I'm going to a local Oldsmobile show this weekend and will be looking for a 1970 OAI W25 hood. How can I tell an original from aftermarket? What is the current value on them? I know a repro from Thornton's is around $2500.

 

The factory one will have a stamped steel under frame. A cheap aftermarket one will be all fiberglass that is formed and shaped to loosely resemble a frame.
I've never seen a Thornton in person, while they do have a stamped steel frame, I can't verify any signs to look for on them.

As far as value, I've seen originals listed starting at $1000 needing some repair, all the way to $3000 for one in excellent shape.

 

One thing an oem hood has is,just inside the scoop opening there is a hole on each side that looks like there was going to be a door/flap of some kind but not used. I'm not sure if the Thornton hoods have that provision or not.

 

Just went out to the garage and took some pics for you to illustrate. One thing I noticed is there is an area on the outer edge of each seam toward the front. Possibly an adhesive of some kind. It is brown in color. You could look for that line also and that would identify a real deal.

Pics:

 

Thank you! That was really good information and the photos were over-the-top! I really appreciate it! This is a great group of people, always willing to share info with the next guy.

 

Yes, these guys know what they're talking about. If there are any more pics you want of it, like on the inside, let me know.

 

I don't know if that adhesive was on all hoods. Maybe, it was, but after time they fall out. Here are two pics of hoods without it. The yellow one has been repainted in its life, the white one is original.

 

Another pic of the yellow one

 

Dont forget the formed wire mesh (to keep trash and small birds out of the breather) on the under side of OEM units

 

Yeah, that really sharp invention that loves to eat up drying towels and fingers. HA!