71 R/T hood insert

[moparmadnessrt]

I just got ahold of 1971 hood louver insert and hood, My shop has the abitity to make a mold and recast them or make them out of carbon fiber or fiberglass, do you think anyone would want to even buy them or there would be a need?

[charger440sixpac]

I think if you made a one piece louvered hood for a reasonable price, you'd have some interest from guys with non-power bulge hoods that wanted to customize their cars. I suspect most 71 R/T owners would probably want to stick with the OEM pieces as that helps the car hold its value. So your buyers will probably be the 72-74 car owners I'm guessing; which is good since that's a much bigger group. Just my 2¢.

[Deleted]

I believe there would probably be reasonable (but limited) interest. I have seen just the lower portion of the insert sell for ridiculous $$.
In fact, I bought a lower piece on eBay a few months ago, for a pretty significant price (around $350).....because I vaguely remembered that a friend has a top piece, with no bottom.

Also, a lot of the original top pieces have saggy louvers....
Probably be some interest for that reason alone.

[1ol74charger4me]

Everything that has been said x2. Just went through a 2 year search for 1. Bottom line, there is a supply of originals but they are incomplete, damaged or owned by wall art collectors. Usual average price is a little less than $2000 for a nice one. If you could repop them or the Superbee one there would be a small market for them. Since it would be incorrect material I would try to make the bottom pan out of sheetmetal. There are overseas makers that can bang them out cheaper than you can make them. The correct bell nuts for these sell for about $350 a set. I would have been your first buyer but I decided I didn't want to spend the time to repair all the damage to the one I had (rough guess 500 hours) and cut it up to make wall art. While you are making this, consider doing the air grabber set up. That would be cool

[71rt4speed]

yes.... there is a need for a quality stylish non OEM alternative.....but not fiber glass 'cause they are already out there. I would be interested in a carbon fiber insert - louver and seperate pan.....and maybe a hood also. I think the originals are too heavy, weight and styling would improve w/ the carbon fiber as would functionality. I would like the option and ease of adding or removing the pan without scratching the paint, if I'm headed to a show or the track - no pan, but available if it starts to rain, a great option. With the originals its just not practical to make changes quickly and damage free.

Now price.....how much, a fiberglass R/T insert from www.showcars-bodyparts.com/charger.html is only $79. www.trufiber.com/ has comparible Camaro carbon fiber louver insert for $399 - reasonable in my book.

Hoods...yeah of course, but the cost is probably going to be around $1800 for a quality, bolt on, power buldge w/ cut out hood....but how cool would that be....and think about the weight savings.

Might as well carbon up a 71 rear spoiler to match making it a complete look.

I think go for it...... and market it smartly. It would be limited but welcomed by the touring, race and resto mod crowds.

[1ol74charger4me]

Now price.....how much, a fiberglass R/T insert from www.showcars-bodyparts.com/charger.html is only $79. www.trufiber.com/ has comparible Camaro carbon fiber louver insert for $399 - reasonable in my book.

Showcars is a shyster operation. He doesn't even have a mold but if you will send him yours he will be glad to return it. Yeah like that is gonna happen. There is a market for REAL fiberglass RT louvers. Guy on Moparts sells handlaid glass rear window louvers and sells everyone he can make. Carbon fiber would look cool and the weight savings would be tremendous. Never did a side by side weight test but the hoods for these are really heavy. One thing about 'glass versus carbon is the ability to repair. 'Glass is way easier to adjust for fitment issues and waves that any non metal hood is sure to have.If the carbon was perfect to begin with it would last longer. 'Glass will rot and sag with age and anything 'glass made with profit in mind is sure to be thin or have a cardboard or wooden filler inside. Hate to work with either because they make ya itch !

[71rt4speed]

.....I had carbon fiber on my mind and didn't realize you had mentioned recasting them......yeah....lots of resellers would be all over it especially if step mom Fiat would bless it....LOL

[justcruisin]

Any movement on the carbon fiber hood?

[odzking]

I'm just reading this now. I would love to see new Super Bee inserts. No matter how many times I fix mine, the screws keep showing on the top. I'm done trying to fix it.

[glr]

odzking.... Did you use Fuzer to repair it or just an epoxy or fibreglass resin?Show me a couple pictures of your insert.
Gary