The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop AD Hood Louvers

I am considering punching some louvers in the sides of my 54 hood. Who here has done that to theirs and does it affect the structural integrity of the hood?

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2269563260103006412XNvZtb?vhost=good-times hi heres something i seen on a 71 i thaught it made this truck stick outas far as structural a cant see it weakening the hood cause i believe thay roll the punched opening to the inside. i hope the pic works for you im new to this lol

Houston54,

I had a '51 with 4 rows of louvers punched into the hood. This didn't degrade the integrity at all..if anything, all the little bends make it more stiff.

If you look in the gallery at the '51's, you can just make out the louvers in the hood of 'Big Black'.

When you have a louvered hood, washing the truck also soaks the engine (and all its chrome). Some folks had a sheet metal pan permanently attached to the bottom of the hood with a drain hose leading to the ground.

Make sure who ever does the louvers is a absolute perfectionist as you see them every time you drive, and they must be perfect.


Stuart

I'm gearing up to add two rows of 4" louvers to my '63 c10 hood. The source I've found will mail you the rows of blanks in 2", 3" or 4" louvers for you to weld in. Fergie Rodine is the name. Email your request to: [email protected] Prices are cheap! $1.50 per louver plus the sheet metal cost and shipping. I can't wait to punch that hood!