question about 56 vet. hood to hinge bolts

[Michael A.]

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience with bolts being different from one side to the other holding hood in place. I have three hoods, one NOS and two used. The NOS hood has the nut plates tapped for 3/8 fine bolts on both sides, both used hoods have 5/16 course holes on drivers side and 3/8 course on passenger side. All fasteners sold for hood mounting are 5/16 course, and assembly manual only specifies one bolt which I assume means same on both sides. What's up, which is correct? Can anyone shed any light on this? Getting hood fitted for primer would appreciate any help on this problem. Thanks Mike Anderson (317)729-2418

[Mike M.]

Re: question about 56 vet. hood to hinge bolts

Hello, Michael, maybe I can "prime the pump" for you.
I didn't realize there would be a memory test today, but,
FWIW - My '56 and three '57's were all the same 5/16's on both sides.
GM using two different specs for virtually the same application makes no sense.
My guess would be that the holes got stripped out and re-threaded to the larger size. This was easy to do while trying to hold the hood and get those stubby little guys in straight. Occasionally on the judging field we will see a crooked bolt or two.
Since the NOS piece could be from about any era and may have altered the specs over time.
Again, this is a memory thing, hopefully others will now "Jump in".
HaND

[Michael A.]

Re: question about 56 vet. hood to hinge bolts

Thanks for the input Mike, that is what I sort of expected but thought I would check to be sure. It has been a few years since I did my 57 and it is gone so no reference material. I think I will just buy a new hood and use the others on something else. I do not want any issues with this car. Both of the original hoods I have are cracked some around the mounting surfaces and I do not need that showing up in the future.
Later Mike