So many options on the 1970 Outside Air Induction hood anymore.

Who makes the best bolt-on OAI hood with cost as a strong consideration?

Needs an airbox--I think. Needs to be bolt on. Can't flop around. Pins are good.

Also can anyone address the original equipment Outside Air Induction hoods versus what is being made aftermarket today? Fitment issues, quality etc.

It it worth the money, the wait, and the quality to source an OEM OAI hood?

Thank you.

 

Thornton is the best but it cost around $2500, if your car is show car this is the way to go.
Tamraz has a nice one with metal underside, needs little massaging to be perfect but not much. It's perfect for a driver. Mine was little less than $1100 with pins, shipped.

 

If you are patient, you can find nice original hoods for +/- $2,000.00. At that point they will still probably need to be sanded & prepped for paint & MAY need a little repair work vs A Thornton hood that is all new & just needs prepped for paint. A handful of years ago I saw a Thornton hood in person & it looked very nice.

 

I would be happy with the Tamaraz hood. I would trade the 66 working sidewinder tach for one if someone has one.

 

I'm about to order a 72 OAI hood from a place called Fiber Concepts.

http://www.fiberpartsconcepts.com/1285404.html

I've been pondering over my decision for damn near 2 years now and I've spoken to a few people on this site who said they were happy with their hoods. Minimal prep and the steel inserts for the hinges and latch have helped make my decision.

I decided not to go with Tamraz or Glastek because even though they would be cheaper, I'm gonna have to LEARN how to paint first and prep the hood myself and I need as little learning curve as possible.

 

I've seen the Thornton hoods and they are excellent. Many years ago I had them put a new frame on an orig GM hood. They also fixed all the cracks in it (including reattaching a piece that broke off) and got it ready for paint. Their work was outstanding but with the cost of buying the hood & their work, it cost the same as buying on of their hoods (which weren't available at the time). If I was doing it now, I wouldn't hesitate to get one of their reproes. That being said, it is pretty big $$. Another factor is what car it's going on & if you plan on keeping that car long term.

 

Thanks. I plan on keeping it long term, but it is a driver. A Cutlass Convertible--pretty common driver.

 

I have both an OE as well as a Thornton hood. Personally these are the only options I'd consider if I were going to go to the trouble and expense. OE hoods are nice, can be made to fit well, but were in fact made 46 years ago with resin technology of the same era. Troy's hoods are licensed GM replacements, made of modern resins and composite technology. They will have less of a propensity to crack, and retain value. Sometimes your local internet sales pages will have OE hoods at a more reasonable cost, and you can get lucky. Just my opinion though, be patient, buy smart! good luck.

 

I am also in the market for an OAI hood not sure if Thornton is the way to go. I have a '70 Cutlass Supreme that will never be a 1000 point show car and didn't come with OAI originally. But, I want a hood that is not prone to breaking or cracking. There is Tamaraz and I see there is one from Goodmark with a steel frame. I wonder who makes the repro's for Year One, OPGI, etc, since they're only $6-700.

 

One of the concerns with an OEM hood, besides cracks in the fiberglass, is the condition of the metal underlayment. Many times it is rotted in the area near the hood latch.