The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '54 Hood Latch Panel

Hello to all the members out there,
Does anyone know if the '53 Hood latch panel fits a '54. Looks like the bolt holes are the same. I bought a forward tilt kit from No Limit Engineering years ago and have never finished the install. They hadn't mounted it to a '54 so wasn't sure if it would fit after I had bought it. The '47-53 has more of a recessed area than the '54 and I need that so it mounts correctly. I think the hood is the same for all years '47-55 1st. The truck will be in the bodyshop getting a new grill and would like to replace this piece if all matches well. Might have to update my hood also. Thanks, Dave

Dave,

My guess is that the plate-panel is different but the catch-assembly on the plate is the same?

If the plate is 8.080 in the Master Parts Catalog, 54/55 is different from earlier Advance-Design years.

It looks like the catch-assembly is part number 8.028, and that part is the same for all years.

Tim

I did a little experiment on my 54 where I used a earlier radiator shroud panel and tried to bolt a 54 latch mechanism to it. It fit fine. From what I can tell the only difference between the panels is the 54-55.1 has some wiring loom hooks riveted to the back side the earlier panels do not. They will interchange.

As for the hood latch itself the only difference between the 54-55.1 and the earlier latches is the release arm on the 54-55.1 is different to accomodate the new style grill. The old latch will function just fine though with no interferences.

Thanks for the info. Ya I rearended a car the other day and need to replace the grill now. New chrome for $700 from Classic Parts is on its way. Can't beat the $250 Deductible for my insurance, meant to replace that any way. Now need to order that panel, which comes with brand new latch installed, so I can mount the hood correctly. Owner of bodyshop wants to replace my hood if insurance will let him. I paid to get all the body work done last year when my truck was in the shop from a hit & run and I didn't have collision then. The hood has a lot of bondo on it. It might be worth it to drop a new one on. Never had the front emblem or the 3800 sides for it. Do you know of anyone that might have these. Wouldn't mind putting them on if I replace the hood.

you might find them on a site like fillingstation or classic parts

Or.....E-bay usually has those pieces.

I noticed recently that the AD hood is now being reproduced. Cannot recall which outfit had them but check around and I am sure any of them can get it.

Believe it or not, the hood is listed by many. But can't find a single one, I called already.
Dave

Steel Hood

Fiberglass hoods - at middle of page

TC,
Just checked with them. Still haven't received their shipment. One batch came in but the two halves didn't match-up correctly.
Fairline company that does all the fiberglass for Fords has a complete glass front end that tilts open for $1600. Address is http://fairlinecompanymi.com Dave