Hot Rods Model A hood questions

Thinking about putting a hood on my car, its a stock 31 roadster body/ original 32 shell on 32 rails...I'll likely only run the top panels, with the sides open, since the side panels I have aren't the best, and not sure how they would fit the 32 frame. Figure i'll fit the top panels first and go from there. questions are, I have a stock hood i'm going to try to save thats missing the center hinge, anyone know offhand the diameter of the rod for the center hinge? also, as far as the center hinge retainers that mount on the cowl and grill shell I assume I should order the stock 32 retainer for my shell and the model a piece for the cowl? My cowl and shell were missing these pieces so I have nothing to go on here.

Last, what is a clean way to secure the sides of the hood tops to the grill and cowl when you don't run side panels? Thanks for any help!

 

The '32 doesn't use the rod so the front rod mount is different. The '32 hinge is more like a squashed C, got rid of all the hood pieces so not for sure on the rod dia.

Vergil

 

Quarter-turn fasteners are a neat way to secure the top. Even cooler are those leather strap ties with the springy thingies.

 

Thanks, straps are an option...but I'm thinking something hidden like a little latch or pin type arrangement, just nothing modern looking.

 

Here's the hood I built for my '29. It came out pretty decent. Also, embedded is the tech thread that taught me how to make the top.

Good luck!

Mike

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376546

 

I've got sorta the same situation coming up on putting a hood on mine, except I've got a 1 pc. Brookville top, so I'm damn sure gonna follow this thread.
The leather straps are kinda cool if you're going with the look of that period. But the OP and probly myself are figuring on eventual side panels also so that leaves the leather straps out, IMO.
Dave

 

I use 5/16 round stock for the center hinge 3/8 can also be used if you massage the hinges a bit.

As for the holddown for a hood with no sides. There was a thread a few years ago that showed using a spring loaded rod that would push out into locating holes/brackets on the shell & firewall.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31131&highlight=hood+hold+down Post # 5

For a Model A hood on a deuce shell you'll need the 30-31 A hinge mounts.

Man -- after I looked at the post I referenced, I realized that C9 was a contributor. Sure do miss his input
Movin/on

 

Thanks!!...thought I remembered an old thread showing some sort of latch but couldnt find it after searching every key word I could think of.....