Topic: Hood Support 'Shim'
in Forum: C3 Body
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I was at a show a while back and another '74 owner told me that where the hood support is bolted to the front quarter panel, there should be a piece of metal that basically spreads out the weight of the hood over a larger area when the hood's up.
Since then I've looked and seen them on other cars, and wouldn't mind adding one to my car (it makes sense, and I would certainly prefer it to the fiberglass breaking). But I haven't seen the part in any of my catalogs.
Anyone know the part I'm talking about and have an idea where I can/should look for one?
Thanks
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 438
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
Marshall, I will look at Bloomington Gold for one!
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Is this what you are looking for?........http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-hood-hinge-shim-kit-1963-1982.html
corvette440hp
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Naw Larry...those are hood HINGE shims. He's axing aboot the hood support, where it bolts up to the fender.
Here's the support, and then the "shim" that Marshall is talkin aboot....
Here's the support, and then the "shim" that Marshall is talkin aboot....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
As usual Joel, you got it!
Were those stock on '74's? Even if not, it seems like a good idea and I would imagine it would bolt right in... right?
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Marshall, if memory serves(and it usually don't, in my case), the support "shim" was added sometime during production. IF this is the case, then early build car may not have it. My June '74 car does. I'd have to get my AIM out to confirm. It is a good addition to ANY Shark car that does not have one, as if does help spread the load over a larger area of the fender lip. Not much, mind you, but every little bit helps. The added weight of the fresh air door mechanism in the hood, and the thinner body panel(hood surround) pressing made that area vulnerable to flexing.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adams' Apple said: Naw Larry...those are hood HINGE shims. He's axing aboot the hood support, where it bolts up to the fender.
Here's the support, and then the "shim" that Marshall is talkin aboot....
Here's the support, and then the "shim" that Marshall is talkin aboot....
Thanks Joel, now I see what Marshall is talking about
. I actually have that due to my Corvette was one of the last 74's built. It was delivered Oct, 3 1974.
corvette440hp
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Mine fell between the two of yours - VIN 21006 for 1974. Wonder who removed it before I got the car and why...
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The AIM shows the "Special Washer" as far back as Feb '72, so it has been installed at least that long. It's possible, but not likely, that they had a shortage of them the day Marshall's car was assembled. The more likely scenario is that someone forgot to re-install it at some point, after repairs. Whatever the reason, it does help keep the fender lip fron breaking, or flexing. Remember, tho, that the support bracket is also bolted to the inner wheelwell, so the fender lip is not the only support there is for when the hood is open.
Marshall, has your car ever been repainted, or had any paint work done on the front end?
Marshall, has your car ever been repainted, or had any paint work done on the front end?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Marshall, just fabricate one.
corvette440hp
in Forum: C3 Body
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