58 hand laid reproduction hood

[Richard H.]

I have a 58 hand laid reproduction hood. It does not fit well on the back edge. At the back center, it has a height of 9/16 ". An original is approx 1/4". A potential remedy is to split the inner skin from the outer skin and rebond it correctly aligned to the cowl. The edges do not, however, have a clear demarcation between the skins. It appears to be a solid piece. Has anyone tackled this type of project? In other words, any suggestions for properly separating the skins without a visual border between them? Given that the edge appears to be a "solid piece", might another alternative be to merely sand the top down to specs? Thanks.

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

Richard,

Are you saying that the fiberglass thickness is 5/16" more than it should be, or that there is a bow in the hood running from left to right resulting in the high spot?

I believe that even the hand laid hoods are made up of 2 pieces, top surface bonded to a separate frame.

In my opinion I don't think it's a good idea to grind down the top surface to solve the problem. You would loose the even surface and getting it to look right could be a time consuming task.

Was this a used hood or a new one from Ecklers? I ask because I'm waiting for a '59 hand laid nose and hood from Ecklers and concerned about having the same issue as yours.

Rich

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

Assuming an original hood has a edge height of 1/4" in the middle of the back edge, mine is 9/16". This hood is more that 8 yrs. old.

[Edward L.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

I have a 58 hand laid reproduction hood. It does not fit well on the back edge. At the back center, it has a height of 9/16 ". An original is approx 1/4". A potential remedy is to split the inner skin from the outer skin and rebond it correctly aligned to the cowl. The edges do not, however, have a clear demarcation between the skins. It appears to be a solid piece. Has anyone tackled this type of project? In other words, any suggestions for properly separating the skins without a visual border between them? Given that the edge appears to be a "solid piece", might another alternative be to merely sand the top down to specs? Thanks.

Before you start separating, grinding, etc., try the following:

Support the hood on the outer edges leaving the middle suspended. Place weight on the trouble area, ( I used cinder blocks ) then apply heat from a heat gun to the bowed area. It will move! Take some measurements. Soak a towel with cold water and cool the area. You may have to do it several times to get it where you want.

I did this a few months ago on a '57 hood. The bow I had was worse than what you describe.

Good luck.

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

Assuming an original hood has a edge height of 1/4" in the middle of the back edge, mine is 9/16". This hood is more that 8 yrs. old.

I just measured my 59 hood, and a 59 hood from another car. They are both 1/4".

Rich

[Richard H.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

Thanks. It would be nice if when restoring these cars everything would just "snap" into place. There seems to be a 1001 issues like this; doesn't make things easy.

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 hand laid reproduction hood

I know your pain. Read my recent thread about '63 vent window and door seals and channels. OMG I'm ready to have a migrane, pinched nerves, and a nervous breakdown!