56 Hood - Smoothie Conversion

[56Chris]

Who's converted their 56 hood to a smoothie and eliminated the bird?
Specifically, how did you address mounting the inside hood latch assembly without using the bird holes? Did you simply weld that to the hood and close the holes or weld threaded studs to the bottom of the hood and bolt the latch assembly to the studs. I understand there is much more involved regarding flattening the raised area where the bird mounts. Also know they make repro smoothies for the 56 but, want to use what I have. All suggestions welcome.

[Rick_L]

I wouldn't weld anything to the underside of the hood if I could help it.

[chevynut]

I think the "bird" is iconic and I personally like them...that's what makes these cars classic imo. I put a new one on my Nomad.

If you insist on deleting it, I would just weld the holes up and forget about it. The braces will work fine without the hood bird.


20190115_006.JPG

[55 Tony]

I think the "bird" is iconic and I personally like them...that's what makes these cars classic imo. I put a new one on my Nomad.

OMG. As far as you like to go away from stock, that's a shock. You actually used the word "classic". But it figures because our tastes are completely different, I don't have a bird on the 55. It doesn't go with the hot rod theme.

[chevynut]

OMG. As far as you like to go away from stock, that's a shock. You actually used the word "classic". But it figures because our tastes are completely different, I don't have a bird on the 55. It doesn't go with the hot rod theme.

OMG, for a guy who claims he likes "stock" cars and has a "stock" 454 in his, I'm shocked that you actually removed the "classic" bird!

My car has always been completely stock-looking outside except for wheels, stance, paint, and glass. I don't like "shaved" cars although I did shave my bumper guards. Where I've deviated most from stock is the drivetrain and chassis, and the interior. The exterior has every script, molding, and emblem that came with the car. I even added stock outside mirrors.....and have considered adding some NOS fender birds and rocker moldings that I have, but not sure about that.

My car will look very similar to this one....

Nomad clone.jpg

[567chevys]

Dumb question ?,

I have always called that part the Plane. Is it a Bird or a Plane ?


Sid

[55 Tony]

Dumb question ?,

I have always called that part the Plane. Is it a Bird or a Plane ?


Sid

It's Superman!

OK, it's a plane that everyone calls a bird because that sounds cooler.

[Rick_L]

I'm not sure if they intended for the brace to be secured by the bird or if they just needed holes in it to mount the bird. I assume the latter.

When I first replied I didn't know exactly what the underside of the hood looked like an a 56, but Cnut's photo makes the bird and latch brace attachment clear. Just as a point of reference, the outer bird screws on a 55 don't go through the latch brace - they are a bit more outboard and only go through the hood itself. So I don't think the latch brace needs those screws.

I think MP&C nosed a 55 hood in an article years back. Might be worth a search to get info and discussion. The 56 is a bit more work as the 55 doesn't have the raised area under the bird wings.

[MP&C]

I think MP&C nosed a 55 hood in an article years back. Might be worth a search to get info and discussion. The 56 is a bit more work as the 55 doesn't have the raised area under the bird wings.

Thought I had posted that on this site but couldn't find it... will do so when I have a bit more time.. Until then, here ya go.....



https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...&postcount=141

[BamaNomad]

It's Superman!

OK, it's a plane that everyone calls a bird because that sounds cooler.

Well, we could even question whether it's a plane (or not)... no question though that it's a HOOD ORNAMENT!