73-80 hoods?
 

Is there a difference between 73-80? Is the very front center of the hoods different? Mine seems to be raised for style or structural support.

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

as far as i know they are all the same for the first gen squarebodys (73-80)

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

I think the 73-74's had the raised section on the front of the hood, I could be wrong on the years though

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

73 - 78 is the same 79 ,80 had a raised lip on the front

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

Pre 76 hoods were designed for external release latch. Later internal release trucks have a square opening for the safety hook (absent in earlier hoods)

//RF

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

sorry i forgot about that

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

One other difference is that the early hoods are not desighned to crumple in the middle like the later hood were. Anyone with tight hood hinges will know about this.

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

Mine is an 80 and I just noticed the raised area in the front. I like the older style. I'll bet it was done for more hood slamin support. Mine is also a custom so I wouldn't know about any of that fancy stuff like an inside hood latch.

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

ya going to think im funny but a 1 ton hood dont bend at the heinges as bad

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

Is this what your referring to ?

This is my new 74 hood, And it does have the same places on the under side support area that will let it crumple in the middle if the hinges get too tight.....

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

Yes

Not on top but on the very front where all the bugs hit. Do they all have that raised area at the front?

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

IDK, Just trying to verify for others what you were speaking of. It goes nearly the full width of the hood and tappers down smooth at the outer edges.....

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

73-77 (maybe 78) had a completely smooth front hood area, 78-80 had the "ridge" in front, and according to GM, was to help with fuel mileage of all things. All "73-80" aftermarket hoods, from what I have seen, have the ridge in them as well.

Re: 73-80 hoods?
 

All the hoods are identical strength-wise...doesn't matter if it is a 1/2 ton or 1 ton.