Lmc hood braces

[truckin 79]

I have been going back and forth on using the braces I ordered from LMC. I just replaced hood and don't want to wait for another hood to show up in local j-yard when/if this one bends. I am thinking of using the braces and just not using all the screws that are supposed to be used with braces. I just wont get into a accident

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

We just had 2 crashes up here last week where a pickup truck hit a tree and caught fire. Both guys died too. The new fuel systems aren't perfectly safe either.

The Inertia valves that Dodge and Ford like to use on their EFI systems are a lot less than safe. I knew a fellow in the mid 90's who lost his wife to a vehicle fire in a Ram 1500 because the fuel pump didn't shut down after a head-on crash with a drunk.
Folks that add electric fuel pumps to these trucks don't add any safety cutoffs to them. Take a cue from 2/3 of the GMT400 DS4 6.5L Diesels fuel pump power supply wiring. Energize the pump while the engine is running using a normally open oil pressure switch that closes at 5PSI. Start the pump before the OPS closes using a fuel pump relay that energizes only while the engine is cranking. This is bloody easy to wire up and a far more reliable safety than inertia switches... when the engine stops so does the fuel pump. And it can be done with GM RV series squarebody parts.

Chris
It may be worth clamping the hood straight then drilling the end(s) of any stress cracks with a 5/64" or 7/64" drill bit. Then stitch/tack weld the stress cracks at the crumple zone. There are more than one visible in your picture.

[chrismoore701]

Actually no stress cracks. That is cracks in the pAint

[chrismoore701]

Going back to the gas tank issue. I was actually part of the class action lawsuit in the fact that I owned this truck on midnight of a certain year so they sent me a voucher for $500 cash or $5000 towards a new car. Bought a car

[chrismoore701]

Now back to my hood issue. Thoughts?

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

Going back to the gas tank issue. I was actually part of the class action lawsuit in the fact that I owned this truck on midnight of a certain year so they sent me a voucher for $500 cash or $5000 towards a new car. Bought a car

I had a 75 & 85 C10s back then. I remember getting a voucher to use on a new GM vehicle but only if I traded in a perfectly good truck. I figured it was targeted advertising scam of sorts to get people to buy a new GM. The truck was worth more to me working than they were going to give me so...

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

Now back to my hood issue. Thoughts?

If there are no cracks then it may not get any worse. Especially if you keep after the hinges. Just keep your eyes open for a replacement.

[Pontiac1976]

hatzie
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 2,121 Re: Lmc hood braces

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pontiac1976 View Post
Ouch: lubrication in all the pivot areas. To clean the pivot area use WD-40 then work the hood then re-lube them every 8 to 12 months. and this should never happen again.

Quote:hatzie's WD-40 will free it up but it's not a lubricant any more than PB-Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or Kroil... All of which will free up stuck parts.

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 2,120 Re: Lmc hood braces
________________________________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pontiac1976
Ouch: lubrication in all the pivot areas. To clean the pivot area use WD-40 then work the hood then re-lube them every 8 to 12 months. and this should never happen again.
WD-40 will free it up but it's not a lubricant any more than PB-Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or Kroil... All of which will free up stuck parts.
Well I said clean with WD-40 the pivot area ( use ½ can hood hinge clean out the old rust dry old lube, use whatever you like to lube it.) Up Canada it cheaper then lot cheaper to use WD-40 as a solvent ( but if really stuck then use PB-Blaster when it starts to free up USE some varsal (paint thinner) high flow air flush out the grim ””CLEAN”” This might be messier then WD-40. I just lube with 10W30 oil. But you whatever lube you like KD chicken grease I hear work well.

[Pontiac1976]

Well if it did not bend the upper side or the top & you keep Hinges LUBED should be ok till you want to replace it. Or find one at a good deal. I still would not let lumber jack slam the hood.

[chrismoore701]

I tried to get the bow out of it with a 2x4 and clamps. It seemed to move but when I reLeased the clamps it went back

[Pontiac1976]

Well most like a new hood. But if you want to try to get it out, only way get it out re- clamp heat the area on both side of the bend till it get all most pink let it slowly cool. when cool un clamp then try other side.

[Gregski]

I did, they are nothing to write home about, pics in write up in the link below

Restoring Rusty - Hood Braces

[Pontiac1976]

Looks like you installed them at the wrong side. I be leave they should be closer to the hinge side. I could be wrong.

[chrismoore701]

Originally Posted by Pontiac1976

Well most like a new hood. But if you want to try to get it out, only way get it out re- clamp heat the area on both side of the bend till it get all most pink let it slowly cool. when cool un clamp then try other side.

Heating is really not an option either as it is under fresh paint. If I go that route, I will buy a new one. This is a knot in my stomach that just will not go away. I think I will deal with it for now and hope I can find a good used hood. But then again, this one was used and look where I am now. How are the hoods at Classic Parts? only $150

[hatzie]

If it's used and straight and you keep the hinges lubed you won't have a problem.
You can shrink the bow out but as you pointed out it'll require a re-paint of the hood.

IDK if I'd touch a $150 hood. It's not likely original gauge metal. More like paper thin.

[cadillac_al]

I would just try to straighten it with a 2x4 and keep on the lookout for a used hood to keep around in case it bends again (unlikely now that the hinges are oiled).

[chrismoore701]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

I would just try to straighten it with a 2x4 and keep on the lookout for a used hood to keep around in case it bends again (unlikely now that the hinges are oiled).

should I leave the 2x4 on for a while? Had it on last night for a couple minutes, I was afraid to leave it, I had it clamped on the sideways and I was afreaid it would pop off, but I can secure it there better

[LBJ]

Remove the springs and get a broom stick! That's what I did after those Mack Truck hood springs ruined TWO HOODS. Haha

[hatzie]

Broomsitcks look hokey.
Bend up a prop rod. They aren't rocket science to make.

You could mount a pair of gas struts toward the nose too.

[chrismoore701]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Broomsitcks look hokey.
Bend up a prop rod. They aren't rocket science to make.

You could mount a pair of gas struts toward the nose too.

That's an option. I will start looking at junk yards and try to figure out how to mount it

['76 Big Block]

The hood on my '76 was bent on both sides.
I had to remove it in order to replace the right front fender.
Before putting it back on, I put the front of the hood on a wooden pallet I had laying around, and with a well placed boot,pushed the hood down at the bent areas, verified flatness with a level, and welded the LMC braces in place. I also welded two pieces of 1/8" X 3/4" flat steel on each side of the brackets.
They final result looks good from the top side, and I'm pleased.
I think that sometimes things get over anal-ized (my opinion, worth what it cost)---- like someone said a long time ago---- "don't worry about the mule going blind, just load the wagon"!

[cadillac_al]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

should I leave the 2x4 on for a while? Had it on last night for a couple minutes, I was afraid to leave it, I had it clamped on the sideways and I was afreaid it would pop off, but I can secure it there better

My 2x4 method is quite different. This was used on other peoples stock cars and bomber cars and possibly a truck once in a while. You just lay a 6 ft 2x4 across the front fenders and sit on the bent part of the hood. If that isn't enough then maybe jump up and down on it. If that isn't quite right you maybe try a 4 ft 2x4 and place it from the fender to the middle of the core support and the off angle twist will help it bend where you want it. It isn't an exact science. I still remember when used Chevy pick up hoods were $50 or less.

There is a guy on nastyz28 that just did the same thing to his hood this week. Not everybody realizes that GM hoods are supposed to close easily without much muscle. If they aren't practically falling shut then the hinges need some maintenance.

[chrismoore701]

I am thinking of putting a 2x4 on the hood and squeezing it straight with clamps and then screwing in a small strip of galvanized duct sheet metal. What do you guys think. It should hold the hood straight and still be able to collapse on impact. I have a slightly bent hood I can test this on. To see if it straightens it out and then I will try to bend it. Thoughts