For local pick up only. I am near Raleigh NC. Nice origional hood in primer with decent louvers. No bends or rust. Very minor pitting on Louvers. Would like to get $125.00. Also 72 driver driver quality front bumper. Minor rust on top edge by stone shield area. Make offer.

 

Technically the hood is 1972 production and intended for a car with AC as evidenced by the lack of cowl vents. It will fit either 71/72 as you said though.

 

I would like to purchase the louvers






[/QUOTE]

 

Good catch! What is the effect if the hood with the cowl vents were to be used on a car with A/C?

 

IDK, it was a 72 engineering thing AFAIK. Maybe something changed with the AC? Honestly it doesn't make a lot of sense since ALL the 71 Cutlass models (with and without AC) had the rear cowl vents.

 

My guess is that it allows more cool air into the engine compartment for the cool setting. By 1972, they must have figured everyone went straight to AC for cooling and rarely used the natural air.

 

It has nothing to do with the air in the engine compartment. There's a cowl seal at the top of the firewall and hood. It's there to prevent off gases from the engine to enter cabin circulation. Same seal used for AC and non AC cars.

 

I have a theory that makes sense to me.
1972 was a year that wasn't supposed to be because of the strike.
Is it possible the designers were looking for a little design change for 72 in a hurry by deleting the rear vents? It is a less cluttered look.
It would also provide some $$money savings and speed production by not having to punch the holes.

 

Kenneth - the vents are the back of the hood still were there for non AC cars. According to the 1972 Assembly Manual there were no less than 6 hoods that could be put onto the various Cutli models. Page 158 section 11