The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1946 Hood Prop

I have purchased reproduction hood props that apparently where original to the 41-46 GMC trucks and the seller did include the disclaimer that the installation of said product may require the relocation of the voltage regulator (lowered) to accommodate the folding down (storage position) onto the cowl. I am aware of Randy Baumann's tech tip for the installation of the hood prop hoop prop where he also mentions this issue.

I have attempted to search for any tips regarding this voltage reg relocation and have no luck. I have not started the project, but I would venture to say that the regulator needs to be moved downward about an inch. Any help from someone who has already tackled this project would be appreciated.

Roberts Motor parts, a Dodge Plymouth parts dealer sells a support that bolts right on the rod that goes from the firewall to the radiator. It hinges to stand up or lay down out of the way. I have them on my 46 and they work fine. Roberts phone is 800-231-3180. I wrote about them one time before but some one made a smart comment and I don't think any one tried them.

I don't recall the supplier name, but I have a similar (rod -firewall-radiator) set up on my '37 and will for the '46, when I get to that point in restoration. It works great!!! Takes only a few minutes to install and doesn't get in the way of any routine maintenance needed otherwise. As I recall, I paid less than $25 from the supplier at a swap meet about 4 years ago. One of the things I like about it is that even in a light to moderate wind (5-15 mph) the hood stays secure.

Monroe, I remember that post, and checked out the Dodge truck hood prop. It is perfect for a stovebolt, and I will get a pair when I get further into the resto. Great tip!

Monroe, I'm sorry somone made a smart comment before - I was glad to learn about the props. I just went on the Roberts web site and ordered a pair. I've been using a stick of wood and they will be a big improvement. If anyone else looks they are found under "accessories" the item number is T162. Thanks for the info.

I was lucky enough to find an original pair years ago, have since made a new set out of stainless. I also ran into a fellow at a car show that had a NOS set in the box with the factory instruction sheet (which he promised to send me a copy of, never happened). An item that was included with the NOS set was a small 'lanyard' or length of small rope that went from that hole in the arm to up under the mechanism that fastens the hood shut. This neat little rope would pick up the arm as you raised the hood. Also I remember that the instructions said to rest the hood not on the edge but on the rod inside that locks it shut.

See pics of arm on my 46.

Your pics show the hood prop in use,and also show that the VOLTAGE REGULATOR is not in the "stock position" on the fire wall. I have the hood props, already purchased, I am ready to install...but I can see that when the hood prop would go into the "storage" position, the current location of my Voltage Regulator would prevent the prop from laying flat on along the top edge of the firewall, impeding closure of the hood.

Apparently, I did not phrase my question clearly: Has anyone had experience in moving the voltage regulator downward and inch or two in order to facilitate the hood prop in the storage position? Are there any links to tech tips?

Good tip on using the locking rod as the resting point for the prop!

I also use the hinged prop rods that attach to the radiator support rods (you can see pics of them in my 'more pix on Photobucket' photos).

The trick I used to keep them from falling/slipping is, I placed a strip about 1" wide by 2" long of black 3M skateboard grip tape under the hood on each side. The rubber tip on the end of the rod is placed against the grip tape when either side or both is opened. It has NEVER slipped or fallen since I added the tape.

I ordered the props from Roberts last Thursday when I saw them mentioned in this post. Received them today and they are very nice and heavy duty. I'll see how they work out this weekend.