I have a chance to buy this hood. Is it fixable and how much is a original project hood worth. Its a 1971-72. Thanks20140912_205115.jpg

 

How much is the purchase price? That and the repair could cost more than just buying a new Thornton hood which is reportedly as good as or better than OEM.

 

he wants $1200

 

It's hard to tell from that photo alone. The fiberglass damage will require you to make a mold and mold up a replacement section. The other problem with these hoods is rust on the metal frame, which can't be seen in this photo. If you are doing the work yourself, it might be worth it (assuming no rust). If you plan on paying someone to fix it, you'll spend more than it's worth to do it right.

 

In addition to Joe's comment, the steel liner is glue bonded to the top, so you'd likely have to remove the liner to fix the damage (which may be more extensive than it looks) and remember that fibreglass cracks can go a long way back. After the repair the liner would need to be rebonded to the hood.

How are your fabricating skills? BTW it does look like the liner has sustained damage too.

 

I would do the work myself. I noticed the steel was messed up . but I thought I could cut a section out of an extra steel hood and weld it in. The center section between the grills looks the same as a regular hood but as it comes up it looks like it transitions smoothly where a flat hood has a defined crease. I can make a mold of that center section but will have to form my own radius as it curves up. I will check for rust as you have pointed out. If it has no structual rust underneath I will buy it. Thornton plus tax and shipping will add up quick. thanks for the replies.

 

That would be where you are partly mistaken. Here's a W25 hood on my friend Steve's car. Note the center of the hood above the stone shield. You're right that there is no ridge, but the W25 does have cosmetic details that would require some form of mold to define properly.

 

Yes, I see what you are saying. Thanks

 

1200.00 to start and then repair labor,etc. If your car is not a W-30 then no reason to take the hit for reconstruction of an original hood. NO-ONE has asked me about my hood before (when I had a plastic hood) or after I bought the Thornton hood. It is about what you want and your preference. Good luck and congrats on your owning an Olds.