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  •  » Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

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    10/11/2020 6:08 AM  #1

    Chaplin
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    Registered: 3/14/2015
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    Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    On my 64.5 vert I have the fiberglass hood with the '67 Shelby style scoops. The hood has a metal frame.  When I ordered the hood, they recommend getting the hinges with the lighter weight springs for fiberglass hoods, which I did. However, it appears the springs are too light and the hood won't stay all the way up- I can get it to stay open about halfway open. It will also frequently close on its own, which is really starting to get annoying, not to mention painful- the long pin that goes into the hood latch DOES NOT feel good on the top of one's head.

    Anyone else running a metal framed fiberglass hood?  What hinges/springs are using with it?


    Thanks!

     

    10/11/2020 9:52 AM  #2

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    I had the typical GT-350 fiberglass hood w/steel frame and used the appropriate light springs and had no issues with hood staying up.  The 67 scoop may be a bit heavier, perhaps trying using one light spring and one normal spring, see if it works.
    BTW - I did not leave the fiberglass on as there were fitment issues that would have cost too much make "right".

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    10/11/2020 1:51 PM  #3

    Ron68
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    From: Mukilteo, Washington
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    I would advise not going to heavier springs. I have seen some fiberglass hoods crack near the forward end of the hinge bracket on the hood, because if the springs are too stiff, the hood flexes and cracks when you try to shut it. I had a Maier Racing cowl induction hood on my 68 years ago and decide to go without the springs for that reason. I used a Shelby hood hold open rod instead.

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    10/11/2020 2:03 PM  #4

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    Heavier springs are not recommended.  On my 68 GT500, the hood was warped due to the original springs constantly putting upward pressure on the hood.  On the Shelby forum, they suggested removing the springs unless you were going to a show where the hood was going to be opened, in order to avoid long term warpage.

    Maybe you could try the 68 light version springs.  Maybe designed for the heavier scoops up front?

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    10/11/2020 2:48 PM  #5

    6sally6
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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    Try a broom stick!!!!!!!
    "Can't-beat-it-with-a-stick"
    I mean....how often are you really gonna have the hood in the up position?!(Wait a minute.this is a Ford we're talk'in bout!

    Seriously...I think a prop rod would be better than cracked fiberglass. Should be able to find one in a junk yard and make it look like a stock item on your 'Stang.
    6sal6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    10/11/2020 3:07 PM  #6

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    A hood hinge with a gas strut might prevent fibreglass hood issues.
    When speaking about fibreglass parts poor fitment is always part of the conversation.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    10/11/2020 3:13 PM  #7

    Chaplin
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    Re: Hood Hinges for Fiberglass Hood

    Definitely want to avoid cracking!

    Thanks, Steve. I'll see what I can find for 68 lightweight springs.


    Sally-
    A prop rod is a possibility. It's certainly the easiest (and cheapest) solution.  I was looking through NPD's catalog earlier and the note under the lightweight springs for the glass hood said "prop rod still recommended". I don't remember seeing that note when I ordered the hinges and springs....

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