[scottydl]

Anyone have experience with used/original hood hinges vs. new aftermarket ones?

The left hinge on my '69 Executive bent some time back, and the hood still closes but that hinge bends out of place sideways whenever the hood is raised/lowered. Pretty strange.

Anyway I'm ready to replace them, and had been stalking FranksPontiacParts.com for a replacement set. The full size model hinges are difficult to find. Then I see that Ames has new/aftermarket ones... but about twice the price of a good used set from Frank's (if they ever get another set).

Thoughts? And if I buy new, can I reuse my current/original springs or should those be replaced too?

[MD79TA]

There is a gentleman that rebuilds them and sells on eBay . I bought a set for my 68 gto. If I can find that sellers number I will send. Frank's is crazy money.for most parts Doug

[GTOLiam]

I purchased a set of aftermarket for my 67 GTO and they were junk.

This company does good work
http://www.hoodhingerepair.com/

[mrennie]

I recommend these guys. They did my hinges, fast turnaround, painted them with the finish I wanted, and look like new. Even told me after they were done that they had been slightly bent and had straightened them back to correct shape, which I did not know about when I sent them in.

http://www.hoodhingerepair.com/

[lugnutx2]

I have a set from Ames on my 66 GTO, they fit and work well.

[MD79TA]

Agree on after market on Question of quality. That's why I went with a company that buys originals and rebuild to better than stock quality. Still looking for name but others out there that do same. I would. Not buy a used pair as you could have same problem a month later . Best luck. I see you said that these are tough to find. So I guess gto hinges will not fit? Reason is I have a few sets. Try Hemming news they list a lot of tough parts and a ton of quality restoration shops. Last resort I'd have no problem with Ames. They don't sell junk and stand behind their products but as you stated a little high in price . Doug

[MD79TA]

Mrennie. I think that's who sold me a pair that he had done for my 68 gto. Either way your better to get yours rebuilt than to buy over seas junk. As last resort I would trust Ames as they do stand behind their products. Doug

[scottydl]

Thanks guys, I'll check out the rebuild option (I need to do the same with the fuel tank sending unit, but that's another thread)... I figured once the metal was bent there may be no saving it, but I guess it's worth a shot.

Originally Posted by MD79TA

I would. Not buy a used pair as you could have same problem a month later . Best luck. I see you said that these are tough to find. So I guess gto hinges will not fit? Reason is I have a few sets.

Good point on used, and I thought about that. And yep, the GTO/Tempest/Lemans hinges do not fit. There is a slight difference in the straight portion that attaches to the hood. I paid a body shop a couple hours of labor to find that out a few years ago, while they were attempting install of a set I bought on ebay.

[scottydl]

It took me a few months, but Willie Wilson at Wilson Antique Car Parts (the hoodhingerepair.com guy) has my hinges as of today, and will be rebuilding them. He said the bent hinge may or may not be salvageable... he's got to heat it up to see if it can be straightened and hold. Otherwise he has core pieces that can be substituted.

For those that used him, did you pay the extra $25 for paint or $75 for other coating? Or just do that yourself?

[MD79TA]

Have him so he stands behind the work he has done. I can't remember if he was who did mine , but I'm sure you will be happy with rebuilt originals. I would make sure you follow direction to pre lube and get them working as it is an easy way to kink your hood if not lubed correctly. Go slow closing first time ( 1/2 way closed and up a few times ) working up and down to break in properly , . Best luck Doug