Author Topic: Fibreglass T/A hood  (Read 3760 times)

Offline Ornamental

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 918
  • Oslo, Norway
Fibreglass T/A hood
« on: October 18, 2013 - 10:00:44 AM »
I'm looking for the best fibreglass T/A hood, does anyone here have experience with the following products?

Unlimited Products:
http://www.up22.com/challenger70.htm#top

AAR Quality Fibreglass:
https://www.aarqualityfiberglass.com/cart/product_info.php?cPath=63_64_67_127&products_id=481



Panther Pink '72 Challenger Rallye.
Grey '70 Challenger R/T

-There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead.

***Per Arne***




Offline Katfish

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3733
  • 70 Challenger
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2013 - 11:31:07 AM »
I have an AAR hood, absolutely awesome.
If could change 1 thing I would have asked them to not mold in the AAR logo.
Not a big deal, it's on section where a hood latch would go.
That's another thing now that I think about, ask them to not cut out the holes to mount latch HW.
No need for it.
« Last Edit: October 18, 2013 - 11:32:44 AM by Katfish »

Offline shawge

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 571
  • Zoiks!!
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2013 - 11:42:36 AM »
Some person in PA makes the most accurate T/A hood.  Downside is it takes > 6 month to get one made - I think it's a one man operation.  I'll look around for the name and info if someone else doesn't chime in with it.

Edit - found it:
ASC&P International
PO Box 255
Uwchland, PA 19480
(610) 458-8395
barryd@koalaproducts.net
« Last Edit: October 18, 2013 - 11:53:12 AM by shawge »
- Jerry

Offline Mopar Mitch

  • Autocrosser/Road Course Racer
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 682
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2013 - 11:52:59 AM »
Although I personally don't have experience with either comoany, looking at their products on-line:

Unlimited -- Their hood is listed at 35 pounds (my factory T/A hood is ~45 pounds), so, their is weight "advantage", IMO, for the lighter hood from a "performance" viewpoint.  However, their hod may be more fragile... light weight springs are mandatory (for all these f/glass hoods, but you may want to consider not having the springs at all.. I've used ~50" long thin hood bars hinged under the core support with a pair of clips at the front grille support area to hold the two bars with the hood down.   Also, you'll have cut open the rear screen vents and install the mesh.  Price is reasonable.  That 10 pounds off the front end all adds up to continued weight loss = faster times, better handling, etc.

AAR Fbrls --  Their hood has the "steel" inserts apparently molded inside each hood side section to prevent they common warpage (caused by the springs).  They don't say the weight of the hood... probably a little heavier than the factory hood (my guess it weighs about 50 pounds?).   They don't say anything about the rear screen vent openings.  Price is a little more than Unlimited's.. still not unreasonable.

You may want to check with VFN Fiberglass (Addison, Illinois?).  I know they can make a T/A hood... and they've already made a couple AAR 'Cuda hoods, as well (light-weight for performance).

So, if "performance" is your prefered desire, the probable lighter weight Unlimited hood would be the choice (actually, that's what I'd prefer).   If long-term durability (non-warpage) is more-so desired, the AAR Fbgls hood would be the choice.

Regardless, consider removing the springs.
Autocross/road racers go in deeper... and come out harder!

See  MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2006 ISSUE for featured article and details on my autocross T/A.

Offline Ornamental

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 918
  • Oslo, Norway
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2013 - 12:59:07 PM »
Thank you very much for your replies everybody!  :2thumbs:

I'm looking for long-term durability, so a couple of extra pounds won't bother me.
Also, I want to have hinges, so I won't have to rest the hood on the roof.


ASC&P International seems interesting, I found the website:
http://larrythephoenix.wix.com/ta-challenger-hoods#!challenger-ta-hood/cjg9
A bit pricier than the others though, and longer wait, but the quality seems to reflect that too.
Panther Pink '72 Challenger Rallye.
Grey '70 Challenger R/T

-There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead.

***Per Arne***

Offline brads70

  • C-C.com Expert
  • ********
  • Posts: 18747
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2013 - 02:01:56 PM »
Mine came from e-bay a seller out of Texas I think? If I had to do it over again I would get one molded in BLACK! Every little stone chip shows through when they are molded in white.  :2cents:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Katfish

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3733
  • 70 Challenger
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2013 - 02:36:14 PM »
AAR hood has the screens already in. 
I agree, ditch the spring (I've removed mine since this pic), photo shows the length of the steel added to the hinge area so it won't warp.
My hood is definitely over 50lbs.


Offline Katfish

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3733
  • 70 Challenger
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2013 - 03:02:25 PM »
Couple more pics for reference











« Last Edit: October 18, 2013 - 03:05:11 PM by Katfish »

Offline Ornamental

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 918
  • Oslo, Norway
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #8 on: October 18, 2013 - 06:28:01 PM »
Great pics Katfish!
The underside of the AAR hood looks more pleasing to the eye than the ASC&P, and I do prefer the smoother look on top too. I'm not that keen on having everything stock appearing.
Could you tell me if the inside bottom of the scoop is level with the opening?
Panther Pink '72 Challenger Rallye.
Grey '70 Challenger R/T

-There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead.

***Per Arne***

Offline Katfish

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3733
  • 70 Challenger
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #9 on: October 18, 2013 - 08:12:32 PM »
Not sure what you're asking, the scoop/opening is the same as a normal T/A hood.
Give me more details and I can get a measurement.

Offline Ornamental

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 918
  • Oslo, Norway
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2013 - 07:20:05 AM »
Is there a lip in the scoop opening,  as on the top drawing, 
or is the bottom of the scoop level with the opening, as on the bottom drawing?



I would be surprised if there's a lip, like the top drawing, but I just want to know rather than just believe before I order anything.
Panther Pink '72 Challenger Rallye.
Grey '70 Challenger R/T

-There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead.

***Per Arne***

Offline Mopar Mitch

  • Autocrosser/Road Course Racer
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 682
Re: Fibreglass T/A hood
« Reply #11 on: October 22, 2013 - 04:53:29 PM »
On these pics, it also looks as though there is no windshield squirters (not that it's that important anyway).  The front hood latch holes should go away (be filled-in).   I thought the internal metal strip was longer, but perhaps its OK.... (better than not having any, such as the OE design).
Autocross/road racers go in deeper... and come out harder!

See  MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2006 ISSUE for featured article and details on my autocross T/A.