Hood/bonnet prices and quality

[twistedtree]

I'm thinking of replacing my hood/bonnet and am finding hugely varying prices.  Does anyone have any experience with these and know the differences?  Here's what I've found:

Bud's - $999
KK Mfg - $2400
Millers - $4400

[w113dude]

I believe Bud's price is for a used one and not a new one, as for the difference between the other two I can't tell.
I always thought the new hood prices were way over priced, What I have done in the past is to find a really good used one making sure the threads on the hinge connections are fine and the edges of the hood have not been cut, modified or tampered with, every thing else can be repaired, left with stripping it down to bear metal and priming.

This of course depends on the kind of restoration one is willing to do!

[Jonny B]

Also remember, that there will be some "adjusting" to get these to fit correctly. The cars did have some final trimming done as they came down the line and all the pieces and parts were assembled. These are aluminum, so corrosion should not be a concern, the threads are a good thing to watch out for.

[ashley]

I've heard that new hoods come oversized and have to be trimmed to fit due to the handmade nature of these cars, is this true? A used hood might therefore be too small in some regard, not really possible to to add metal is it?

[Jonny B]

I believe you are correct about the sizing for the hoods. I do not have any experience with a used hood.

[IXLR8]

Hi--

I have a used hood that you might be interested in.

It's stripped down to the bare metal and has a quick spray of primer.

No pictures at this time, but will have in about 3 weeks.

Threads are good. Also includes safety latch and torsion rod.

$700, plus shipping from SC.

Thanks,

Joe

[tel76]

If the Bonnet/hood is too small metal can be added to make it larger.
Find a good metal workshop that does TIG welding and they will be able to add aluminium to the outside edge.
Not every operative can do this work so choose your company carefully.