Well, I'm looking to have some body and paint work done in about 6-8 months. Ames has an repo hood (I assume it's Goodmark) and says it's as good as the originals. Is it? Or should I start looking for a good original hood to buy?
It all depends on how picky you are, and how deep your pockets are.
I bought the repro hood. The sheetmetal is very straight and it looks gorgeous painted. But, on one side the bent does not match 100% to the fender line, and there is about a 1/16 of an inch difference in the height in the middle of the hood. I know it's there but does anyone else....probably not. And, if you can notice it, who cares, at least my car is on the road and enjoying life.
Thomas, is it drivers side that doesnt match? I`m not sure if its the hood or the fender.... mine does not match there,,,fender was replaced by prev owner , so I dont know much about that one...,...but the orig hood (350 flat) that was on my car did not line up, neither does my original (from another car) 400 hood line up , in the same spot...I`m suspicious of the fender...
Thomas , thats the same place as mine is hood is higher there than fender, right?maybe as much as 1/4"....and my hood is an original....no idea on fender..but could be orig. also...I think its just maybe mixing and matching fender from 69 and a 68 hood? maybe GM`s 'tool' was wearing and gave different shape?? I know,that far fetched,but....and not knowing which year Goodmark used as guide for their 400 hood tool??
Thanks for the info guys. On another forum, a guy who has a GTO said that he got a hood from Goodmark and he said that all the underhood reinforcement was loose and he had to "glue" it back together. Anyone heard of anything like that?
I love the hood. there is a small problem though, there can be some small areas that will need a skim coat of filler. like the size of a dime or less other than that no prob. I bought a nos fender that had to be reaworked around the headlight area. Sometimes they are not as straight as you think.
If you're painting the entire car, or atleast the front end the fitment shouldn't be an issue. Just make sure the body shop pre-fits the pieces so they can tweak the hood as needed. My body shop did not, and now there is no way short of repainting the front end to get my hood to line up with the fenders. I've tried everything. I like the hood though. Make sure you cut and fit for the Hood Tach prior to paint if you're planning to run one.
Jerry ,as for the Goodmark, Im`planning to go that route IF my orig. 400 hood goes bad/rusts out....(rust would come from , if it does, under braces where I couldnt get it totally clean before)
It doesn't hurt to mention it more than once because lots of people still don't pay attention: All panels must be assembled and checked for alignment while still doing rough body work. That way, any isses can be hammered to fit. That reminds me, I have some hammering to fit to do tonight.
