'67 Small block hood vs. Big block hood

[Ken K.]

Can anyone tell me the time frame and the VIN number range that the "Big Block Hoods" where install on small block cars in 1967? They ran out of small block hoods at one time and just put the block hoods on the cars to keep the line going. How any cars got these hoods? What does the underside of the hood look like? And are there any holes in the fender well for the small block hood support? Thanks

[Donald M.]

Re: '67 Small block hood vs. Big block hood

Ken, There has been much (much!) controversy regarding these big block hood cars. While it it is true that such a substitution did occur, the exact time frame, thought to be late Feb.'67-early Mar.'67, is still uncertain. There is no count of the number of these vehicles built. To my knowledge, there has never been any documented proof that a particular small block car came with a big block hood.Some items to check are:1. no evidence of the lower support for the hood prop riveted on the right inner fender(SB cars had their hold open on the RIGHT side) 2. no evidence of an upper mounting plate for said prop on the right underside of the hood. Also, there was no official factory notation on any paperwork that came with a SB/BB hood car, thus making it virtually impossible to prove this is the way the car came from St. Louis.As far as NCRS goes, SB/BB hood cars are INCORRECT and will take a full deduct in judging. Unless there exists some other proof, such as a photo of the original owner standing in front of his SB/BB hood car on the day of delivery or photo of such cars at the plant awaiting shipment, etc. this issue will never be resolved. How do I know all this, I believe I have such a car. The physical evidence is correct (supports, plate, etc. )as well as the approximate build time and I have the original bill of sale that states the BB hood was exchanged on this car (noted by dealer). But that is still not enough to convince NCRS. Oh well....

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 Small block hood vs. Big block hood

Well said Don, except for the statement that " While it it is true that such a substitution did occur". There is no documentation of this period. Just an un-subsantiated statement in a book that has been picked up and repeated.

[Roy B.]

Re: '67 Small block hood vs. Big block hood

Don
As some people know, My 67 started all this confusion some 20 years ago because Noland used my serial number in his Articles. I also remember arguments over black 54's,power top vetts, many on color and so on. Many of these arguments will still be going on after were all gone, so it don't mean you and I and many others cant still in-joy our Corvettes.