Older hood on newer spider

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:59 pm

Are the hoods interchangable on spiders with the humps (my ' 79) and the hoods on spiders (older) that do not have humps?

I am leaning toward the idea of making a few changes to the exterior of my '79 to make it look like an older model, i.e., bumpers, hood, mirrors, grill.

To me, the older models just look classic..

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:08 pm

if you try to put an older hood on a 2L Spider you may run into interference trouble between the engine and hood. And, you'll have to convert the device that holds the hood open. Early cars used a spring loaded prop rod where the newer Spiders had a torsion spring

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:23 pm

just spent some time looking at the clearance issues under my hood...cuz i get to choose what size air filter box to buy tomorrow.

the distributor sits VERY high on a '79/80. it is the highest part of the engine.

without the bump in the hood, you'd be crashin' the distributor cap to smitherines.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:59 pm

oh yeah, I forgot the dist clearance issue. You can rotate it around so the fingers point down, but that really isn't enough. You'll also need the hinges with the early hood since they're different than the later hinges

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:16 pm

Sounds like I'll be working with what I've got. Thanks for the help.

Firezombie · Post by **Firezombie** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:02 pm

When Fiat came out with the "hood with humps", I believe it was to accomodate the larger engines (i.e. 1756cc, 1955cc, etc).

tanis · Post by **tanis** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 4:17 pm

Some people have used shorter motor mounts to help alleviate height issues for various problems...If you're intent and using a smaller bump or flat hood, this is something you may check out.
all the best,

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 4:22 pm

not to bash the answer, but I'd be concerned about the lower clearance to the ground by using shorter motor mounts.

be careful.....

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:17 pm

and reduced clearance between the pan and crossmember