Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

[PaulH]

I found a great used hood from a 69 427 which I purchased to install on my 71. From my research this hood is identical to the 71 LT1 hood except for the RH female hood latch (this hood did not come with latches). Based on this fact I assume this hood is an early 69 hood since it the late 69 hood used the same female RH latch as my 71. In order to make this fit my car I will purchase a 68/69E female hood latch...but I am confused as to if I have to purchase a different male hood latch for the right side. Every book I read indicates something different. Secondly, there is three pins bonded to the inside of the hood to retain the hood matting. How can I remove these pins without damaging the hood?

Thanks in advance for any guideance.

[Robert C.]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

There are other things to contend with besides the latches. I don't really know for sure about the male- female latches. I thought they were the same, 69-72. You will have to fill the holes for the 427 emblems, Get an LT-1 stripe "mask" to paint on the 71' stripe,plus the LT-1 decals. I would think it would be fairly easy to grind down the underhood pins, fill, and paint over. Have you tried the hood to see if it will fit. You may be surprised. Is this a real LT-1 or a "wantabee"? Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

Paul-----

I think that I understand the reason for your confusion.

First off, and the easy-to-understand story, the left side lower hood latch bracket for all 68-76 Corvettes is GM #3930181. This is the only part that was ever used for the left side.

For the right side lower hood latch bracket, the 1968-early 69 bracket was GM #3930182. The late 69-76 bracket was GM #3966624. However, the 3966624 bracket replaced the earlier 3930182 bracket for SERVICE for all 68-76 Corvette applications. So, we know that the GM #3966624 bracket(which is the one which you should have on your 71)will work with the 68-early 69 upper right catch mechanism. What we don't know is if the early 3930182 bracket will work with the later upper catch bracket, although I strongly suspect that it will. In any event, this is not a problem for you, of course.

Also bear this in mind: both of the upper hood catches are different for 68-early 69 and late-69-76. The upper catches for 68-early 69 are GM #3948141-left and GM #3948142-right. The upper catch for late 1969-76 are GM #3966627-left and GM #3966628-right. I believe that the upper left catch part numbers are interchangeable. However, the upper right may not be.

[Joe L.]

Addendum To Above Post

Paul-----

By the way, I should also have mentioned that I DEFINITELY AGREE with Bob's advice to check the fit of the hood before you go ahead with other plans, particularly of the PAINTING variety.

[Robert C.]

Re: Addendum To Above Post

Paul, The reason I noted the fit is because my neighbor bought a 71 with an aftermarket hood.(L-88 type) We located and bought a stock 71 hood.A lot of body work had been done on the car (new frt.clip) and the stock hood was 2" off!

[Sal C.]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

You will also have to purchase the corrrect 1968-69 male stud as it is a smaller diameter than the 1970 and newer one on your car now. Failure to do this could result in a hood that once it has been closed can never be opened again.

[PaulH]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

Many thanks to everyone for their response. Sal, the last thing I would want is to not be able to open my hood. My question is: is the bolt thread smaller or is the tapered head smaller? I would assume that if the bolt thread is smaller I would need the male cowl mounted hood latch. This would be contrary to what Joe Lucia said...so can I assume that the difference between the 68 / E69 pin and the L69 / 76 pin is only the tapered head that locks into the hood mounted latch?

Thanks again to all!!!!!

[Joe L.]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

Paul----

Yes, the shank of the bolt and the threads are the same. The head is different. The early style uses a "rounded" head and the later style uses a more "triangular", cone-shaped head.

[PaulH]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

Thanks Joe...while I think I need a lifeline on this one, let me summarize what I think I need to do. I will purchase a 3948412 (upper RH catch) and will be able to use my existing lower RH latch which is 3966624 (since this became the service part for all 68-76 applications). This is where I become confused...I will need to purchase the early style (rounded head) pin, since if I use the later (triangular) head pin, my hood may not open. While my GM parts catalog shows a different pin for 68-E69 than L69-76, a number Corvette part stores selling one pin that cover the years 68-76. Which pin should I use to complete this installation (and still be able to open my hood once in a while to check the oil).

[Joe L.]

Re: Installing 69 BB / LT1 hood on 71

Paul-----

The configuration of the lock catch bolt used is a function of the upper catch used. If using the early-style upper catch, you have to use the early style("rounded")latch bolt; if using the later style upper catches, then you use the later style("triangular")latch bolts.