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a press molded hood versus a hand laid hood? I've tried the search function and although it brought up a lot of posts, none seemed to address this. Please sahre your opinions.
Thank you

BB
1963 FI Split Window

[Harry S.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Bob, what are your plans for the car? If there are no Judging plans in the future, I'll let others reply. If you are having the car judged, then you need to consider if it was a convertible or a coupe and the month it was built. The running changes on 63's affected the configuration of the hood.

[Leif A.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Bob,
Here are a few threads with a lot of information comparing press molded vs hand laid. Also, where to purchase.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ce-please.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ded-hoods.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-vs-layup.html

[Douglas C.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Keep in mind that in '63, the biggest variable when selecting a correct hood will be the hood block configuration on the underside hood frame. Early cars had no hood blocks, some had 4, some had 2 with secondary holes filled and so on. That's why your build date is important.

[Richard M.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Bob, Exactly what are you "replacing"?

If your present hood is original, is it not repairable?

Since you have a coupe, I would be looking for a original, properly configured with vin referenced hood block features.

Definitely not hand laid. You'll be doing more work to try to make it look and fit properly.

Also be careful about some sellers of used 63 hoods. There are very subtle but unique features to be aware of.

Ref thread HERE.

RICH

[Bob B.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Keep in mind that in '63, the biggest variable when selecting a correct hood will be the hood block configuration on the underside hood frame. Early cars had no hood blocks, some had 4, some had 2 with secondary holes filled and so on. That's why your build date is important.

Sorry I have not responded to the answers to my post until now. (too much going on!)
My'63 is an early car. Serial Number Last four: 1799 with a November '62 engine code. I have the deep wells under the seats and the smooth surface on the dash center panel. Based on what I've read on the threads offered by folks that this should mean I do not need hood blocks. I hope I have that right. I will go with press molded, but not yet settled on who to order it from. I could use some advice on sources. Corvette Central? Zip? Who?

[Leif A.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Sorry I have not responded to the answers to my post until now. (too much going on!)
My'63 is an early car. Serial Number Last four: 1799 with a November '62 engine code. I have the deep wells under the seats and the smooth surface on the dash center panel. Based on what I've read on the threads offered by folks that this should mean I do not need hood blocks. I hope I have that right. I will go with press molded, but not yet settled on who to order it from. I could use some advice on sources. Corvette Central? Zip? Who?

Bob,
Recommendations are listed in the three threads in post #3.

[Bob B.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Thanks for the help. I will do my homework.

BB

[Bob J.]

Re: Press Molded Or Hand Laid 1963 Hood?

Sorry I have not responded to the answers to my post until now. (too much going on!)
My'63 is an early car. Serial Number Last four: 1799 with a November '62 engine code. I have the deep wells under the seats and the smooth surface on the dash center panel. Based on what I've read on the threads offered by folks that this should mean I do not need hood blocks. I hope I have that right. I will go with press molded, but not yet settled on who to order it from. I could use some advice on sources. Corvette Central? Zip? Who?

Bob , you never answered what your goals were. It makes a difference on which way to go.
63 hoods have a LOT of differences beyond hood blocks. If having your car judged is in your plans, an Oct 62 car (1799) won't do well with a Nov 62 engine code.
Good luck,Bob Jorjorian