TECH WEEK 1. of 3. Well I wanted to try hood straps on my 32 but not sure if I would like them. So I decided to make them rather than spend a couple of hundred. So I looked around the garage and came up with some old interior door hinges from Home Depot. This looked like it would work to get around the hood top roll for the hood rod. I cut out the brackets with my trusty saber saw and finished them up on the bench sander. I did need to open up the hing pin hole a bit to fit the hood rod. I also slightly bent the pin roll area of the bracket to allow it swing easier on the hood. continued
2. of 3. Next I went to my local Tractor Supply and found some Leather 24" dog collars. I cut the threads with a razor blade and used the part of the collar that keeps the extra strap length down. That became the part that the hood hold downs attach to. Once I figured the correct tention I punched holes and used screw type rivets (also found at Tractor Supply) with a little blue Loctight. I think the photos tell the rest of the story. continued
3.of 3.I like this look for a change off and it did not cost me too much (about $60) I had the hinges so the collars and rivets were it. Eventually I am going to put a 25 louver hood on the 32, but for now it runs much cooler and look neat as well. When I decide to take them off it will not be a big deal. Thats It
I was thinking of using fairly utilitarian drawer handles like these: It'd be the chrome-plated one, screwed to the top of the frame or tabs on the side of the frame, depending on how it works out. The tension springs are available from Snyder's:
Nice idea. If you had it to do again you could have cut a different part of the hinge to get a closer fit to leather on the top. May be done with a brass hinge as well to match hardware. Im real impressed that you used the hood pin to attach instead of drilling holes for attaching a bracket.
Im working on something simular to hold my hood top down. Im going to try one in the center and see if thats enough. I didnt think of that cool hinge deal..sweet idea, i might have ta steal that idea i have it pulled down with a small cord right now and thats working.
If I understand you correctly, you actually need the room so the hinge has room to move free and does not rub when opening the hood. Also they really do not show much when standing next to the car. The hinge being black just disappears. Thanks for the input!
Awesome! I need to do this on my '34 as I don't run the hood sides. I'll have to come up with a different way to get some tension. Maybe the springs from Snyders will do the deed.
I saw your deleted double post last night, the fact we both had the same idea is pretty amazing, you should take it as a sign it was the right thing to do! + 1 free bump
I was kicking it around for a couple of months and seeing what was available. I did not want to spend alot as I said I intend to go with a 25 louver hood. It is nice for a change off.
Saw one the other day that was military themed, and he was using the canvass web belts. They were a bit wider, but your local Surplus store should have the narrow uniform canvas belts also as an alternative to leather.
I had a local leather smith cut some 2 inch wide strips for me, $12.00 for four 24 inch long strips. the rest I made from stuff I had. It's really easy to do. Thanks for the look at yours, very nice. I felt the same as you, I did'nt want to spend $250.00 if I could make them myself. I don't mean to hi-jack your thread.
The Jalopy Journal
