1968 SB Hood for my driver

[james Kekeisen]

I've replaced my intake, carb and air cleaner to enable an original hood to go back on my 68 SB (removed an aftermarket cowl induction hood, the high rise intake and aftermarket carb). The guy I picked up the windshield wiper door and hinge assembly from threw in the hood for free. The catch and my question: The hood had been ripped off its mounts leaving perfect squares missing from the hood rails where the hinge assemblies were once bolted, the rest of the hood is in great shape. Should I 1. attempt to patch the holes or 2. someone told me I could find replacement rails off a wreck and graft them in or 3. give up on trying to repair and do what I've been doing a lot of lately and pay up for a replacement hood?

thanks Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

James-----

When you first mentioned that the fellow that you bought the wiper door assembly gave you the hood, I was quite surprised. As I read on, though, I quickly understood why. The type of hood damage that you describe, I don't think is feasible to repair. In fact, I think that it's just about the worst sort of damage that can happen to a Corvette hood. But, if I'm correct, at least you got the hood at the right price.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

James-----

When you first mentioned that the fellow that you bought the wiper door assembly gave you the hood, I was quite surprised. As I read on, though, I quickly understood why. The type of hood damage that you describe, I don't think is feasible to repair. In fact, I think that it's just about the worst sort of damage that can happen to a Corvette hood. But, if I'm correct, at least you got the hood at the right price.

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

Aw Joe I thought you would come up with some obscure part number to fix me up, seriously as I seek out a new hood I'm looking at the Dr. Rebuild hoods and there are "hand laid" hoods at substantially less than the "match molded" hoods, can you tell me the difference? any recommendation on which way to go?

thanks Jim

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

Aw Joe I thought you would come up with some obscure part number to fix me up, seriously as I seek out a new hood I'm looking at the Dr. Rebuild hoods and there are "hand laid" hoods at substantially less than the "match molded" hoods, can you tell me the difference? any recommendation on which way to go?

thanks Jim

[Mike E.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

Keep your eye open for an original. There was one on ebay this past week that was VERY reasonable. I find that used hoods go for quite a bit less than the reproduction hoods, are more correct, and are reasonably abundant. Even the dealers sell them rather reasonably--you might try Grossmuellers, etc.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

Keep your eye open for an original. There was one on ebay this past week that was VERY reasonable. I find that used hoods go for quite a bit less than the reproduction hoods, are more correct, and are reasonably abundant. Even the dealers sell them rather reasonably--you might try Grossmuellers, etc.

[Gary S.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

I have done a fair amount of fiberglass repair on a 66 driver and a 73 with an NOM and I can't imagine any repair to a hood that will give the type of strength that you need. Keep an eye on E-bay as well as The Driveline. There are a fair number of guys who part out cars for a living.
Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

I have done a fair amount of fiberglass repair on a 66 driver and a 73 with an NOM and I can't imagine any repair to a hood that will give the type of strength that you need. Keep an eye on E-bay as well as The Driveline. There are a fair number of guys who part out cars for a living.
Gary

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

In looking for a used hood, what years would fit my 68? From what I've been able to find it seems that any 68-72 small block hood would work?

thanks, Jim

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

In looking for a used hood, what years would fit my 68? From what I've been able to find it seems that any 68-72 small block hood would work?

thanks, Jim

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

I can recall installing a 71 hood on a 69 years back, so I would think that is a true statement. They are certainly the same on top. Could have some variation on the underside that I am unaware of.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver

I can recall installing a 71 hood on a 69 years back, so I would think that is a true statement. They are certainly the same on top. Could have some variation on the underside that I am unaware of.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver *TL*

Late in the 1969 model year (I believe in December 1969, but could have started in November) the passenger side hood latch (the part on the hood - not on the body) configuration was changed. The bolt pattern changed, so I believe 1968 and almost all of 1969 are the same - call it first design. Then in 1972 the hood support was changed and the location of the support to hood attaching point changed - thus from late 1969 through 1971 was the same - call it second design. Then comes 1972 by itself - call it third design.
If one had the late 1969 to 1972 passenger side hood latch I believe the second design hood will work on a 1968. To make the 1972 hood fit a 1968 one would need the later passenger side hood latch and a 1972 hood support. Depending on the serial number of your 1968 - using the 1972 hood support may require additional holes for the connection to the body.
I may have missed some other details, but I am sure someone else will add to this if I have.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 SB Hood for my driver *TL*

Late in the 1969 model year (I believe in December 1969, but could have started in November) the passenger side hood latch (the part on the hood - not on the body) configuration was changed. The bolt pattern changed, so I believe 1968 and almost all of 1969 are the same - call it first design. Then in 1972 the hood support was changed and the location of the support to hood attaching point changed - thus from late 1969 through 1971 was the same - call it second design. Then comes 1972 by itself - call it third design.
If one had the late 1969 to 1972 passenger side hood latch I believe the second design hood will work on a 1968. To make the 1972 hood fit a 1968 one would need the later passenger side hood latch and a 1972 hood support. Depending on the serial number of your 1968 - using the 1972 hood support may require additional holes for the connection to the body.
I may have missed some other details, but I am sure someone else will add to this if I have.