guitarcrazy02

Ok, I decided to purchase an L88 Long hood for my '81. Now the more important decision to be made is WHO to purchase the hood from. So far I've found ones from Eckler's and Zip, and have been looking on Ebay with no luck. Both Eckler's and Zip are $599. That sounds about right. I want the whole hood, not just the scoop. My dad's a body man, so he'll put it on right, I just want to make the work as easy on him as I can.

My question is, does anyone have an L88 long hood from Eckler's or Zip, or some other company? Does it fit poorly/fair/good? If you can, pictures would be great

windup

Andy have you checked out Vanacors?

http://vanacorvette.com/index.html

Durango_Boy

I got mine from Vanacors and it was a fine quality hood for a lot less than most other options. $435 + $80 for freight.

guitarcrazy02

Did they fit well for the most part. I've seen a picture of the Eckler's one and it's shaped kind of funny near the windshield end of the hood between the scoop and the fenders.

Durango_Boy

I haven't gotten to the body work section yet but I did test fit and it was very very close. If anything just a little shape sanding and it'll be perfect. It'll be hard to find a hood that won't take any work to fit right.

guitarcrazy02

Is there any other link to Vanacor's page than the link above? I can't really read any descriptions of the parts.

77TexVette

You might have to give them a call and ask about Part #BJ-71. This is on page 27 and is the 68-82 L88 hood.

http://vanacorvette.com/page27.htm

One lines states that it's 2.5" "higher than stock", but it doesn't specify if this is 2.5" higher than Non-L88 stock or even higher than a "regular" L88. Price seems good though at $425

Michael.

MakoShark72

Just called Vanacors....Their online catalogue is dated 2001....The price on all the hoods just went up in April to $525, a 100 buck increase. Also, $45 for crating, and with fuel surcharges, shipping to the west coast is around $200. She did offer 5% discount if you send a cashiers check or money order, since she doesnt have to pay the credit card company.

Just thought you all would want the latest most accurate info.

Also, for a short L88 hood, she is about 3 weeks out.

Rob

77TexVette

Thanks, Rob. Only 6 years behind in their online catalog ?
Not too bad !

I guess they are more in the same price range as the others now...

Did you ever consider buying just the L88 scoop and adding this to a normal hood? I wonder if anybody has tried this. Looks like a cheaper option, but it might literally be a CHEAP (bad looking) option once it's done...

M.

MakoShark72

I just asked that very question a week or so ago. Overwhelming response was dont.... due to added weight, potential cracking, and the labor involved to get a "stock" finish. Obvioulsy there are guys out there who have done it, and it looks great. I'm not close to needing it, but was trying to source a L88 hood so it will be here when I paint (God only knows when that will be!!)

Rob

BB72

Sent me a fiberglass bumper instead of urethane. I guess they were dumping their ill fitting old stock.

guitarcrazy02

Wouldn't a fiberglass be a little better than a urethane one, though? It wouldn't warp or crack like a urethane.

Z-man

I got my hood from Gary Gruhala. He can get Eckler parts somehow. I think the price was the same but he gave me a good deal on the shipping. You might want to give him a call.

Link

BB72

It fit so bad you actually had to cut a piece out

Durango_Boy

I would imagine if they sent you a fiberglass bumper instead of a thane, maybe they sent the wrong year bumper all together. That might explain fitment problems.

BB72

No silly, same year, wrong composition. I was very clear about urethane and they sent a very very bad fitting glass piece to a guy in Canada. I think they've been watching too much South Park.... blame Canada was just the theme of the show....not real life.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

Listen to this Person he knows who to contact. A HUGE for Gary.

Rolling Thunder

Ditto. Have not talked to Gary for a couple of years but he has always been very helpful. Good guy and he can save you $$$.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

There you go. Gary is very helpful and has great service and as noted will save you some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ as well.

Jughead

Ecklers originally bought the hood molds years ago but it has been written on the forum here recently that Ecklers sold the molds to Vanacor. I can't confirm that nor find the link.

I bought my hood from Ecklers in 2001. From what has been posted here on the forum, and keep in mind, that each Corvette is a little different and hood fitment won't necessarily be the same from one C3 to another.