Hi, has anybody bought or dealt with one of the aftermarket 69 TA 'glass hoods yet? I'm interested in turning my conv. into a TA clone, but I'm not exactly happy about the "hoodpin" style fiberglass hood available and can't afford a $4k original. Any thoughts or ideas? I also like the 400 hood and may go that route instead of a TA clone. Thanks!!!! Scott Tennessee
A friend of mine in California who is a professional body technician and is into 1969 Firebirds big time, told me that you can put the fiberglass hood on a regular hood frame if you are careful.
You have to drill out the spot welds on the old steel hood and carefully remove the outer skin. Separate the fiberglass hood (carefully) and then install the top of the fiberglass hood on the metal frame. This will allow you to use the regular hood hinges (recommend the softer fiberglass hood springs that are available aftermarket) and the hood latch.
If you are not sure you want to tackle this, then talk with a good body technician in your area and see what kind of money you are looking at.
Like you said, you can always put a 400 hood on the car.
I don't have any experience with them, but according to US Body's site, they sell a fiberglass Trans Am hood that will use the factory latch. You would need to install the striker plate from your original hood into it.
There is also an outfit in Canada called Showcars Unlimited that sells a fiberglass T/A hood skin on a full frame from a regular hood. It uses the hinges and latch from a regular hood, and has "about" the same weight. I have one of their non-framed versions, but I have yet to put it on. The quality is good, but it will need some work to make it nice.
Thanks for the input. I found out that the Camaro place in Aurora,NY sells the TA hood with the steel reinforcement for $ 695 + shipping if anyone interested. I believe I've decided to put the 400 hood on it and probably the hood tach unless I sell the convertible.
