Disassembling an A hood

alchemy

alchemy

Well-known member
I'm taking apart my first 28-29 hood for cleaning and straightening. The rods in the sides are ease (relatively), but the top has me baffled.

Is that a hollow rod? Does it come out of the individual halves with just a little force? Or is it mechanically attached and won't slide out?

I realize the thing is covered with rust and that will prevent an easy disassembly, but I want to make sure I don't go hammering on something that is riveted or swedged in place.
 
It is hollow,and before you grab onto it an pull,you need to put something inside.Piece of steel rod,a cut off bolt,the shank end of a drill bit,anything that fits in there tight so you don't collapse it.I heard of guys squeezing the end in a drill and spinning the rust off it.I have one here that somebody tried that on.It is twisted up like a corkscrew.
 
I did the drill trick on the side panel rods, but figured the hollow center rod would collapse. I may do some more cleaning and spray more loose juice on it before I try an insert in the center and then try spinning it out.

If anyone else has tips, I’m all ears.
 
I’m guessing after it is out, it’s best to replace it with a solid stainless steel rod, right?
 
Keith True said:
It is hollow,and before you grab onto it an pull,you need to put something inside.Piece of steel rod,a cut off bolt,the shank end of a drill bit,anything that fits in there tight so you don't collapse it.I heard of guys squeezing the end in a drill and spinning the rust off it.I have one here that somebody tried that on.It is twisted up like a corkscrew.
Click to expand...

Yup, been there, done that. I finally ended up whacking it out using a solid steel dowel behind it. Lots of Kroil helped.
 
I have drilled a hole in the hollow rod. Made a fitting and used a slide hammer. Takes time and you have to affix the hood tops so it doesn’t slide with it. It generally ruins the rod
 
Yes, bolt in one end of the hollow tube, kroil, liquid wrench or your choice of liquid loosener, then slide hammer with the hood tops blocked and it will come out eventually. Once out, wrap a dowel with a long piece of 120 grit sandpaper and move it back and forth to get as much rust out as possible but err on the side of caution.
 
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