How can you tell an original w25 hood from a good reproduction?

 

If I had a repo that was so close to a factory, that you can't tell, I would just take it an enjoy it.

 

The Thornton hoods I’ve seen, including the two I’ve had do not have the debris screen spot welded in. They have little plastic push in retainers. That said, the materials used on the Thornton hood are likely superior to the original issue and less likely to develop cracks. I have both a nice OE as well as a Thornton. I used the later hood to avoid potential future issues. I also know VC455 did the same on his wild wagon.
This is a Thornton screen


This is an OEM