Big bump hood to small bump conversion questions

[RJ80]

I'll be swapping out the 2L 'big bump' hood on my '79 carbed car and I'm curious about the fitment issues. I realize that the distributor cap may need to be turned 180-degrees and the air filter may need to be swapped to a lower-profile unit for the small bump hood to be fully closed. Any other tips or experience? Also, the small bump hood hinges I have are in poor condition. What model year hood hinges will work for this application? I know the '79-on hinges have pins that are too big for the small-bump hood. Can the hood pin holes be drilled out to fit or is there not enough material to do that with any sort of structural integrity? Do flat-hood hinges work?

Thanks for any responses.

[kmac33]

You should be able to source a set of small bump hinges pretty easily. Unless the ones you have are completely eaten with rust, you should be able to media blast them and repaint.

[So Cal Mark]

you'll need hinges from 78 or older. Also the hood stay is completely different

[mbouse]

get in touch with Mr. Lee Putman about these types of issues. He has a current project that involves a '74 and a two litre

[RJ80]

Thanks for the info guys. My hinges are tweaked beyond repair, I'm afraid. Good to know that any '78 or earlier hinges will work. I've got the early style hood stay, so I'm good there.

Looks like I'm in the market for a set of early hinges. If anyone's got a set laying around, please pm me.

[baltobernie]

You could also convert to air springs, one on each side. Great for shows; the wind won't blow down the flimsy early latch, and "helpful" people won't be pushing against the catch, bendin' yer bonnet.



A similar (but shorter) set can work wonders for your trunk lid, too.