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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 6
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The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
I stumbled across this forum a few weeks ago and saw that some members were interested in the Eagle Ventures hood for ’69-’73 Blazers and other GM trucks. Some thought it was made and sold by Hickey, some liked it, some didn’t. I offer this post to set the record straight…
In the late sixties, the four-wheel drive craze was in full bloom, fueled in part by the introduction of the Chevy Blazer in 1968. The concept of modifying a pick-up by replacing the cab with a removable station wagon style top was the idea of Vic Hickey, who worked for GM at the time. The idea of a convertible pick-up truck was radical, if not revolutionary! In 1970, I purchased a used, but unmodified ’69 Blazer and soon began customizing it with items available from a number of aftermarket sources. By this time Hickey had left GM and had started his own off-road business in Ventura, CA. I lived in the San Fernando Valley, less than an hour’s drive from Hickey’s shop, and became such a regular we eventually became friends. I have a background in technical publications and helped write some of the product literature to earn a discount for my purchases. When Vic added a “low-profile” fiberglass hood for the ’73 and later Blazer, I couldn’t talk him into offering one for the ’69-‘72 trucks. These earlier hoods had a much higher frontage and would benefit even more from a lower profile. But Vic didn’t think there would be enough of a market to offset the cost of development, and as things turned out, he was right! I had earlier taken a sabbatical from a major aerospace company and was looking for something to satisfy my creative instincts. The off-road aftermarket was so hot at the time, it seemed all one had to do was develop a proprietary product or two and have a catalog of the usual products and you would be in business. Visiting Pete Brown and watching his booming success building KC HiLites out of his garage was a great motivator. The hood would be my first step and then one thing would lead to another. Temporary GMC hood used to check fit, and plan design of cutout section. Note masking tape outlining the area. I borrowed the hood from a friend’s GMC pick-up to ensure it was the same as mine. Everything checked out, and I was off. Analyzing the design of the factory hood, I developed a profile that would clear the radiator cap and air cleaner, but leave the sides intact for strength. A similar style was in use by Land Rover. The two “horns’ thus created would also provide the driver with a pointing reference, sometimes helpful in the outback. Artists rendering of a ground level view showing how cutout would increase near-truck visibility. Having no experience in molding or in fiberglass, I spent a few months working with pros to develop first the plug, then the mold. With the first skin pulled, I went to work designing the understructure and then going through the same process to get a part to marry with the skin. Weight was never an issue, strength and durability was the goal. With the understructure perfected, I built an assembly jig for marrying the two parts. My son and I did the final assembly in my garage. I won’t bore you with the details and many pitfalls experienced, but just let me say it took several attempts at each stage (one wound up in court) to find the right source to get the job done properly. I learned there was an old saying “lose your ass in fiberglass…” With the prototype finished, I anxiously mounted it on my Blazer and was somewhat amazed at how well it fit! Then began real world tests of added visibility and other parameters. It not only provided a significant improvement in near-truck visibility off-road, but also an unintentional consequence of improved gas mileage on the freeway! Feeling confident, I went to the expense of patenting the design. Reaction from local dealers was promising; and anxious to get public reaction, I entered the Blazer in an off-road show. It drew large crowds and won first place in the four-wheel drive class, and a pickup truck with an EV hood took another two trophies. The pick-up was owned by the service manager of the local Chevy dealer! Article in Four Wheeler called the new hood “stunning…” Trophy winning pickup – note hood finished in gold leaf! First magazine ad, November 1973 My broker was poised to raise a significant infusion of capital and I placed my first ad in Four Wheeler magazine. Things were going well when a month later the Arab oil embargo hit! Soon long lines at the gas pump forced the government to introduce gas rationing and then a nationwide speed limit of 55 mph. Needless to say, the impact on the off-road aftermarket was devastating and it rapidly began drying up. Not only were sales depressed, but materials became more and more expensive. I lasted for a couple of years before the shoestring was broken and I had to stop. Vic made me an offer, which included being his rep in the southeastern US, but I opted instead to return to my old job at the aerospace company; and destroyed the remaining stock, jigs and molds. Only a couple hundred hoods were made. Seeing Hickey get credit for the EV hood, is sort of like how Michelangelo must've felt when Leonardo was getting credit for the Pieta… |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Interesting read, thanks for sharing!
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 4,143
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Welcome to the forum. Great story!
__________________
1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: new mexico
Posts: 948
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Very cool story. Thank you for taking the time to post it here.
Too bad it didn't work out better for you. Maybe a mod could put this as a sticky in the 4x4 section. John
__________________
1972 3/4T 4x4 Chevrolet (383) 1971 c-10 SWB (400 sb) 1972 4x4 Blazer 1969 SWB 4x4 GMC Projects: 1972 stepside 4x4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280132 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285952 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553672 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522704 |
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#5 |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,826
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Thanks for setting the story straight, always wondered why Hickey never offered them for 67-72s. Love the pics of the nostalgic Blazer and the ad!!
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1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C |
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#6 |
Carpe manana
![]() ![]() Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Posts: 12,395
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Wow! And still in use today by at least one forum member: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577163
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1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 ![]() |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Thanks for the history lesson Bill. Do you still have a truck with a hood on it?
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: springfield mo
Posts: 3,075
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Cool story, to bad it didn't work out though
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United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son ![]() |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Backwoods, OR
Posts: 888
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Cool history.
A good example of taking an idea, learning how to implement it and follow through.
__________________
'69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge" |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Backwoods, OR
Posts: 888
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Almost forgot... Welcome to the forum!
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__________________
'69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge" |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Hey BillD ...
![]() ![]() Great read ![]()
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A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Salem, OR
Posts: 127
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Hey, thanks a ton for posting. Great story and a cool product.
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__________________
Josh '70 Custom Camper / 20 |
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#13 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,858
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
It's great to know the real story. Thanks so much for sharing. And now,on this site,credit will be given where credit's due from here on out. That was a great product.
__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#14 |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,130
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Thanks for sharing the story of the hood. Although I was hoping that someone someday would stumble on the molds someday. I now know it won't happen. .thanks again for sharing
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"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man |
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#15 |
*************
![]() Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 17,846
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Great stuff BillD! You should try making them again and maybe do a carbon fiber version....
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Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3 |
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#16 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Formerly MD and San Diego, now loving life in Arizona
Posts: 1,636
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Quote:
If someone were to pursue this with today's modern technology, The costs might be managable and profitable with the increased interest in these trucks today.
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Alan 2012 Ram 3500 Dually Crew Cab 6.7 Cummins 2014 Palomino Columbus 340RK 5th wheel '69 Chevy C10 396BB |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
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#18 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,516
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
How would I get in touch with BillD, hasn't posted for a long time
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Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
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#19 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Belews Creek , NC
Posts: 4,220
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
HHmmm, interesting, kind of reminds me of the old bronco's
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Larry It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new. "Project 68" paypal.me/ldgrant |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Osceola, Ia
Posts: 2,017
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Great story. Cool hearing something like this first hand from someone who was there. Very interesting. Don't hesitate to post more if you have it, or more pics. I'm sure most would lap it up.
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Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold ![]() 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039 |
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Yuba City, Ca
Posts: 1,946
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
I just picked one of these hoods up today. I'll have to post a picture. Really is a cool hood I wasn't aware there were only a few 100 made.
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Kirk 72 Blazer CST 4wd highlander |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mobile, Al.
Posts: 687
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Thanks for sharing, very interesting. Welcome to the forum.
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#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Cedar Park, Texas
Posts: 7,500
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Just curious why anyone would go to all the trouble and expense to Create the molds, only to destroy them (?)
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pittsfield, ME
Posts: 477
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Thanks for sharing this story with us. Great to know how it really happened.
But I have to ask, besides destroying the molds, why did you destroy any of the remaining stock and not sell the rest of the hoods off? (that would mean more hoods to have for us!!) ![]() Since you have made them back then and like someone mentioned here, the interest in these old trucks is getting bigger and bigger, would you consider doing a second run on these? I´m sure a lot of people would love to have them! Plus this way they wouldn´t be knock offs, they´d still be produced by the original man, YOU! I would be the first one on the list for a hood if you remake them. Maybe we should start collecting signatures and if we get enough you might build more of these awesome hoods!? ![]() ![]()
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78 Chevy K20 Custom Deluxe, build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=612104 68 Chevy K20 Panel truck, build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...41#post7263441 |
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#25 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: The Story of the Eagle Ventures Hood
Hey BillD
![]() ![]() Thanks for sharing. Great read!!
__________________
A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
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