Hood rust.
 

I have got a bad rust problem right at the front of the hood. There are blisters there and rot where the hood lips underneath. I was wondering is it possible to weld some plates in or will welding distort the metal too much. The ideal solution is to replace it but difficult to get a good hood this side of the world.

Thanks.

Re: Hood rust.
 

If a man made it, a man can fix it. How about some pictures? What are you calling rot? Is it all the way through? How much area? Phosphoric acid will convert the rust on top from iron oxide to iron phosphate sealing out the air and effectively stopping (or at least massively slowing) the progression of the rust.

Re: Hood rust.
 

Re: Hood rust.
 

Hi,

Attached are some pictures as you can see not pretty. I have removed part of the inner piece to get at the rust. If I could weld in some pieces that would be the answer. I don't know about bondo. I have seen cars done before and it is not long until the blisters appear.


Not so many Thirdgens here in ireland. Maybe a handful. Most in terrible condition cause no parts available.

Thanks.

Re: Hood rust.
 

Yeah it's pretty bad, time to practice welding.

There are plenty of Firebirds being parted out in the UK, but yeah, it's another island. I have a spare hood from an 89, but that's even farther from you...

Re: Hood rust.
 

Oh, wow, look for a new hood, i dont see how you can fix that without putting in more effort into it than its worth...

Re: Hood rust.
 

I agree. Fixing hoods like that is soooo not worth it. In my opinion I would just replace it with a quality aftermarket or, better yet, find a factory replacement.

My original hood had some surface rust on the bottom but no where near what yours has. I looked around but it was going to be more trouble than it was worth to repair.

Re: Hood rust.
 

Yes, It it is not worth the effort but I can't get another hood here in Ireland. I brought it to a body shop today. He says it can be welded. I don't know though the metal ,what's left of it is very thin. Plus the heat will distort it and need lots of filling.

I called a few places in the UK but anything that was in an accident the hood is usually first to go. What hasn't been crashed the hood is a common rot area at the edges.

A guy in the UK said that there are aftermarket hoods available for the Firebird and Camaro. He has a Camaro one available. But the Firebird ones are out of Stock for the next 4 months, just my luck.

Re: Hood rust.
 

:yup:

Bite the bullet on shipping and pick up a used hood state side. It will fit the best and be the cheapest, easiest solution.