How to identify factory shaker hood ?

[Racer57]

How can you tell if shaker hood and the shaker bubble is original production versus repop ? I don't mean factory installed.

[7E-Bodies]

Interesting question. I'll be following (obviously from your neck of the woods).

[Cuda_mark]

Believe it or not, Season 6 of Graveyard Cars has an episode where they talk about the differences. Basically, the newer ones have a different number of spot welds and the areas where the stamping has a radius on it looks more wrinkled on the originals. I think it has to do with the manufacturing process where the originals were stamped and the reproductions are produced a different way. the reproductions actually look "better" but are less correct.

Bottom line is that an expert (not me) would be able to spot a reproduction one pretty easily.

[Spikedog08]

Believe it or not, Season 6 of Graveyard Cars has an episode where they talk about the differences. Basically, the newer ones have a different number of spot welds and the areas where the stamping has a radius on it looks more wrinkled on the originals. I think it has to do with the manufacturing process where the originals were stamped and the reproductions are produced a different way. the reproductions actually look "better" but are less correct.

Bottom line is that an expert (not me) would be able to spot a reproduction one pretty easily.

What about a flat hood that has been converted into a shaker?   

[mccannix]

The 'tub' underneath on a factory shaker hood will have a few wrinkling areas, some more prominent than others,  unlike the any reproduction piece has.
Spotwelds on an original tub are uniform and larger than reproductions that I have seen, but they are getting more accurate.
Seam sealer on originals is usually more prominent.
Of course trim ring is aluminum on reproductions unless you get a Cuda hood with a Mike Ross reproduction trim ring which were an excellent almost undetectable reproduction.
As for the scoop, IMHO Tommy on here makes the best reproduction one on the market that I have seen to date.
Reproductions are made of fiberglass, originals of a fire retardent talc fibre material....
I'm sure others here have opinions as well.

[Skdmark]

I usually look for the drain holes in the original or lack of in the repro under hood brace.
Not sure if the newer repros have drain holes added.

[7E-Bodies]

@Spikedog08 i have one. Converted from a pre crumple zone flat hood. Currently wall art.