71 N96 hoodWill

[Gary]

We will be starting on a 71 Vcode N96 Challenger in a while(after we finish a couple B bodies)  The problem is that I think this was in a fender bender early in it's life.  It has a  later model driver side fender and the late and or over the counter non triangle thingamabob in the front of the hood.
We think it should have.  Agree or disagree
It is an April 1 build so will either one (crush zone or non crush) hoods work?
Big question? Does anyone out there have one?
Last resort how close are the AMD hoods- how long does it take you experts to spot it
What is the value of our hood?

[JS29]

Crush zone hood after mid 70 model year.

[Cuda Cody]

An April of 71 is a mid to later built car IMO.  They started production on 1971 E-Bodies in Aug of 1970.  The Crush zones on the hood came in a lot earlier then April or 71 (I think), but the Shaker hood makes it a lot harder as they don't always follow the normally rules on dates of running changes since there was so few of them (inventory was used at a different pace).

If you can post some photos we have a few experts here that can help you.  Some guys like @ScottSmith_Harms  has made several reproductions that could almost pass as originals and I'm sure he can spot a reproduction hood pretty easy.  I've heard a lot of good things about the AMD hoods.

[6bblgt]

supposedly ALL Challenger SHAKERS after reintroduction in April of '70 have "crush zones"

[6bblgt]

it would be easier to ADD the "fratzog" bodyline/bodywork to your over-the-counter hood than to replace it - unless the hood has other issues

[fc7cuda]

Is the current hood a shaker, but without the fratzog?  I can't tell if I read that right or not. 

Since they were available this way as crash parts and "over the counter", it could be considered part of the car's history and worthy of using.   

Any more history known on the car?

[Gary]

Yes it is a shaker hood, usable for sure.  Did they ever put any of these on from the factory

[ScottSmith_Harms]

Complex pile of questions but here's my .02

All to the best of my knowledge:

*No none Fratzog hoods were installed at the factory, crash parts only.
*All 71 Shaker cars I've seen and that were known to be original, had crush zones, so I guess a non crush zone hood was possible, but unlikely.
*AMD hoods are nice and the differences subtle, but I can spot one almost instantly, so you won't likely fool anyone knowledgeable with one.
*The conversion kits I used to sell are extremely accurate, especially the under bracing, but I can usually spot one simply due to installation errors (inaccurate spot welds, etc.). The trim rings were not as close, they are sized & shaped correctly and are close enough to fit into an original hood, but manufacturing method was a bit different so again, not perfect copies. In case you are curious, I don't have any kits left or know where any are that are for sale.

The first hood is an NOS Challenger hood (with Fratzog and crush zones)
Second pic is a nicely converted hood using one of the Harms kits I sold

[ScottSmith_Harms]

Here are some pics of original hood details that you need to pay attention to when trying to spot a real hood (original Challenger shaker shown).

[Cuda Cody]

Thank you Scott for sharing your vast knowledge on these hoods.   

[ScottSmith_Harms]

No problem, please excuse my bad grammar in the notes, LOL!

[Gary]

Thank you very much for the info. I guess that leaves us with 2 possibilities.  I don't really want to use an AMD hood if they are that easy to spot.  This being a 71 Vcode D21 A33 N96 FY1 Challenger I think it is rare enough to warrant the right parts.  We have time to search for awhile, so if anyone comes across one let us know. We have thought about making the fratzog on the hood, but somehow that didn't seem right.  Although I guess that really isn't any different from changing quarters, trunk floors and nearly every other body part in the course of doing a restoration is it?

[RUNCHARGER]

Yup, chop a Fratz out of a flattie and carefully spot weld it in.

[ScottSmith_Harms]

Assuming your cars hood looks like this orange example, yes, splice in a Fratzog section from a flat 71 hood. Find a REALLY good metal man because warpage and visible welds will be an issue he'll need to deal with.

[Gary]

Went out and looked at our hood this morning.  You can really see the curve in the underhood bracing.  I can see how you can spot aftermarket hoods so fast.  I assume it is the same difference on Cuda hoods.  I think if we can't find a real one,  welding up the old one is the way we'll go.  I know all about being VERY careful about working flat areas like hoods and trunk lids, this ain't our first rodeo.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your input and knowledge, I'm really glad I joined this group. Everyone have a safe and happy 4th, and if there are any military personal following along, past or present. I respect and appreciate your service very much. Thank you