What is this Hood

[djunod]

Chopper guns are still available & used today.

[whitetop]

Dave I agree but most of the reputable fiberglassers will not use them.
Dave

[djunod]

Thanks for the info. I'm just now venturing into the world of making my own molds & fiberglass parts. One article I have recommends using a chopper gun. None of the books that I have even mention a chopper gun. I can see how the strength of the part could be compromised by using shreds as opposed to sheets of cloth (glass, carbon fiber, etc).

I've got a question then why is there discussion about that anyway? If you didn't originally have one of these hoods on your car and you are just now putting one on, it seems like the only reason to go with the old style is to DECEIVE people into believing you have something you don't.

[Jeff H]

I think that the reason would be to have a "period" correct restoration or restification. I'm putting an original GM fiberglass crossram hood on my JL8 car because that's what was available in 69. The new repro hoods are a lot cheaper(referring to price, not quality), but there is a difference and the experts and diehard restorers can tell.

[Rat_Pack]

I have been researching the different manufacturers of these hoods for a while and have found that there were many manufacturers all over the US. The most noteable is A & A Engineering as they were the first. All of them were basically the same on the outer surface but the inner structure (bottom side) is where the differences really are. As Whitetop stated most used "chopped" glass but there are a few originals that are hand laid. The three 67 Yenkos I have looked at all have the same hood and they are handlaid, at least the final layer is that way. They have use fiberglass cloth as the final layer mainly to give the hood a more uniform finish on the bottom side. I have not been able to find the manufacturer, but I suspect it may be a first design by A & A.

Since most everyone knows about A & A (Atlanta GA) I will describe them first. They are the only hoods that I have found that have a gelcoat finish on both top & bottom. They were also non-functional due to this reason. (See attachment). Hughey's Auto Ranch in SC is currently reproducing this hood and it is identical to the original offering by A&A however the fit is a lot better. (Black hood in attached picture) The perimeter lip on this hood is about 3/8" thick, which caused the originals to warp at the end of the hood hinges. The new repro has full length steel inserts molded in to keep this from happening when using hood hinge springs. This hood is pricey but is the nicest on the market.

Other original manufacturers/suppliers of this hood were: <ul type="square">

Allied (California)
Ieco (California) not sure if they manufactured the hood or were a supplier for Allied.
Fastglas (Legendary) (PA) they still make this hood
Komponents Korner (Jerry Cunningham) Tennessee
A &amp; A Engineering[/list]
The hood VFN sells looks identical to the Ieco/Allied hood as the perimeter lip and innerstructure are very similar to what was done back then. From what I have been told the outer surface needs some serious block sanding but overall fit is good. It can be used with original hinges and latch.

The current offering by Legendary (Fastglas) looks identical from the topside but the innerstructure is not the same as original. The quality is also lacking on the bottom as it is very hastily done and would require lots of work to clean it up.

Later tonight I will try to post more pictures of these hoods with the differences shown....................RatPack.............

Ken, I have already painted the "Bardahl" hood and it is going on a 67 that I am restoring for a friend, sorry. I will try and get a picture to you later this week.

[Rat_Pack]

Here is the bottom picture of an original A &amp; A hood from the same 67 Yenko.................RatPack.............

Pictures of the repro follow on the next two replies............

[Rat_Pack]

Hughey's Auto Ranch repro top view.................RatPack............

[Rat_Pack]

Hughey's Auto Ranch bottom view....................RatPack..............