It is a showroom hood with plastic see through inserts on each side. Was used by dealers to show off the ROCKET engine in new Oldsmobile's, they painted it to match the car they were showing. It was never supposed to be released to the public. It is either a 49/50 or a 51/52 and I don't know if it fits all models or if only a 88 or 98. The only clue I can see is that the holes for the hood ornament have not been filled and are 4 slotted holes on each side of the peak. Help a brother out. BB
Can't help with the year, but the pics reminded me that in the fifty-sixties my dad worked for a place that made the display hoods for GM in Flint, Mi. The also did cut-away seats and other dealer show off items. I remember him molding/sealing/smoothing the plexi edges with sand paper and a propane torch.
Looks like a 51-52; on the 49-50, the peak continues all the way down the hood...on the 51-52, the peak ends as the hood goes vertical.
Not a 1942-48 Olds hood as they are 2 x piece with a centre strip. I'd go 1950 Oldsmobile 88 with dealer portholes to showcase new OHV engine. I've seen this style and this full clear plexiglass hood. http://cascadiaclassic.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/1950-oldsmobile-rocket-88.html
Mgtstumpy.......that green Olds pictured in your post looks to me like a '51 Super 88. 1950 model 98's were similar style, but I don't think they were available in a post 2 door. If I am correct about that, the pictured car is either '51 or '52 Super 88. Nice looking car in any case. Ray
There's a guy in West L.A. with a '49-50 coupe (sorry, don't remember which) that has one of those hoods. Also has some weird prototype Rocket V8 that's smaller than 303. Definitely '49-50.
My long time buddy Eddy Rezac from Wahoo, Ne. hd a pair of these Olds iconic rocket 88 show off hoods. He still had a 50 Olds bubble top coupe sporting one last I knew.
Just based on the shape I'd say it fits the big body cars - 49-50 98, 51-52 (53?) 88 and 98. Overall length might help.
I think its olds for sure, and worth some bucks to the right guy bob. have a friend who has one on his olds.
Well we can't seem to form a definite opinion on the exact year of this critter. I was hoping for a exact answer so I'll just keep trying. BB
Here's a picture of a 51 which seems to match the hole layout of yours other than the script holes. Any evidence of those being filled on the backside?
Nope, nothing has been done to this hood other than paint. Is that just a picture or are you able to measure the overall length and the distance from the hood lip to the first upper hole? Thanks for posting. BB
Not 49 or 50 88. 49 has a flat spot in peak (painted one), 50 has 4 slotted holes and 4 smaller holes (primered one). Also shown is the width across the front (straight across, not bending around the point).
It's a 49 Olds factory display hood. You'd see 'em at the Olds dealer to show off the NEW fururamic 303 V/8 Kettering engine. Not sure how many dealers got them but there are still a few around....my ol buddy, Eddie's coupe with the dealer display hood
Though '49 was the intro year for the OHV V8, nothing says Olds didn't continue to promote that engine for years after introduction. It was still a market leading engine design through the early '50s. That being the case, it is highly likely the see-thru hood was available for several models of that era. Ray
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