new hood

[kevsem65]

so my wife hit a deer yesterday in my 78, dented in the hood and screwed up the dr side front fender (im freakin devastated). ive been trying to find a good hood replacement but to no avail( if anyone has a line on one pleeeaaase let me know). I can find the 79+ style hood easy , I don't really like the larger bulges but I may have to go that way. my question is, is the later style hood a direct bolt on or do other things need to be done. thx guys

[TimpanogosSlim]

The later style hood has the later style hood prop. It's better, but you have to actually have it. You'll have to drill a couple holes to mount it. You may also need to bring the hinges along too (I forget? pins are a different diameter or something).

Getting it to line up and look perfect is another question. As i understand it, hoods were matched to bodies at the factory and no two are exactly alike.

[seabeelt]

Definitely will need the hinges to swap with a big bump hood. Hoods are stamped so I don't know that they were custom fit to the car. Als will need the hood prop unless you can transfer the old one to the new hood. I have had both kinds of props each has its quirks and positive aspects. Your choice.

[Warren]

If a used one will do, check with Matthews in Birmingham, AL (205)251-5800. They disassemble Fiats for parts.

[vandor]

No, hoods were not matched to the body at the factory! The Spider was a production car with about a hundred a day being built when production was at its peak.

As stated above, you need the hinges and spring that holds it up. Alternatively you can have the tab from the old hood welded to the new one and use the original prop rod.

[azruss]

the newer the hood, the more dolphin nose it is. this can create an interference with the radiator cap if you try to fit an older hood.

[kevsem65]

After much searching I found one , funny enough from Matthews in al as the previous poster suggested!