I know everybody wants gennie Ford parts but is there that much difference between original and repro steel grille and shell items? I dont have originals and the old stuff is getting real pricey and the new stuff is cheap. I know gennie is better but how much? Is it a 10 footer deal or totally obvious? Same question on the 4 piece steel hoods.
Your best bet on a shell is Vintique, any hood will need some fitting. I have heard people that bought rootlieb complain, and had to refit them. Probably varies from car to car.
Shells are close,,inserts vary and there were several versions of the 32 Ford hoods,in the states there was a 20 and 25 louver. HRP
Use the repro shell & insert. Especially if NOT using original hood. Can get a great 4 pc. hood from Hoosier Hoods in Indiana. Email me if can't find the # [email protected]
Thanks for the replies, yes I was wondering if the repros were close to original and if so who has the best? I am building a hot rod so it does not have to be original.
On the deuce pkg roadsters I've turned out of my shop I like the Vintique shell, Dales insert and a Rootlieb hood with a Walker radiator. My experience is that the hoods need a little reshaping to fit the cowl, and shell for a really good look. I've had problems with insert fit on the Brookvillle shell at the top, I've quit using them.
And since no one mentioned it, I understand there's quite a quality difference between the various reproducers, too. Some are made in China and the quality is suspect, but some are made here in the States and are of a much higher quality. I know an original Deuce grill is not going to be in my budget so I've been researching the repro options. Seems fewer people have complaints about the American made reproductions. At least that's what I've found in my searches. I don't have firsthand experience, though.
The 20 was designed for both the 4 and 8 cylinder. The 25 was added late in the year and as a dealer retrofit primarily for use on the V8, when it was found the V8's were overheating. Charlie Stephens
I second that, I have a root on my 32 Ford and its fine. Fit rather well out of the box. I have a Stock cowl/firewall, shell and insert. As for the repops, the only ones I didnt like were Brookvilles, unless they got better. I have two repop steels and inserts off of ebay for under $400 and they are not bad. The next one will be a filled top.
My findings http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=771505 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8610000#post8610000 2nd link has good pics with details on a vintique shell and hardware with a dales insert
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