I found an interesting hood at the Portland swap meet this last weekend. My friends and I were walking the aisles and ran across a hood that appeared to be labeled as 80 Firebird. I knew it wasn't a 1980 hood because it had the 'cutouts' at the front corners for the flip up headlights - my eyebrows went up a bit. Upon closer inspection the small piece of tape on the hood stated 'mid 80's firebird'. It was a thirdgen hood alright. The gentleman selling it said that it came with an 85 firebird that his daughter and son-in-law purchased, was never used and has been stored in his garage.

I got a little excited because it looked like the IMSA hood - which I love - often talked about, rarely seen and as far as we know not in production by anyone. We checked out the hood, negotiated a price with the guy and carried the hood out at the end of the day.

After getting home and doing a bit of research I realized that it is not an IMSA hood. It appears to be a cowl hood based on the IMSA hood (unless they had different models). The IMSA hood maintains a lower profile and the lines are slightly different. This hood rises to almost 4" at the cowl. It does have a body line in the middle for the entire length of the hood but it doesn't show up that well in the pics.

The hood is in great shape, has the holes for factory hinges and latch, and appears to be high quality. Only one small scratch. We set it on the car so it isn't attached or anything in the pics. (please excuse the dirty car - I normally don't allow her to be seen like this )

My hood:







IMSA hood:




Thinking about painting it body color and doing some sort of treatment to the cowl (mesh grill or something of that sort). My opinion is mixed and the opinions in my car club are mixed. I would have preferred the profile of the IMSA hood but you just don't find them.

Has anyone seen one of these before? What do you think?

-Schultzy

 

honestly...I prefer way way more your stock hood. I realy dont like that hood. but thats just my opinion.

 

I like it, it's different. I'd call dibs if you got rid of it and if I was closer.

 

I think I prefer the stock GTA hood a little more, but hey that is a unique hood, and doesnt look to bad how much you pick it up for?

 

if you need a big hood for clearance it is ok, but it is just two big.

 

hmm i think if you get it painted red to match the car, with maybe the sides of the cowl black that would look pretty hot, or maybe...gold...hmmm overall its different and functional so sure keep it

 

Very interesting. I've never seen that hood until now. Make up your mind, and if you like it, that's all that matters. It's definately different and will set you apart from others. If you end up painting it, I'd say just stick with all red.

 

now that's what I call a "Power Buldge" hood...

 

I hate cowl hoods, but that thing looks pretty good to me. It works with the styling of the car definitely.

 

+1 to both comments