Alum. Hood

[PaulProe]

Can anyone educate me on how the aluminum hood of an original or Kirkham attaches to the the steel tube frame underneath it.

I assume the aluminum wraps like a door skin but I only see the flashing strip along the front edge. Does it go all the way around the frame/hood opening and I'm just not seeing it? or was it only is certain areas of the opening?

Anyone have pictures of a homemade or Kirkham hood and hood frame?

Paul

[kris-kincaid]

There are strips of aluminum about 3" wide that are hammered around the hood frame. The strips stick out about 2" all the way around the hood frame. Then the hood skin is wrapped and crimped onto the edges of these strips.

[428street]

This should answer your question...

[PaulProe]

428 Street

If you look at the image you posted, it appears the flashing strip is only on the front edge - notice the seam/joint/whatever along the left edge. Yet there is metal that the skin is rolled over.

Trying to understand all the pieces used in the setup

Paul

ps: thanks for the closeup - it is really helpful

[RedEsprit]

The strips just butt up to each other and go completely around the steel frame...pop riveted to the inside of the frame. The picture looks as if it is only partial but not the case. To make a hood, the frame is located in the car. The strip is carefully trimmed to leave a constant gap (about 3/8 inch) between it and the edge of the cowl. The frame with strip attached is removed from the car and the wheeled out hood skin is placed under the strip and trimmed with about a 1/2 inch over lap. Bead roll the skin to a 90 degree angle and then place it back under the frame and strip. Use a dolly and dinging hammer to finish the job, pinching the strip with the skin. You will notice the overlap is a little less around the curved edge of the hood. That is because this is a "shrink" and a little difficult to do and still maintain the proper curve on the 90 degree curve withouth imperfection. Also note, the position of the frame is critical in relationship with the cowl in front if you are going to pop rivet the front as with an S/C configuration. If it is not, the hood will dimple as you draw down the rivets into the tubes. Making an ERA hood, doors, and decklid as we speak.

[kris-kincaid]

I took that photo at Shelby of CSX3189.

Paul, The flashing goes all the way around. It just has to be made in several pieces so you can go around the hood frame all the way

[428street]

Let's us know how you make out on the hood, etc.

[RedEsprit]

Will post a few pictures. I have hardware for 3 more.