Customs How many 49-51 Fords HOODS FLEW OPEN?

Iam in, I was driving my 51 to the paint shop to be sprayed. Luckily I wasnt going very fast, all it did was scratch the top of the fenders, we were still able to get it painted. I didnt realize it was an epidemic!

 

I had it happen to me in my '53 Ford,I went to a wrecking yard in Urbana,Ill and got another when I brought it up to pay for it the news was coming over the radio that JFK had been shot.You don't forget days like that!

 

I was thinking about the flip up hinge,
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12071&highlight=hood+hinge

I know that BMW hoods are made to stay attached and not fly off at speed. It happened to me while I was stationed in Germany on the Autobahn after a gas stop. The hood came up a little and stayed there just floating until I pulled over to close it. Didn't really notice it until I was up to speed (Usually set the Cruise control @ 100 MPH and would still get my doors blown off). Not too sure that the Buick hinges are as good but I pulled some just in case.

I've got two hoods with the corners bent a little, and one that is real clean. I don't want it flying off.

 

I had a 50 Merc. conv. back in 57, had to replace the flathead so removed hood pulled motor and replaced. Sat hood back on without bolts then roadtested. At 60 mph the hood took off like a kite, cleared electric pole and sailed into a field with no damage. My buddies were watching all this and almost died laughing !

 

here is what i did. hopefully it holds when the hood goes, its just a matter of time.

 

Yep...in 1961 while I was going about 80 mph. Not only did it blow up, it broke both hinges and came completely off the car. Couldn't find it that night. Went back the next day and found it about 30 yards off the road in a cotton field.

 

My old shoe box never flew up on me but it did for the previous owner cause it was all wrinkled when i bought it

 

It happened to me openned up at 55 and could not see nothin'

 

I like cars without hoods.

-Jason

 

HAHA thats funny! When i first saw this post I stopped and a light bulb lit in me memory banks. It was a fact that 49/50 fords had a habit of popped hoods. They were often seen without hoods and now i remembered why, gggggg the poster child of hoodless cruzers!

 

Mine popped up on the freeway this morning -- not the first time, by far. Fortunately the safety catch worked as it should, and I was able to stop and secure it without damage.