1969 Camaro Custom Hood Vent Fabrication

[V8TV]

This is not really a car build, but we had a customer approach us about building and installing some custom hood vents for his ‘69 Camaro. He liked the style of the vents in the carbon fiber hood on Mark Stielow’s Hellfire Camaro, but these would be steel. Stielow’s carbon fiber hood does not have the same underside structure as a stock steel Cowl Induction hood, so these would have to be a little different to fit into the opening in the structure without remaking the support structure.

Here is the inspiration:

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/Mark-Stielow-1969-Hellfire-Chevrolet-Camaro-SEMA-2014-Live-01.jpg

First, Adam made a couple design sketches to land on an idea. The goal was to make a functional vent that would help pull air through the radiator and release underhood heat.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_003.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_004.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_001.JPG

[V8TV]

The size and location were plotted on a ‘69 Camaro we have in the shop.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_006.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_009.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_008.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_007.JPG

The sub-structure would dictate the position.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_002.JPG

Then he used the Mittler Brothers shear and Box Pan Brake to make a “staircase”, which would become the vents.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_017.JPG

[V8TV]

He made a steel frame and used the Mittler Brothers bead roller to roll a contour edge into the frame. This is for stiffness and style.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_018.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_010.JPG

Setting the vents into the frame gives you an idea of how the final piece will look.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_011.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_012.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_014.JPG

After some consideration, a revised vent style was quickly made to make the vent angle more aggressive and to have better function.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_022.JPG

The trailing edge of the frame was also flattened for a smoother appearance.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_021.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_024.JPG

[V8TV]

The vent holes were cut out, and the pieces TIG welded together and ground smooth.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_025.JPG
http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_026.JPG
http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_028.JPG
http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_031.JPG
http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_032.JPG

[V8TV]

The hood is a reproduction 1969 Camaro Cowl Induction hood we obtained from Classic Industries.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.03.15_001.JPG

It’s always good to inspect your parts as soon as they arrive, as large panels are often times damaged in shipping. Our hood was in good shape except for a small dimple in the corner. Obviously, any new panel will need to be bodyworked to fit your car, but if the shipper causes major damage to a panel, catching it right when it comes off the truck is the best way to have the shipper compensate or replace the panel.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.03.15_003.JPG

The location for the vents was determined partially by appearance, but also because the underhood structure dictated their placement.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.06.15_012.JPG

The holes were cut in the hood and the panels were tack TIG welded in place. The tack welds were spaced out around the vents to make sure the hood didn’t warp from welding heat.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.16.15_001.JPG

[V8TV]

Adam made a few more laps with the TIG welder to fully weld the vent, then he carefully sanded / ground the welds flush with the hood skin.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.17.15_001.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.17.15_005.JPG

Some hammer and dolley work was required to tap the panel flat.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.17.15_009.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.17.15_014.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.18.15_009.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.18.15_007.JPG

[V8TV]

Some honeycomb shaped perforated steel was chosen to use as grille material for the extractors.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_003.JPG

A steel form was made the same shape as the opening in the heat extractor and welded to the workbench. Next, some welding rod was formed around the form to shape the rod into a frame for the grille.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_017.JPG

The Spitznagel Maxi dent pulling resistance welder was used to zap the grilles to their frames.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_005.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_011.JPG

A small amount of current is all it takes to cleanly melt the wires together.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_010.JPG

[V8TV]

The grilles were welded to the bottom side of the vents.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_034.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_022.JPG

The final product, ready for bodywork and paint!

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_043.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_HdVnt_03.25.15_046.JPG

[Build-It-Break-it]

Wow nice work, very creative!

[V8TV]

Wow nice work, very creative!

Thank you sir!

[SiniSSter]

Nice work!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

videos don't seem to be working for me Kevin....:computer:


What MB wheel dies did you use for the frame edge 5/16" step?

[bentfab]

Clean !!!:thumbsup:

[samckitt]

Very cool. Great work. Do one for my Monte...... :-)

[V8TV]

videos don't seem to be working for me Kevin....:computer:


What MB wheel dies did you use for the frame edge 5/16" step?

They are just pics, Vince. No video on this one.

[V8TV]

Very cool. Great work. Do one for my Monte...... :-)

Whenever you're ready!

[tones2SS]

Great job guys. That looks really good!

[66fury]

looks so easy !

[efs69]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Grnova]

Great tutorial!!

[V8TV]

looks so easy !

Adam does make this stuff look easy!

[DKz Garage]

Awesome fabrication on this hood....looks great!

[Bonebuster29]

damn that looks really awesome, nice job!

[Dave Pratt]

That looks so mean...I'll take one! Great fab work
...man that looks killer

[V8TV]

Thanks guys!

[samckitt]

That is quite the fabricator you have there. I did it in the CADD system I have used & supported for over 20 years & it was somewhat of a PITA.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/samckitt/vent1.jpg

[V8TV]

That is quite the fabricator you have there. I did it in the CADD system I have used & supported for over 20 years & it was somewhat of a PITA.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/samckitt/vent1.jpg

Looks good, but Adam made the rear edge of the vent flush with the hood skin.

[Flash68]

Very cool project. Nicely done.

[samckitt]

Looks good, but Adam made the rear edge of the vent flush with the hood skin.

Hmmm so it does. Working on it. Like I said, great fabricating skills there. Doing it in solid modeling is tough too. LOL

[LS3 HQ]

So where do I buy these? Looks awesome

[RickM415]

How many hrs did it take?

[samckitt]

Looks good, but Adam made the rear edge of the vent flush with the hood skin.

Did Adam figure out all this in his head or draw it up first? It was a PITA

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/samckitt/vent2.jpg

[KHShapiro]

cant wait to see this with paint!

[MattG]

So finally got the new hood painted, and it looks awesome.

Thanks again to Kevin and Kelle and crew at V8 Speed and Resto for the outstanding work they did on the hood...couldn't be happier!!!

The whole reason for this hood was to keep the temps under control and after driving the car some, I'm seeing about 15* lower operating temps, so mission accomplished. Never got over 210 in stopped traffic with 90* weather yesterday.

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/012cebb5ccbb070814ca3b8258eeaaafd9d13aa450_zpsijsx hbvf.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/mgober737/media/012cebb5ccbb070814ca3b8258eeaaafd9d13aa450_zpsijsx hbvf.jpg.html)
http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/015402193433f17bf983c4ee5b91cdb911cad47a06_zpsqupx 7nkg.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/mgober737/media/015402193433f17bf983c4ee5b91cdb911cad47a06_zpsqupx 7nkg.jpg.html)
http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/01556f2d269bb4d3f1c8http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/01578ee9e0b7ecbd637f9d02d0ec25822d1548c9ea_zpsibhp piui.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/mgober737/media/01556f2d269bb4d3f1c8a8d391617d3ea034d48d45_zpsgrkr kteg.jpg.html)a8d391617d3ea034d48d45_zpsgrkrkteg.j pg
http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/01556f2d269bb4d3f1c8a8d391617d3ea034d48d45_zpsgrkr kteg.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/mgober737/media/01556f2d269bb4d3f1c8a8d391617d3ea034d48d45_zpsgrkr kteg.jpg.html)
http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy199/mgober737/01a0e7867d82879f4e1d4f6cd3678b810e50ba2cbb_zpspbjp oxbx.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/mgober737/media/01a0e7867d82879f4e1d4f6cd3678b810e50ba2cbb_zpspbjp oxbx.jpg.html)

[paulk68]

wow that looks awesome, what color red do you have on that thing?

[MattG]

wow that looks awesome, what color red do you have on that thing?
They told me it was a BMW code when they matched it. Bought the car with that paint. A little too orange for me, but still looks nice.

[BigRedCamaro]

WOW! What awesome work! It's great to see the progression of the process and a great looking recipient too! ;)

[MattG]

WOW! What awesome work! It's great to see the progression of the process and a great looking recipient too! ;)

I just went to hit the "Like" button! Thanks guys!

[V8TV]

Looks awesome Matt, we're all so glad you like it! Thanks again for letting our crew build it for you!

[V8TV]

We are thinking of making a run of these vents for individuals to install in their own hoods via weld-in or bond-in construction.

If anyone is interested in a set, post a reply and we'll be able to determine costs with consideration to demand. We might make 5-10 sets if there is interest.

Thanks!

[Tony V]

i'm interested.....weld-in type. What do you think the timing would be?

[V8TV]

i'm interested.....weld-in type. What do you think the timing would be?

Good question, we hope to have some details soon. We think these would be available with a trim-to-fit lip that one could weld in like we did in the photos, or be left 1" or so wide to be "glued" in with panel bond or epoxy for fiberglass or carbon hoods.

[AB69Z]

Interested also

[68EFIvert]

Kevin I spoke to you a couple months ago about having a set of these for my car. I am interested as well. Glad to see that you are thinking about making them.

[V8TV]

Kevin I spoke to you a couple months ago about having a set of these for my car. I am interested as well. Glad to see that you are thinking about making them.

Thanks, there has been significant interest in these pieces, so we thought we'd revisit them. Thanks for the feedback!

[dhutton]

I'm interested.

Thanks,
Don

[SlowProgress]

That is a nice vent design. I would be interested in the weld-in version.

Scott

[V8TV]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll contact everyone and we'll see about getting this project rolling.

- KO

[RPitts]

Very interested! Send info when in production.

Rob

[rebelceb]

Would be interested as well.

[jimmyjam]

I'm very interested. .looks great

[jimmyjam]

Let me know when they are available. .I will take the weld in one's. ..

[sd67]

Interested in the weld in ones too. Thanks

[V8TV]

Thanks all, there is significant interest, so we are moving forward. We're working on the design elements to automate some of the "hand made" steps. Should have more info in a couple days.

Thanks!

[Yenko68]

I'm interested too. I'm curious to know the price differences between the glue in an weld in once you get some prices together

[V8TV]

I'm interested too. I'm curious to know the price differences between the glue in an weld in once you get some prices together

The part would be the same, it would just depend on how you want to install it. It would have enough lip to bond in or weld in.

[Jimbo1367]

Kevin,
Thanks for sharing. Your fabricator did a great job. Is there any reason he didn't use silicon/bronze filler? I would imagine it would of been easier metal finishing.

I agree with the earlier comments of your guy makes it looks easy, LOL.

[GregWeld]

Not to derail the excellent idea here - and they look great! I hope there's enough interest that this part is able to be made and be available to others...

I just thought about - the cowl induction hood was designed to create a high pressure area at the base of the windshield - in an effort to force air IN TO the underhood engine. Of course - it was sealed off and connected to the carburetor used at the time. But many don't actually use that anymore so that "sealed" area is gone.... but the high pressure area remains.

The vents are made in an effort to pull air out of the underhood area - yet we're asking the same hood to force air into the area. It would be interesting to see the airflow in a wind tunnel!!!!! LOL

We know these work - because others have seen the results of adding these to their hoods. I just got a kick out of the thought.

[V8TV]

Not to derail the excellent idea here - and they look great! I hope there's enough interest that this part is able to be made and be available to others...

I just thought about - the cowl induction hood was designed to create a high pressure area at the base of the windshield - in an effort to force air IN TO the underhood engine. Of course - it was sealed off and connected to the carburetor used at the time. But many don't actually use that anymore so that "sealed" area is gone.... but the high pressure area remains.

The vents are made in an effort to pull air out of the underhood area - yet we're asking the same hood to force air into the area. It would be interesting to see the airflow in a wind tunnel!!!!! LOL

We know these work - because others have seen the results of adding these to their hoods. I just got a kick out of the thought.

This is a great point Greg. I think these vents are probably actually most beneficial when the car is standing still or going slow, in traffic, etc. where heat just pours out of 'em. Would be interesting to see some IR photography and windtunnel work... but that's beyond my resources!

[V8TV]

And for an update, we are still working on a production version... our CNC guy got hacked, so we had a little delay, but we're still moving forward. Thanks for the interest!