Billet Hood Hinge Anxiety

[Hellbent]

I’m trying to justify the outrageously high price tag for a set of these hinges. I’ve been watching them for months, more and more Vendors are selling them but the prices are not coming down. They look great but I really don’t have to have them... Thoughts? Good, Bad??

[OregonNed]

They may or may not clear the stock heater box - heard of one fellow who couldn't use his.. no personal experience here, though.

[bill3rail]

Do you absolutely need them? Be careful as our wants can sometimes overpower needs.
Yeah, they look sharp however do they open the hood any better than stock hinges?

Bill

[darrellyates]

OK. I have some experience with these hinges. I bought a set off a vendor on this site. There are good points and bad...

The good: They are great at holding the hood alignment. With the stock hinges, over time, the rear of the hood appears to "lift" or raise from alignment with the cowl panel. This isn't because the hinges get out of adjustment, but that they seem to "spring" or change shape. I marked the alignment of the hinges, and the rear of the hood just seemed to continue to move over time. I do not have this issue with the Eddie Motorsport hinges. And, they look good. For me, that is of secondary importance, the alignment is the thing.

The bad: The hood doesn't open as "wide" as with the stock hinges. That is, the overall opening of the hood isn't as great. They don't have as much swing, or degree of movement. And, they are expensive. Those are the pro's and con's as I see them.

Check around. Porterbuilt has a nice set up but you have to weld it in. Lots of guys like that, I just like the billet better than that. (Plus, I didn't want to have to add a prop rod which was needed when I started my build.) Also, there are several manufacturers. Pricing may vary. Look for pieces from a project. I am sure that somewhere, there is a distressed set laying around. I didn't find them, but I didn't look very hard either (I was in a hurry.)

Good luck. I would use them again. I'm looking at those large hinges for a Gen 2 F Body, and thinking the billet hinges would likely hold the hood alignment better on that car as well. Will be making a decision shortly...

[Hellbent]

Originally Posted by OregonNed

They may or may not clear the stock heater box - heard of one fellow who couldn't use his.. no personal experience here, though.

Good point, not an issue in my case. Stock heater is gone.

Originally Posted by bill3rail

Do you absolutely need them? Be careful as our wants can sometimes overpower needs.
Yeah, they look sharp however do they open the hood any better than stock hinges?

No, I do not need them and in fact have a brand new set of stock hinges. I really just like the look and think they would compliment the build. Good question that is answered below.

Originally Posted by darrellyates

OK. I have some experience with these hinges. I bought a set off a vendor on this site. There are good points and bad...

The good: They are great at holding the hood alignment. With the stock hinges, over time, the rear of the hood appears to "lift" or raise from alignment with the cowl panel. This isn't because the hinges get out of adjustment, but that they seem to "spring" or change shape. I marked the alignment of the hinges, and the rear of the hood just seemed to continue to move over time. I do not have this issue with the Eddie Motorsport hinges. And, they look good. For me, that is of secondary importance, the alignment is the thing.

The bad: The hood doesn't open as "wide" as with the stock hinges. That is, the overall opening of the hood isn't as great. They don't have as much swing, or degree of movement. And, they are expensive. Those are the pro's and con's as I see them.

Check around. Porterbuilt has a nice set up but you have to weld it in. Lots of guys like that, I just like the billet better than that. (Plus, I didn't want to have to add a prop rod which was needed when I started my build.) Also, there are several manufacturers. Pricing may vary. Look for pieces from a project. I am sure that somewhere, there is a distressed set laying around. I didn't find them, but I didn't look very hard either (I was in a hurry.)

Good luck. I would use them again. I'm looking at those large hinges for a Gen 2 F Body, and thinking the billet hinges would likely hold the hood alignment better on that car as well. Will be making a decision shortly...

Perfect. Exactly what I needed to read. Thank you for your time and effort with the post.
I think I will keep on with the stock for now and like you said, keep my eyes open for a distressed set.
I am easily distracted by shiny objects, but these can wait and be easily added later.

[OregonNed]

I wanted a different look without custom hinges, so I went with a set of powdercoated hinges with new springs. I'm pretty sure the person who does these has another set on Ebay right now.

[Hellbent]

Originally Posted by OregonNed

I wanted a different look without custom hinges, so I went with a set of powdercoated hinges with new springs. I'm pretty sure the person who does these has another set on Ebay right now.

Those look pretty good. Thanks for the idea.

[FRCvette]

Originally Posted by OregonNed

I wanted a different look without custom hinges, so I went with a set of powdercoated hinges with new springs. I'm pretty sure the person who does these has another set on Ebay right now.

Those look really nice, I would like to have a set. Who is seller.

[OregonNed]

Originally Posted by FRCvette

Those look really nice, I would like to have a set. Who is seller.

On Ebay - clark101 He's a reliable seller.

[FRCvette]

Originally Posted by OregonNed

On Ebay - clark101 He's a reliable seller.

Thank You.