AAR Fiberglass Hood bulging

[kitsapcuda]

Currently my fiberglass hoot is bulging so that there is a noticable gap between the top of the fender and the hood.  YOu can almost get  a finger through it.  Someone mentioned that it is suppose to bulge a little, but I think this is to much.  I also belive that this is a repo model, so that may contribute to the problem as well.
Any ideas on how to take the bulge out?  Is is possible a body shop can do something?   Thanks in advance for any help. 

[burdar]

Are you using the standard hood springs or the lighter T/A and AAR springs.  If you are using the heavier springs, it will put more stress on the hood when it is closed.  I thought the repro hood were supposed to be reinforced so they didn't bulge like the origonals did.

I've heard of bodyshops cutting into the fiberglass and adding steel to strengthen the area.  First I'd make sure you have the correct springs.

[ShelbyDogg]

I have a repop T/A hood that I bought aroung 1981. Sitting in line, trying to get into the Car Craft Street Machine Nationals in 85, in the hot sun with my 440 and headers under that hood, softened the fiberglass so much that the hood raised up about 4 to 5 inches at the hinges. I had to take off the springs and press the soft glass back down.  That summer, I cut open the reinforcement ribs then installed an oak broom handle into each side then fiberglassed it solid.  That will keep it straight.

Now all I have to worry about is being stabbed in the face with an oak broom handle if I get hit in the front end. Something I didn't think about till later.

Remember, the combo of engine heat and the pressure from the springs is always working together to make that gap bigger.

[kitsapcuda]

Great feedback.  I will check the springs to see if they are the right style.   Also, I can confirm that when it gets hot, the gap increases.  As for the broom handle, will have to think about that one, but may be similar to a route a need to go.  Appreciate the input.

[burdar]

Just turn some crush zones into the broom handles on a lathe and your good to go. 

[70burntorangeT/A]

i have had the repo TA hood with the steel reinforcements for 2 years now and it has been outside on many hot hot arkansas days with the engine running for long periods of time and the gap is still perfect. If it isnt the springs i would suggest the steel reinforcing

[brads70]

Here is a link to the proper springs for reference.
http://sixpackperformance.net/product.php?productid=16216

[kitsapcuda]

From the looks of the link sent, it appears I have the right springs, but will double check tonite.  If this is the case, then it would be working to reinforce the hood. 

Will keep this post updated, and will take any new suggestion.

Aslo, you dont know how it makes me feel that nice guys like all of you take the time to help others out.  Just hope I can learn more and pay it forward.

[Barracudadan]

If your not too concerned with originality and just want a nice inexspensive spring I used these http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=jumpking&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=352077662&Count2=269218087&CategoryID=4&Target=products.asp you get 5 of "em" for $17.00 without the shipping. When I put my kids trampoline away for the winter a light bulb went off over my head. I tried two springs from it and they work perfect holds the hood up fine closes nice and smooth and hardly any spring noise.The 5.5 inch springs in the link are the ones I used. If anyone wants to see how they look let me know. The hinges/springs are off my car right now but I can hook one on if anyone would like to see them.

I bought a set from Penstar and they were absolute crap.Cost just as much as the original ones that Brads70 referenced. Penstars were way too stiff,too shiny and had a chromish look to them plus the diameter was way too small (is chromish even a word?).Also as an added benefit my hood sounded just like my attic pull down stairs in my house when I opened and closed the hood. The springs were noisy enough to wake the dead!

[AARuFAST]

Currently my fiberglass hoot is bulging so that there is a noticable gap between the top of the fender and the hood.  YOu can almost get  a finger through it.  Someone mentioned that it is suppose to bulge a little, but I think this is to much.  I also belive that this is a repo model, so that may contribute to the problem as well.
Any ideas on how to take the bulge out?  Is is possible a body shop can do something?   Thanks in advance for any help.

These are the correct springs for the AAR hood.

Look at the 1st picture end loops,  AAR 9 inches long, closed loop, smaller than steel springs, 
2nd pic  steel hood spring,  open long loop fatter in diameter
The link brad70 posted are for steel hoods.

After I repainted my AAR in 2008 I replaced the springs with turn buckles.
Screw the judges. No more cracked hood.
No more cracked hood bracket. My hood is original. not aftermarket.

////////////  CUDA AAR
AARuFAST

[kitsapcuda]

So I have some pics of the springs and it appears I have the correct one's.  35 loops and over 9 inches long, and almost a closed loop.
 So seems as if we are down to reinforcing the hood.
 How can I tell if I have a repo or original?
 Not sure if I can find the steel reinforcers in the hood or I am not looking in the right spot, or they are hidden.


Also, I have pics of the bowing of the hood.  Definitely looks like it needs to be flattened.

[AARuFAST]

yep, yep. tis the correct springs.
The hood is only reinforced where the hood brackets mount to the hood,  inside fiberglass the reinforced steel is located.
Just a plate for the bolts.
Not enough to keep the hood from warping and cracking.
On the underside of hood it should be rough looking unfinished
fiberglass .
 Repo hoods are lighter and smooth underside.


////////////  CUDA AAR

[Super Blue 72]

Now all I have to worry about is being stabbed in the face with an oak broom handle if I get hit in the front end. Something I didn't think about till later.

Rob, you crack me up!!! 

[Barracudadan]

On my hood  it is a repop, where the hood hinges bolt to the hood you can see a couple pop-rivits along the edge for the metal reinforcement. If I could see inside the hood I would bet it`s only a thin strip of metal being used to reinforce the hood. My drivers side has a slight bulge probably from me when I had those stiff Penstar springs on it .So even the repops wont take a lot of abuse.

On a side note the 5.5" trampoline springs I measured was from the coiled part of the springs not the overall length. Overall length on these springs are about 7.5".

[70burntorangeT/A]

I also have trampoline springs, they work great