'73 Build - R/T or T/A Hood?

[dave73chally]

Building a '73 Challenger, car is currently sublime but will be going back to the original black. Just put 15" black steelies all around, next up is a new hood. Current hood is rusty, everytime I close the hood there are rust shavings everywhere so there's no cleaning the engine bay just yet. Should I go R/T or T/A style? Pictures of each on a 72-74 black challengers?? What do you guys think?

Car will be gloss black with a matte hood and tail panel, black steelies, red seats, possibly a matte black side decal, custom side exhaust with large rectangular tips (inspired by the Beck renderings)

[moparman82]

If u are doing a matte black hood either way I would go with the T/A hood, I would do a RT god clods black like the rest if the car

[moparman82]

Like these

[dave73chally]

Any pics of a matte black R/T hood for comparison?

[moparman82]

I didn't see any, not sure I know of anyone or recently even seen a matte RT hood

[ChallengerHK]

I don't think I've ever seen a matte black RT hood. Not to say it's not a cool idea, just never encountered one.

Also, almost all TA hoods are fiberglass, which i personally prefer to avoid. There is a guy in South America make the scoop in steel that can be welded/bonded to a steel flat hood.

[dave73chally]

Yea I'd really prefer to stay with a steel hood. I'll do some digging and see if I come up with any photos. I'm sure this can't be a first but we'll see 

[Katfish]

T/A all the way! Gives you more clearance too.

[dave73chally]

Found a picture, although the car is complete matte you get the idea...

[Mopar Mitch]

The T/A hood is more performance orientated .. designed for true cold-air induction (actually, its one of the all-time best factory muscle car hoods.. it works!)... weighs about 45pounds (improves handling with less front-end weight), although can be a change to keep super clean.  Also, consider those wet/rainy days that you may get stuck in.. a bag or stuffing can block the rain.  And.. softer hood springs are required, or else hold up bars which I have hinged across the core support.... also requires hood pins, as you know.

The metal RT hood is awesome and a true classic in design!  I personally wouldn't paint it any matte color... looks great when its shiney!  The metal RT hood is heavier at ~70-75 pounds.... reduces handling potential with the extra front-end weight.  This metal RT hood is always weather resistant against rain, etc.

That black 72-4 with the custom seats, roll bar, etc.. do you know anything about it.. who owns it, general location???  Its really a cool lookin car!

[Katfish]

Got any pics of the hold up bars?

[E-Body Products]

Personal preference, I like both equally. If you are set on an matte hood, go T/A. Expect some degree of warping.


Daniel
www.ebodyproducts.com

[Tonefiend]

Mines matte black.  I did the tops of the fenders too because the paint was flaking off.  Maybe difficult to see in the picture.   I'm considering sanding the paint off it and shooting the car in hot rod black until I can swing a real paint job. 

[dave73chally]

Looks pretty good, thanks for the picture. Hopefully I'll be stripping my car come Spring and I'll get the process started 

[Jesus H Chrysler]

My personal experience with the T/A vs R/T hood is that the T/A hood is a commitment.  The R/T just bolts on and go.  The T/A requires a '70 hood catch that doesn't work easily with a '72-4 header panel.  The T/A hood requires the '70 front hood moulding that is bright aluminum, while the '72-4 needs this piece painted.  The factory '72-4 hood trim won't fit the T/A hood. (at least mine)  The T/A hoods being fiberglass have fitment and warping issues.  And the weather issues associated with an open scoop over the engine.  Having gone through all this, I still keep the T/A hood because it looks badass on the car.  I have an R/T hood, and several times I've considered putting it on.  But in my eyes, my car needs that T/A hood even with all the problems it brings. 

If you do decide to go with the R/T hood, my humble suggestion is to matte out just the top raised portion.  They look the best to me when they are body color, but the raised portion stands out when it's matte.  Just my opinion!