1968 Firebird hood modifications.

My son has a 1968 Firebird 400 that he has had since 1995.
The engine has been taken out to 461 CID. It will do low to mid 11's at the track and it can still be driven comfortably on the street. His best time so far is 11.01 seconds at almost 130 MPH in 1/4 mile.

In order to clear the inside of the hood, he has to run the style of air cleaner that hangs back down around the carburetor and the airflow on it is very restrictive.
So he wanted to raise the center of the hood up for more clearance and also to help let the heat out of the engine compartment.

Here, I have taped out the lines where the hood will be cut.






The cuts are made and the center is raised up 2 inches over the engine area.






The side rear panels are tack welded in place.
The top and bottom edges on the side fill in strips have a 1/4 round curve formed into them.






We set it back on the car to see how it looks.






This area at the back will be left open.




It will be extended back 3 inches and I've made up a template of how the sides will be shaped.

 

Nice work. Like the fact it's not too high, yet still high enough to do the job.

 

I've posted this video before but I'll show it again for those that haven't seen it.
This was at Edgewater, Ohio in 2014. He hasn't run the car on the track in about 8 years.
.... Click on the youtube link. ....

 

Nice clean work. I like it!!


Being an ex Air Force guy, when I saw this layout, first thing I thought of was SR-71.

 

The back edge of the hood has holes punched into it for pocket welds.




This is the underside of the extension for the back of the hood.




I have rolled the back edge over a 1/4 inch steel rod to strengthen that edge.




This is curved to match the contour of the hood.




I have set up a pair of stepping dies in the roller and I'm running the front edge of the hood extension thru it.




This steeps the metal down along the front edge.




This front edge fits under the back of the hood so the top surface of the extension is even with the surface of the hood.




The extension is welded in place.






This is the opening at the back of the hood.

 

That's some great thought, preplanning and execution, looks great

 

I always admired guys that are good doing sheet metal work...YOU'RE one of them !
Nice work
6sally6

 

Hey @Retired
I just realized where you're located....
Congrats to the super season by the U 91!! They got screwed in the final in Seattle, though!!

 

I want to thank all of you for the comments you've made on this project. ........

The body fill has been sanded down and the areas primed.





Then the glazing putty is spread out to fill in any very fine scratches that are left.





Once that is all sanded down, the final coats of primer are sprayed onto the hood and it is mounted back onto the car.

 

Looks good..

 

looks great and doesnt loose the original flavor of the great looking distinctive hood. very cool!