Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...*Big update. Pictures 3/6/11*

Topic: Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...*Big update. Pictures 3/6/11* (Read 14323 times) previous topic - next topic

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #45 – August 02, 2010, 01:21:13 AM

Quote from: sarjxxx;330342

Idk, I think I'm definitely going to use one of the type I showed you. Plus, I won't be having the EGR spacer either, so that should save me some room too. I think between those two differences, that might be just barely enough to clear the stock hood. And if not, I have planned on putting a 3" cowl hood on anyway, and that should give plenty of room.

Actually, I just got back from a think tank session with a friend, and we have decided to nix the EGR spacer and reroute directly into the upper intake, saving about 3/4" of room. After getting under the car and looking at the mounts, there is no more room without hacking the Kmember and moving the steering rack.

Quote

I've seen that small air cleaner before too. I've always kinda wondered about their efficiency on a big motors, but on our 232's, it looks like they would provide plenty of air flow. Are you going to stick with it?

Oh, and what is the advantage to Chuck's mounts?

As far as the cleaner goes, I'll be using it while I get the hood fitted and the car painted, then at some point in the future I may switch to the twin inlet low profile one. I'm just not sure if the air cleaner(s) will fit once I reinstall the AC compressor.

The small one will probably create more turbulence at the throat of the carb, but I'll end up switching it out later.

As far as the mounts go, Chuck offers solid mounts for your car, just not mine. But, like I said, there's nowhere to go anyway...

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #46 – August 02, 2010, 08:32:04 AM

With all of this work have you considered going to a tubular K-member? I would suggest the Maximum Motorsports unit as you can move the rack about 3/4" to an 1" lower than stock (that is what it amounted to on my 93 Mustang) which may allow you to use the drop mounts and it will give you all kinds of clearance for exhaust and other items. Granted its a bit of money but it sure beats the hell out of trying to make things fit here and there versus it just fitting.

Darren

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #47 – August 02, 2010, 09:18:31 AM

Quote from: Aerocoupe;330378

With all of this work have you considered going to a tubular K-member? I would suggest the Maximum Motorsports unit as you can move the rack about 3/4" to an 1" lower than stock (that is what it amounted to on my 93 Mustang) which may allow you to use the drop mounts and it will give you all kinds of clearance for exhaust and other items. Granted its a bit of money but it sure beats the hell out of trying to make things fit here and there versus it just fitting.

Darren

I refuse to work on my front suspension again for at least another year!!! I did actually have that thought last night, but I think my previous post is the easier solution. I will not be using drop mounts.

If I was in the market for a Tubular K-Member though, it would be a no-brainer.

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #48 – August 07, 2010, 03:09:59 PM

Well, interesting turn of events last night! Took the intake/EGR apart to re-route it, and wonder of wonders, we never punched a hole in the copper gasket we made for the tubing!! The entire time the EGR has been non-functional! So instead of re-routing it directly into the intake, we decided to spend the evening hooking up the E-brakes instead. E-brake works real nice now, and I nixed the spacer. Hopefully tomorrow the hood will be fitted permanently. Pictures tomorrow.

I will probably get a 1/4" Phenolic spacer for under the carb to keep from boiling the fuel.

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #49 – August 08, 2010, 10:55:21 PM

So, it was too bright out to get a decent picture, but I think I got the lineup as good as it's going to get. It definitely needs some bondo(?) on the edge to even it up, some sanding on the back corners to bring it down, and some freakin quality control! Ok, maybe only a little. First thing, do NOT use the stock latch. Actually, you can't, because there isn't enough adjustment on the core support and the hole for it in the hood doesn't extend down far enough to catch it. The glass is very flexible where you are supposed to install the spring. The catch lever works...Just barely. The bolts almost didn't go in. The rearmost bolts for the hinges do not line up. I did notice a few cracks in the gelcoat, I don't think they went into the glass though. I removed the bump stops and the rubber isolators to get the hood down flush(ish), also had to loosen the front weatherstrip along the header panel on the DS to get it to flush up. I.E. The hood is very thick!

I'm thinking about just pinning all four corners, and eliminating the hinges. They don't seem to be doing me any favors right now. Also I need to come up with a locking mechanism. Could use locking pins, but they are pretty cheesy.

The actual cowl portion of this hood is very thin(Flexes when pushed down on), and the edge is very unfinished. The slope of the cowl is very steep and makes the unfinished edge look awkward from inside the car. I definitely think a better hood could be designed, but I guess since I was unwilling to do it, I should just shut up. :D

Anyway, from my conversations with other members, I don't think you can get much better regardless of the price payed, so I'll just make it work. Hope I didn't dissuade too many of you from the modification route!

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #50 – August 20, 2010, 09:22:19 AM

Ok, got the latch modified, added some upward adjustment, so now it locks nicely. Removed the springs from the hinges so now I don't have to work so hard to lower the hood. I set a date for next weekend to add material to the edges and fill in the cross brace along the back of the hood. Pictures some other time!

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #51 – August 20, 2010, 06:32:40 PM

Quote from: jrad235;332733

Pictures some other time!

JK cant wait to see it

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #52 – August 22, 2010, 09:22:47 PM

Drumroll please...

It isn't finished, but it is more or less bolted on, I'll drill for hood pins once I get the lineup perfect. But it does lock, and I can open and close it with ease.

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #53 – August 22, 2010, 10:10:07 PM

Wow, the lines look great! Looks like the scoop comes way out off the back of the hood which is good. Wierd how it cuts up on the corners like that though. Lets see what it looks like on the under side! Good luck with filling that gap too man.

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #54 – August 22, 2010, 10:31:11 PM

See the previous page for another picture of the underside. The hood doesn't extend too far into the windshield, but it is definitely odd about those corners.

The front latch area is laughable as far as support is concerned, but I'm not expecting it to hold the hood down at 80mph, just keep curious eyes and hands away from the motor. They did include an aluminum strike plate for the lock, and since you don't need to use the hood spring(It pops up acceptably on it's own)...

I will be replacing the Al. Strike plate with a piece of steel that wraps around the fiberglass to prevent wear on the inside.

The hood could definitely be better, but I certainly don't feel like making a mold, so...:D

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #55 – August 23, 2010, 02:44:38 PM

Quote from: jrad235;333078

The hood could definitely be better, but I certainly don't feel like making a mold, so...:D

Sounds kinda like what you're really saying is "Don't buy one" :D

So are you saying that you were able to use the stock latch and safety with it, just that you want pins for a little more support?

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #56 – August 28, 2010, 12:01:12 AM

Quote from: sarjxxx;333155

So are you saying that you were able to use the stock latch and safety with it, just that you want pins for a little more support?

Try a lot more security as far as high speed safety is concerned. There are way too many reports of people using all kinds of fiberglass hoods without pins and having them fly up on the highway, destroying the hood/hinges/windshield/roof.

So yes, after modification, the stock latch works. The safety catch worked no problem, but the glass behind it isn't strong enough to hold the hood down with wind under it at 50MPH.

Also, Sunday is Fiberglass day!!

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #57 – September 15, 2010, 07:46:09 AM

does any one make fiberglass doors and frnders for the 88 t bird?

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #58 – September 15, 2010, 08:26:14 AM

http://www.hairyglass.com/thunderbird.html

Champion Fiberglass, and the hoods they make...Big update. Pictures 3/6/11

Reply #59 – September 15, 2010, 08:42:42 AM

Quote from: EricCoolCats;335645

http://www.hairyglass.com/thunderbird.html

Someone's sending subliminal messages.:hick: