Original 1966 Big Block hood??

[Larry T.]

What are the telltale signs that a hood is original for a 1966 Big Block car? Or signs that it is a reproduction?

[Rich P.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Larry,

read the thread from 2-3 days ago on the 65 original hood for the most part the same principals apply.

Rich

[Larry T.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Thanks,

I will check it out.

Larry

Larry,

read the thread from 2-3 days ago on the 65 original hood for the most part the same principals apply.

Rich

[Mike B.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Hi Larry,

When I bought my '66 L36 back in '88 it had an original '66 big block hood that a body man had modified into an L88 bulge for a high rise intake. It had the holes down at the lower left corner to install speed nuts for the hood emblem. You could see where he cut away the original '65/'66 big block bulge. I was convinced that it was my original hood. BUT, the hood prop was installed on the passenger' side. I was very confused about this as it didn't jive with the '66 AIM (L72 sheet D5) that shows left side mount as well as Noland Adam's book pg. 358. Later, through a title search, I found the prior owner who had the mods done. He said the hood was missing when he bought the car. So this hood was not the original. He said he went to the local GM parts supply and bought a '66 big block hood and promptly had it cut upon. Still available back in the '70s. What's noteworthy here is the prop on the right side was factory prepared with the riveted internal nut plate. The left side had a raised pad there but no rivets/nutplate. I now strongly feel this was an very early style '66 BB hood. See the explanation of this in the '66 Judging manual, pg.101.

I purchased a real '66 big block hood in 1990 and has the following characteristics: Hood support mount on the driver's side with the raised pad and internal nut plate/rivets, raised hood support mount pad on the right side but no provisions for mounting, '65/'66 BB bulge and side vents, medium gray fiberglass, and factory cut elongated/round holes on the left lower underside for emblem speed nuts.

Beware that there are some original BB hoods with a right side mount. NCRS states that this is applicable for big blocks up till VIN 3600.

Good luck with your search!
Mike Browning '65 L79, '66 L36

[Joe R.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Larry,

I scored a 66 BB hood at Carlisle this summer. Some friends from my local St. Louis chapter were there. They helped me look it over. They said it was the real deal. It would have been better if it had not been primered. I'm having it painted right now. Anyway, I have attached some photos for you.

Joe

[Larry T.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Great pictures, thanks.

Unless I have an amazing reproduction I have decided mine is original. It is identical to yours.

Thanks,

Larry

[Joe R.]

Re: Original 1966 Big Block hood??

Larry,

You're welcome! I'm glad I was able to help.

Joe