'69 Hood on '67 SWB

[Mustang54]

I have a buddy who is putting together a hot little '67 SWB truck to tear around town in. He had the hood off to install his new big block and a wind gust slammed it into a tool box nearby, making creases that would be a real PIA to work out.

Instead, he picked up a used hood from a '69 1-ton from a local salvage. He bolted it on and lined up the center ridge and other body lines. Everything fit and the latch worked, but the hood is approximately 1/4" to 3/8" narrower on each side than the original '67 hood. He moved it to get it lined up on one side and it threw all the body lines off. There seems to be no way to make it fit the body lines and the fenders at the same time.

Are these parts not interchangeable? I am aware of some subtle differences in door hardware, dash hardware, and grill & trim on the '67 models, but always thought the body panels were all interchangeable for every year. Any ideas?

[68F250]

That's a good question because I always thought all the hoods were narrower in the front vs the rear. In other words the hood is flush with the body lines at the rear but the hood tapers in slightly going forward and is not flush with the front of the fenders, both sides. You probably notice it a lot more if the hood is a different color.

[snake]

I believe '67 -'72 hoods should all be the same. You are probably just seeing some manufacturing tolerances that were not real tight back then. You may also be able to pull the fenders in at the front to line it up better if the problem is only at the front. As noted above, if its a different color it will be more noticeable.

I've noticed many of these trucks where the front of the bed is narrower than the back of the cab - like you mention, if you line up one side, the other side is noticably off so you just have to adjust to a 'happy medium'. I've also noticed quite a few cabs that the top roof panel was not positioned 'square' so the seams at the top of the 'B' pillar are not flush.......

[68F250]

Here's a pic of a '70, I think that's just the way it is from the one's I've seen, both sides.



We've talked about this before and I remember measuring my hood and fenders to see where the difference was. Can't find the thread.

[Mustang54]

Thanks for the feedback, fellas.

It is really bizarre to look at his truck. He had primered the truck in light gray and masked everything off under the hood to protect from overspray. The new hood is original faded black and you can clearly see how much narrower it is than the original '67 hood by looking at how far the hood is from the primer applied with the other hood installed.

It makes you realize how much difference there is in manufacturing tolerances from then to now. I guess that is why today's cars get 30 mpg, make 250 hp out a 6 cylinder, ride and drive like they're on air, and can't be fixed by anyone not possessing an advanced degree from MIT. Progress!!?!!

[jor]

It makes you realize how much difference there is in manufacturing tolerances from then to now.

Yea, the good ole days really weren't that good! I like these old trucks but they can't compare in any way to current vehicles.
jor

[rjewkes]

yeah snake, thats what happend with mine. its flush on one side and not so flush on the other for the b pillar and that narrower bed front vs back of cab too.

wonder if this happened due to first time workers at the plant or if it was due to when the uaw went on strike?

although my truck is a 72 and i think the strike was in 67 or 68.

[flyboy2610]

wonder if this happened due to first time workers at the plant or if it was due to when the uaw went on strike?

The hood was built early in the morning after a long weekend.

[68F250]

Quality is Job #1.