After a modest amount of research, looks like there are (2) aftermarket companies making the steel replacement hood for my 68 vert. Goodmark and Key Parts....
If you have bought either brand of aftermarket hood and/or are familiar with the quality of them, please chime in and give an opinion...
And MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!
Thanks! Phil Vaught
1968 Firebird 400 Convetible 1977 Firebird Formula
Is this a 400 hood, or standard 350 (non scooped) hood that you're looking for?
I only ask because there are plenty of original 350 hoods around, and even some 400s for the right price. Unless your heart is set on a new hood, Id look for an original hood as they tend to fit better.
I bought the Goodmark and I am happy with it. It looks like it just came out of the factory, that is, not perfect but no glaring problems. I did have an issue with the catch when it was first installed. Had to do a little tweaking there. The only fitting issue is that the arch from front to back where it mates with the top of the fender is slightly different. The hood is up slightly in the center. You have to be checking things pretty close to notice. I found the hood at the Jefferson swap meet. It had a few small dings from handeling so the vender let it go for $275. I couldn't pass it up.
I don't like ROC metal on my car. Repro destroyed the late 80's 400 hood's $1.5k price tag, knocking it down to repo price. Since I don't want ROC metal on my car, I don't even see a need to debate origional vs ROC.
Man, Bob s. if I wasn't so attached to my original 400 hood i picked up for 200 I'd sell you it for a nice profit... Yes I bought it march of this year so deals are out there.joe
The only fitting issue is that the arch from front to back where it mates with the top of the fender is slightly different. The hood is up slightly in the center. You have to be checking things pretty close to notice.
That's the issue I am dealing with now. Against the RH original fender and repro LH fender, the hood is higher in the middle. It's a hair too wide and too long.
Since all I am doing now is a mechanical restoration, I will worry about it when I do the body and interior next year. I'd like to sell the hood and get an original 400 hood and fender.
There was a nice one for sale just the other day in the classifieed. But the assholefactor comes into play.
If it were my hood, I would tell all of you to f/off and sell it for $5 worth of scrap metal. But that's just me and, it's more than obvious that I'm not some shithead hobby car guy,
There is another maker of the 400 hood. A company in Atlanta Ga. called A.M.D. -ALL METAL DIRECT. These are hoods that they make from there tooling not shipped over from taiwan and put in a GOODMARK box, same thickness bracing and fit like original.Price is about $400 and if someone neeeds N.O.S fenders for a 68 i have a pair that are perfect.
Bought an aftermarket hood, don't believe it was Goodmark. Was built in Taiwan. I have original fenders on car, hood wouldn't fit worth a darn. Bowed in middle(front to back) no gap between fenders. Bought a used hood, fit fine. Repop hood measured 51 3/8" across at the cowl, original measured 51 1/8". Never buy any Taiwan sheetmetal again.