Reverse Opening Hood For 53 & 54 C/K

[Baker54]

I've read every thread I can find about reverse opening hoods for the 53 & 54 C/K looking for the best ideas on how to convert mine. I saw Jerry Forrester's version and I like it but he indicated it was challenging as I'm sure any attempt will be challenging. So, if anyone has a good idea I would like to see it. If I'm going to do it now is the time.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Jerry Forrester's setup was about the easiest to so, because the parts are all available from the bone-yard, for the most part.
The other one setup I see one picture of from a long time ago is pretty much a barn door hinge screwed to the front valence sheet metal.
If you want it for custom reasons, I'd go with Jerry's idea, which I have seen a couple of and played with them personally.
If all you want is the safety aspect, the drilling the latch pin is a $2 solution that takes an hour to accomplish.

Here's a link to some pic's I took of Jerry's hood setup.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/551570762qnQxPN

HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)
Jeff

[Baker54]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Jerry's idea looks like it might be the way to go at this point. I want to get as much input on this subject as possible before I proceed.

[orphanbiker]

FWIW, My 1984 Saab 900 had a reverse opening hood that seems to operate a lot like Jerry's. I'm wondering if the Saab mechanism can be adapted to fit the C/K...

[PackardV8]

FWIW, My 1984 Saab 900 had a reverse opening hood that seems to operate a lot like Jerry's. I'm wondering if the Saab mechanism can be adapted to fit the C/K...

Like you, I like Saabs and Studebakers, but the short answer is "NO!" I spent a month, a lot of money and couldn't make the Saab 900 system work on my '56 Hawk hood. The Stude break line tapers toward the front and down. Getting the Stude hood up above the fender line and back down smoothly proved impossible for me.

I ended up with another design which was also more expensive and complicated than most CASOs would attempt. Next time I'm in that garage, I'll get a photo.

Bottom line, the Stude hood is large, a complicated shape and difficult to move the hinge to the front, but it is worth the effort.

jack vines

[Johnnywiffer]

Hey, why not have a SIDE-opening hood, like an old Buick? http://www.srbymichael.com/manufacturers/carolina/carolina.shtml Then you can even take it off completely to REALLY get a good shot at the engine!
John

[Flashback]

The side opening might be a good idea. Here' s a shot of a front opening, a side opening, and no hood at all.

[Jerry Forrester]

Jerry Forrester's setup was about the easiest to so, because the parts are all available from the bone-yard, for the most part.
The other one setup I see one picture of from a long time ago is pretty much a barn door hinge screwed to the front valence sheet metal.
If you want it for custom reasons, I'd go with Jerry's idea, which I have seen a couple of and played with them personally.
If all you want is the safety aspect, the drilling the latch pin is a $2 solution that takes an hour to accomplish.

Here's a link to some pic's I took of Jerry's hood setup.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/551570762qnQxPN

HTIH (Hope The Info Helps)
Jeff

Wow, can you believe it was 9 years ago that you took those pictures!!!! Time flies!

[Baker54]

Hey, why not have a SIDE-opening hood, like an old Buick? http://www.srbymichael.com/manufacturers/carolina/carolina.shtml Then you can even take it off completely to REALLY get a good shot at the engine!
John

I actually thought about the Buick setup but its been a long time since I've seen one. I wonder if this unit from srbymichael is strong enough for the Stude hood?

[Baker54]

The side opening might be a good idea. Here' s a shot of a front opening, a side opening, and no hood at all.

Who's system are you using on this car? Do you have any closeup pictures?

[Baker54]

Wow, can you believe it was 9 years ago that you took those pictures!!!! Time flies!

Hi Jerry, as I said, I have reviewed the photos of your system. If you were to do it again how many hours would it take?

[Baker54]

I've been at the shop all day so I'm just now reviewing everyone's comments. I appreciate everything that has been shared but I'm still undecided. It will be about two more weeks before I'm at the go or no-go point so I'm still open for ideas and/or comments.

[Baker54]

Bottom line, the Stude hood is large, a complicated shape and difficult to move the hinge to the front, but it is worth the effort.

jack vines[/QUOTE]

Jack, it is comments like this that cause me to want to proceed. I guess what I would like to find out now is an estimate of how much time would be involved in making the conversion.

[Jerry Forrester]

Hi Jerry, as I said, I have reviewed the photos of your system. If you were to do it again how many hours would it take?

Too many. But I'm gonna do it at least two more times. On the '53 Studelac, http://rides.webshots.com/slideshow/575614086oFkgkX, (Forrester Studelac, not a Frick Studelac) and Leo, the '55 Pres. HT, http://good-times.webshots.com/slide...51236383cfruwd .

[Baker54]

Is the Studelac Chippewa & Lombard Green? It looks good!