I have a working Cowl Induction hood off of a parts car that I want to clean up and repaint for my '72. The problem is that over the years, I assume from being opened and closed against the pressure of the springs, the hood has developed an upward bow in the middle. This damage was clearly not caused by an impact. If you stand on either side of the car you can see the middle of the hood sits higher than the fenders by as much as a 1/4 of an inch.
Further inspection reveals that the framework under the hood has small stress cracks starting at openings in the frame about a third of the way back from the nose of the hood. I assume that these are a type of "crush zone" that is designed to compromise in an impact and fold the hood like a newer car.
There is no distinct crease. I need to know if this is something I can straighten and press back into shape. Then I am thinking I can weld up the cracks. Any ideas on how to proceed?
The car is a weekend driver. It does not have to be flawless but the car is solid and clean overall. I would like to avoid buying a repro hood at this point as there are other areas where I would like to invest the money in the car. I am guesing the cost of having a shop do the work would also exceed the amount of a repro hood as well as potentially not look as good.
Any thoughts or experience is greatly appreciated.
Further inspection reveals that the framework under the hood has small stress cracks starting at openings in the frame about a third of the way back from the nose of the hood. I assume that these are a type of "crush zone" that is designed to compromise in an impact and fold the hood like a newer car.
There is no distinct crease. I need to know if this is something I can straighten and press back into shape. Then I am thinking I can weld up the cracks. Any ideas on how to proceed?
The car is a weekend driver. It does not have to be flawless but the car is solid and clean overall. I would like to avoid buying a repro hood at this point as there are other areas where I would like to invest the money in the car. I am guesing the cost of having a shop do the work would also exceed the amount of a repro hood as well as potentially not look as good.
Any thoughts or experience is greatly appreciated.