[brians]

Originally Posted by dataway

Yep, didn't think about it ... don't think they had the flaps in 68.

I've always been unclear on that .... did 68 have no provision for excluding rain etc?

Nope, the dealer swapped out the closed scoops for open ones before delivery and gave you the closed ones back.

In bad weather, you were supposed to change the scoops and put the std air cleaner back on.

Wonder how many owners did that?
A RAII, 4sp, 4:33 gears in the snow

[Greg Reid]

No, they didn't have flaps in '68. Of course, you could add them today if you wanted to use the '69 system...just add money and a lot of it...
I really think it would have to be some serious rain to cause a problem. I have taken mine to the car wash to spray some of my dirt road off of it after I get into the city, and while I don't spray water directly into the scoops, I've never had any water pooling in the pan. By the way, the pan I got from brians has drain holes in it so that helps but I really think it's hard for much water to enter there.....especially rain water.

[supersport#69]

Originally Posted by brians

No flaps in 68.
To use the 69 flaps, you would need the 69 scoops, cut the hood different and need the 69 upper pan or modify the 68 pan. Might as well install the 69 system.


supersport:
As far as the hood bent hood, have straighten several of them over the years but you have to be careful closing so it will not bend again. Be cautious of how much you brace it and possibly change the crumple zone. If It is too stiff it may not bend in a front-end collision as it should.

If you are ever interested in the 68 RA pans, shoot me a PM.
Have one set that needs to be sanded/painted that I’d discount.

I took some pics of the bends.

[supersport#69]

A few more of hood bend. I can’t see any real crease. I may be wrong but it appears to just be outside edge mainly of drivers side.

[supersport#69]

Comparing sides it looks like drivers side where hinge mounts is bent up. You body experts should be able to assess that.

[Greg Reid]

Looks like a hard place to un-wrinkle.

[supersport#69]

Yes it does. The inside or top of hood isn’t like that.
I’m just wondering if I should just by a repro hood considering they’re around $400. I think I’d be money ahead but guessing. Maybe get the hood tach option.

[Greg Reid]

I don't know how the repop hood fits. Might do a search. Not a lot of really good fitting sheet metal out there but not sure at all on the hood.

[supersport#69]

Me neither. If mine is fixable I’d prefer to keep it.

[Greg Reid]

They may be ok. I'm sure someone here knows.
One thing about that hood is that the basic design and fit is the same for 3 year models and they made a crap load of them. Not hard to find solid used ones if you are not adamant about using only a '68 hood...and even if you want a '68 you could probably find one. Most people can't tell the difference and all the differences are in the bracing and the underside of the scoop-insert attachments, totally hidden when it's closed.

[PurelyGTO68]

The reproduction hood from Ames is an exact match for the 68 hood....bracing and all. Excellent fit and quality. My original was kinked as well. I did not want to fix it and then risk it kinking again later.

[supersport#69]

I was browsing eBay and thought I found an air cleaner. Bout it and now looking closer at it I’m not sure it’s right.
Seller said for 68 gto 400. I guess I could take the paint off the lid since chrome under and use it temporarily if it’ll fit.
If I screwed up, what do you think this goes on?

[supersport#69]

Originally Posted by PurelyGTO68

The reproduction hood from Ames is an exact match for the 68 hood....bracing and all. Excellent fit and quality. My original was kinked as well. I did not want to fix it and then risk it kinking again later.

Good to know on hood. I’m in California so not sure what shipping would run.

[supersport#69]

If can get by with it, then fine but I may have to resale if way off.

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by supersport#69

Good to know on hood. I’m in California so not sure what shipping would run.

I am in AZ, can look at my receipts for shipping if you like. I made my purchase as part of a very large order so shipping costs were spread out among many items though...

I have lots of pics posted on the GTO forum with details showing how to trim the hood for the ram air pans so feel free to ask any questions if you decide to go down that route.

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by supersport#69

If can get by with it, then fine but I may have to resale if way off.

Can you find a part number on that air cleaner base? Look for something that starts with 979xxxx

[supersport#69]

Originally Posted by PurelyGTO68

Can you find a part number on that air cleaner base? Look for something that starts with 979xxxx

The seller was cool. Since he accepted returns he just let me cancel the order to save the stress.
Of course I’m still in need of the correct one. There’s a single base restored on there but $375 and no lid. I’ll have to hold off for a bit better cost.

[Bruce Meyer]

This I am positive this came off a 68 Firebird 400. If its the same as a GTO I would be willing to sell it. Could not find a part # on it.

[supersport#69]

Dual stage hd so is this still a single snorkel or open?

[supersport#69]

This is an odd one. Did the air cleaner assembly differ from standard to allow the extra layer of foam around the paper filter?

From what I read 68 gto used same unit as 68/69 Firebird 400 ho.