Hard? Easy?

I'd like to see some instructions somewhere before getting a kit. I love the look.

I'm a little leery about drilling holes in my car. Anyone else done this?

RMX

I replaced the original pins on mine with a set from NPD and they were identical. A lot of the pins were installed by the dealers so I think you'll find that the holes for the pins are already in the radiator support, and maybe even in the underside of the hood. All you'll need to do is make them through holes. If you do drill them, be sure to paint the edge of the holes before you install the stainless disks.

Tom

I replaced the original pins on mine with a set from NPD and they were identical. A lot of the pins were installed by the dealers so I think you'll find that the holes for the pins are already in the radiator support, and maybe even in the underside of the hood. All you'll need to do is make them through holes. If you do drill them, be sure to paint the edge of the holes before you install the stainless disks.

Tom

Do the disks adhere with those small sheet metal screws?

I looked at my radiator support and there are no holes there for pins. At least not in the same places I see on most peoples' cars. I might take a pic and posit it. I do, however, seem to have a hole on the underside of the hood where pins might go.

Also, do you suggest just plain touch-up paint where the holes were drilled?

RMX

I had my body man put mine on,love the look. Get a picture of a correct car under the hood,and you will see the indentation on the rad support.Under hood is already cut out.Pretty easy job ,but not for me!

I had my body man put mine on,love the look. Get a picture of a correct car under the hood,and you will see the indentation on the rad support.Under hood is already cut out.Pretty easy job ,but not for me!

I think it should be pretty easy. I have several pics of a proper hood pin install. Basically what I think I need to do is drill a pilot hole from underneath the hood where the hole is and then close the hood, place the bit in the pilot hole from the outside of the hood and drill straight down into the support, paint the exposed metal with touch up paint and then let it dry. The only question I had was how the disks were affixed. Looks like the kit comes with some sheet metal screws. I was just wondering if these were self tapping or if they needed to be drilled as well.

RMX

there should be some flat spots on the core support to drill for the pins. I put an original SS cowl induction hood on a malibu (cloned entire car) and used the malibu core support. Of course the hole were already in the hood, but if I remember correctly I think I had to drill hole in the core support for the pins.

The stainless plates attach with screws that come in the kit.

I would find the flat spots and line up the pins an even distance from the fenders and make sure everything looks square. Make sure the hood lines up with the fenders well too. Mark where the pins will go through the hood and try to make those square on the hood. You will have to play with it. Just pay attention to alignment. Dont just slap them on thinking they will line up right.

Make sure you seal the exposed edges after you drill. And dont forget the pilot holes for the screws that hold the stainless plates down.

there should be some flat spots on the core support to drill for the pins. I put an original SS cowl induction hood on a malibu (cloned entire car) and used the malibu core support. Of course the hole were already in the hood, but if I remember correctly I think I had to drill hole in the core support for the pins.

The stainless plates attach with screws that come in the kit.

I would find the flat spots and line up the pins an even distance from the fenders and make sure everything looks square. Make sure the hood lines up with the fenders well too. Mark where the pins will go through the hood and try to make those square on the hood. You will have to play with it. Just pay attention to alignment. Dont just slap them on thinking they will line up right.

Make sure you seal the exposed edges after you drill. And dont forget the pilot holes for the screws that hold the stainless plates down.

There are flat spots on the support. I did check that. I need to get a pin set and try lining up before drilling anything. My one concern is how large the holes need to be. I will burn that bridge when I get to it, I guess.

RMX

find whare you want to mount the pins on the core support drill the holes, the install the posts losely for the hood pins and make sure thir even, aplly a small drop of white out to the top of the post and close the hood on top of the posts, the white out will tranfer to the hood whare you need to drill. drill your holes in the hood, aplly some touch up paint to the bare metal to prevent rust, install the plates, then close the hood and adjust the post hight accordingly, thats how ive always done it hasnt failed me yet

I cloned a 1970 Malibu as well. I followed the instructions here, and it looks perfect. The hood pin install is towards the bottom of the article.

http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild/116_9504_paint_tech_guide_chevy_chevelle/fiberglass_hood_install.html

Done!!!

Was sick most of Friday when the pins came in the mail. By Saturday night was feeling a lot better, well enough to tackle this.

Held my breath while drilling into my nice hood. The shield gasket screw heads are a little crooked in spots, but I'm not too going to be too anal about it.

RMX