hi guys.  i have a question.  i have a 78 with mostly 80-82 stuff on it.  i am wanting to put a different hood on it.  i found an L88 style over at riks corvette parts.  is this going to be a big deal for me put it on or should i get a professional body shop to help me with this?

Depends on who actually made the hood. Some are better, overall, than others, as far as fit. You should be able to get it bolted on with no problems. It might fit really well, or it might need some "adjustments"...hard to say. Most will need at least some minor bodywork to make them nice, depending on how nice you want it to fit, and look. Ya cain't beat the looks of an L88 hood on a Shark!

thank you joel.  it is good to be back here with you all.   i have missed it. 

Got mine from a different dealer in Looos-ianna that went out of business. But, it did bolt right on. Measure twice before droppin it in!!

Karen, I had an article with step by step instructions including paint for that hood. I may still have it at home on my laptop, if so I'll get you the link tonight.

what will i need to measure before i drop it in?  also, how heavy is this hood going to be?  my sister and i will be doing the work.  i would hate to drop it on one of our head's before we get on the car.

thanks a lot.  that would be great

All C3s from 73 on use the same basic hood shape, so there is nothing to measure in advance.  What everyone is saying is that the manufacturing quality varies greatly. 
Any two adults can set one in place.  They are not heavy.  Once you bolt it to the hinges, VERY slowly close it and look for interference.  Stop before it touches and adjust the hinges until it fits as well as it can, then decide where you need to add or remove material to make it look right.  Since our cars are old, sometimes you just can't get it right without bodywork on the car itself.  If you are planning a paint job, that is no problem. 

I have had hoods where I sawed through the reinforcement in the back and re-arched the whole hood.  I have also added fiberglass to the hood surround to match the hood.  They can all be made to fit.

Good Luck
Larry

thank you larry very much.  i am also going to have to get the nose painted. my sister ran into it.  it didn't break anything, just scuffed it.  i don't know whether to buy a new nose or just get it fixed.

Glad you reposted forgot to send you the link...... ebo2010-03-26 14:58:46