Under hood bracing

[Critter]

The hood on every on of these trucks I have ever owned has vibrated and banged around to the point that I am bothered by it. I have considered welding (probably just tack welding to avoid excessive warpage) the under hood brace to the actual hood skin. Is this something anyone else has done? Most all that I usually see is a few shop rags or cardboard shoved in between the bracing and the hood to help support it. If I did go through with some sort of welding I would probably undercoat the entire hood with lizard skin then possibly paint it body color. I have no idea if this is smart or not, just seems like it would look good. Any opinions on this???

[Lee H]

All the vendor sell a padding that glues in between the hood and the brace. That's how GM did it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[hgs_notes]

Don't weld the hood skin to the brace. It will just crack and break off any way.

I added a cross brace made from a section of hood brace from a junked one. I put some curve in it to push up the middle then welded it to the existing braces. This is similar to the way they do the cowl hoods now. Also don't bother with the original style pads. The body shops now have a product similar to the seam sealer, that is in a caulking tube. You just use cardboard or something to push up the hood where you want it, from one side of the braces. Then add the caulk and let it cure. Pull out the cardboard and do that side of the brace. It is paintable also. My hood is pretty solid now compared to how it was originally. They put a solid seam of it along the main braces, the stitched it in the middle. They also used it along the front and back braces of the hood.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Lee H

All the vendor sell a padding that glues in between the hood and the brace. That's how GM did it.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree, and I am normally pretty fond of how the factory did things, but in the case of points ignition, drum brakes, manual steering, crappy hood bracing etc, I feel the need to upgrade to something that suits me better. It just seems like a bad design in this case.

[x ReAcT x]

Originally Posted by Lee H

All the vendor sell a padding that glues in between the hood and the brace. That's how GM did it.
Posted via Mobile Device

What vendors sells that padding? Thanks in advance

[Critter]

Originally Posted by hgs_notes

Don't weld the hood skin to the brace. It will just crack and break off any way.

I added a cross brace made from a section of hood brace from a junked one. I put some curve in it to push up the middle then welded it to the existing braces. This is similar to the way they do the cowl hoods now. Also don't bother with the original style pads. The body shops now have a product similar to the seam sealer, that is in a caulking tube. You just use cardboard or something to push up the hood where you want it, from one side of the braces. Then add the caulk and let it cure. Pull out the cardboard and do that side of the brace. It is paintable also. My hood is pretty solid now compared to how it was originally. They put a solid seam of it along the main braces, the stitched it in the middle. They also used it along the front and back braces of the hood.

That's all very good info! I will probably copy what you have done. Thanks!

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by Lee H

All the vendor sell a padding that glues in between the hood and the brace. That's how GM did it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Just in case someone decides to use the original style pads...

GM didn't glue the pads on. They were squeezed in and the pressure kept them in place. Of course the rubber dries out and becomes brittle after 40 plus years so it needs to be replaced. I replaced it on my 68 and it stopped the vibration.

If anyone wants to go the pad route, be extremely careful when prying between the brace and the hood. The top is easily damaged so don't use a metal prybar. I used a wide wooden wedge similar to a wooden shingle.

Having said that, I have also experimented with adding a brace on a spare hood but never finished it. I used 1" square tubing bent slightly to conform to the hood curvature and planned on installing it parallel to the other braces with a pad under it.

[MrSchaeferPants]

That's funny, I was looking at mine yesterday and was wondering the same thing, was going to ask this morning. That link isn't working for me, I'll try again later.

[Lee H]

Originally Posted by x ReAcT x

What vendors sells that padding? Thanks in advance

All of the after market vendors selling classic truck parts, LMC, Brothers, Truck Shop, GMCPauls, Classic Heartbeat, Classic Parts Depot, Classic Industries, to name just a few.

[MikeyMan]

I cut 2 strips of foam rubber carpet pad and wedged them between the hood skin and braces. Worked great, no more rattles and the hood feels more solid.

Old thread but I just used Frost King Garage Door Bottom Seal from Home Depot--2.25" wide and a 9' long section. I had a around a 1' left over. I installed it under the braces and also in the section of the hood in the rear that runs perpendicular to the main braces. I used a plastic mini pry bar and it was super easy work in there. The Frost King seal is has an angle to it around 1/3 of the way across; I installed the the seal in a convex manner with the convex pressing against the hood side. I think the angle on the seal really helped to press the frame against the hood. Worked great and got rid of 95% of the vibration.

[71gmcC15]

I have to get home and take a picture of my 100% stock extra hood brace. Haha. You guys will love it. Note I did not do this. The po did and I never messed with it cuz it works and you don't see it when the hood is closed