400 Hoods
Q: 400 Hoods
Can I put a 1967 400 hoods on a 1968? What type of problems or modifications will I need to make?
A: For all you trivia buffs the difference in 1967 and 68-9 hoods is not the hinges, its in the inner frame and the hood latch. And yes, its important even to a non purist when he replaces his 350 hood and it wont latch, OR if it does latch and then comes open at 60MPH. The 1967 400 hoods had a inner structure that was unique to that model and year only. The 68-9 400 used the same inner structure as all 68-9 flat hoods. I havent tried to put a 1967 400 hood on an OHC-6 but I bet it wont fit. So question again ,whens someone going to repo these in USA?
A: I always look forward to your comments. They agree with my own experiences and usually add to what I know. I just went through installing a nice 1967 400 steel hood on my 1969 bird. The following is what I learned in the process.
*The 1967 400 hoods are unique. They have a different “flatter” hood catch hole (didn’t realize the rest of the substructure was also different and now I know to watch for rust through the scoop holes). The 1967 hood latch is also unique. It does not have the extra safety mechanism (ear on the passenger side) that shoves the safety part of the latch (upper catch) over if the primary catch releases. The secondary safety catch in 1967 relies solely on its spring to shove it into the path of the upcoming hood.
*In 1968 Pontiac changed the catch in the understructure of the hood, it sticks down slightly farther on the drivers side. If you look closely you can figure out that this is required to work with the redesigned (more positive) latch. The new latch has an extra ear sticking out on the passenger side to force the safety catch into place if the primary catch releases. One other thing, the 1968 latch has the same “lever” pull as the 1967. So in summary, in 1968 the catch (which is spot welded into the hood substructure) changed, the hood latch mechanism changed and the pull lever on the hood latch remained the same.
*In 1969 the hood remained the same as 1968, the hood latch also remained the same, and the hood latch pull was changed to a “rod”.
So every year has its differences but all hoods can work for all years and external appearances are the same. However, do not try to cut corners and mix the wrong latch with the wrong hood catch. I know a few horror stories from those who have tried this.
Oh and by the way it took me about 30 minutes with a drill, jig saw, and dremel to make a perfect “factory” hood tach hole. I’m sure the second one would be faster.
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does anyone know where I can find roof headers for my 67 400?, I already have new front windshield tracks but I need the metal to weld too
I have a 1967 ohc 6 car and want to put on a reproduction 400 hood. Do I need to change the latch?
The 1967 400 hoods are unique. They have a different “flatter” hood catch hole (didn’t realize the rest of the substructure was also different and now I know to watch for rust through the scoop holes). The 67 hood latch is also unique. It does not have the extra safety mechanism (ear on the passenger side) that shoves the safety part of the latch (upper catch) over if the primary catch releases. The secondary safety catch in 1967 relies solely on its spring to shove it into the path of the upcoming hood.
*In 1968 Pontiac changed the catch in the understructure of the hood, it sticks down slightly farther on the drivers side. If you look closely you can figure out that this is required to work with the redesigned (more positive) latch. The new latch has an extra ear sticking out on the passenger side to force the safety catch into place if the primary catch releases. One other thing, the 1968 latch has the same “lever” pull as the 1967. So in summary, in 68 the catch (which is spot welded into the hood substructure) changed, the hood latch mechanism changed and the pull lever on the hood latch remained the same.
*In 1969 the hood remained the same as 1968, the hood latch also remained the same, and the hood latch pull was changed to a “rod”.
So every year has its differences but all hoods can work for all years and external appearances are the same. However, do not try to cut corners and mix the wrong latch with the wrong hood catch. I know a few horror stories from those who have tried this
I’m having a major hood dilemma. I have a original 1967 Firebird 400 convertible. I bought an AMD GM licensed 400 hood to cut a hole and put a tach on (couldn’t stand to cut my original hood). I’ve got it painted and now the latch won’t work. My original latch worked with the flat receiver 1967 hood. The confusion is my 1967 latch has the other ear on the passenger side. My painter says the latch is too wide for the hole? Did they change the width of the latch in 1968? AMD wants to sell me a latch for a 69″ but it looks the one I have. Suggestions and info would be greatly appreciated!
Looking at installing an aftermarket 400 hood on my 67 firebird. What do I all need to buy to make it work. They say use a 68 latch and catch plate but you can’t buy them aftermarket and they are hard to find used. I have the original 67 setup that came with the car. Can I just use the aftermarket 69 hood latch and catch plate?