NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD
Okay guys here is my problem. I purchased the L88 long style hood for my 69 roadster. This hood replaces the windshield wiper door. If you notice on 68-72 models there is a piece of trim that runs along the windshield wiper door and also on both fenders, along the bottom of the windshield. With the windshield wiper door removed, that leaves a piece of trim on both fenders that Ecklers recommends leaving, and painting to match. I am not convinced that this will look right with two pieces of trim that dont match anything on the hood. I told the painter to hold off while I consulted you guys. If any of you have seen this long style hood install with or without the fender trim pieces please chime in. I am really wondering if I should build up the fiberglass on both fenders to match the hood line, and remove the trim pieces. I really need some advise here, and pics of this install either way would be invaluable. Thanks for the help I have the paint and body guy on a leash and they are barking at me to go. Time is of the essence.
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 2:11 PM 8/6/2001]
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 3:35 PM 8/6/2001]
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 2:11 PM 8/6/2001]
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 3:35 PM 8/6/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (ScubaJKD)
The two fender pieces were originally painted the color of the car, so Eckler's suggestion isn't completely out of line. The only part that was left unfinished was the very thin ridge at the top of the filet.
Now personally I think the stainless steel trim on the wiper door and the top of the fenders looks better polished and unpainted, but it should be painted.
Now personally I think the stainless steel trim on the wiper door and the top of the fenders looks better polished and unpainted, but it should be painted.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (Smokehouse69Mark2)
I am with you on painting them if they stay. Really trying to determine if they should stay or go with the long style L88 hood. Which would look better and provide a clean line. Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (Road Fever)
I am sure that the fiberglass on both the fenders and or hood could be reworked to make it all lineup I am just not sure what the best route is. :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (ScubaJKD)
Hi
My 68 BB convertible has this long L88 hood installed. Both fender trims
are removed.
I think building up the fenders with fiberglass to match the contours of the hood is defenately the better looking option.
Non of the later year non chrome bumper Vettes had this trim installed and they had long hoods.
Gunther
My 68 BB convertible has this long L88 hood installed. Both fender trims
are removed.
I think building up the fenders with fiberglass to match the contours of the hood is defenately the better looking option.
Non of the later year non chrome bumper Vettes had this trim installed and they had long hoods.
Gunther
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (TNT)
Already sold the complete assembly on Ebay for $360.00. Almost paid for my hood. I also sold a big block hood and a L88 short hood on Ebay. This is one project I am actually ahead on. At least for now LOL.
Instructor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (ScubaJKD)
I think that building up the fenders would be a better choice. But then you know that I am biased here. What would really look good is if you could tastefully install some of the trim pieces on the hood itself. Maybe stopping them before the hood rises for the fresh air box. Just my $.02
wayne h.
wayne h.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,607
Likes: 1
From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (Blue68)
Personally I would build up the fenders to match. Like it was already said the later C3's didnt use that trim and i think it will prove to be a much smoother looking transition to the newer style hood...
Hey and post pics when youre done!
Hey and post pics when youre done!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Salem, NH , USA
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (ScubaJKD)
I am in the process of doing the same install on my 69. Although my wiper doors have always given me grief , I am beginning to regret not going with the short style hood for just the problem You point out.Sorry I dont have a solution for You. The underside perimeter of my hood (Ecklers) is poorly finished,needs a lot of work, filler etc...did Yours have this problem?
The upper edge contours of my hood dont match the contours of the fenders towards the center forward.Did yours have this problem? Did you install the rubber spacers ? Did this help? My fender wells are supposedly cracked and not bonded to the inner fenders properly stopping me from using the spacers until I get this fixed.
The upper edge contours of my hood dont match the contours of the fenders towards the center forward.Did yours have this problem? Did you install the rubber spacers ? Did this help? My fender wells are supposedly cracked and not bonded to the inner fenders properly stopping me from using the spacers until I get this fixed.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: NEED HELP FAST L88 HOOD (ratpack)
Ratpak, I stayed up most of the night obsessing about this problem LOL. I am glad about the decision to remove the wiper door assembly because the long hood is just such a clean look and with my new cam I doubt I am going to have enough vaccum to run the door, headlights, and power brakes. I bought the car non numbers matching as well as non paint matching so that I would not be freaked out about such mods as engine, suspension, and minor body work. I bought it to enjoy and drive and update as I saw fit. So hear is what I have decided after changing my mind several times. I am going to go ahead and use the trim pieces and paint them to match. That way if I ever decided for some wierd reason to put the windshield door back on I wont have to worry about a built up fender that would not match. This is what my body man suggested. Guess I am going back to my purist roots LOL. My hood came in perfect condition with a excellent gel coat no work needed just primed and sanded sightly before painting. I have not installed it yet so I cant help you much with alignment and rubber stops. I did however have to make the same repair to the fenders you are talking about email me if you want details about this repair to the fenders.
