So here is the deal... I have a 1988 Firebird 5.0 tbi. the previous owner had hit a bear. It destroyed the pass fender, headlight, upper core support, hood and windshield. i have replaced the headlight and windshield to pass inspection. Unfortunately now it is snowing here ( i'm in Anchorage, Alaska ). I am looking into replacing or pulling off and straightining the core support as soon asx money permits. I have a hood off a formula i will be putting on also. In the mean time i am wondering if is a bad idea running it without the hood while it is snowing? I have been placing a plastic bag over the air cleaner and dist when it is sitting. Is there anything else I should cover? All help and replies appreciated -Russ

 

I am here in anchorage also!! I am leaving in a couple of weeks though for warmer pastures. I would worry about all the snow building up over night in the engine bay then melting as the engine warms up, that could be a lot of water around all those sensors and such. If your harness is hacked up at all like alot of cars as old as ours there could be a lot of exposed connections.

But on the other hand, I had to remove the hood flaps on my CFI hood for the new motor/intake to clear I have been driving around like that but 99 percent of my bay is covered.

Get some studs on that thing, my Z28 was a pain in my *** last year until I got studs on it!!!

 

That does sound like a really bad idea. I wish there was a cheap way to get you one of my hoods.

 

Now there's something you don't worry about too often in the lower 48!

I wouldn't drive it around in bad weather without a hood. Think of all the electrical stuff that can get wet. Maybe it'll be fine for a little while, but I gotta believe that's going to cause problems before too long.

 

Well thanks for the replies. I have found a used, but in good condition core support. Does $90 sound a little high? I guess looking at the good side of things, My 20 year ol' bird only has 111,000 miles. I have had to run it through some hard rain spells in the past 2 months i have owned it. i haven't noticed any electrical issues yet, ( other than 20 year old electronics ) everything works perfect on my car. Now its time for some body work, and i will have my sleeper Well i should be getting to work. Thanks for the replies. -Russ

 

I saw a core support for my 89 RS Camaro, on one of these don't remeber which, for $80
Hawks
Classic Industries
Year One.
Don't rember which one it was though.

 

Haha, then you've never lived in Wyoming, a friend of the family hit a bear and ripped the front fender, mirror, and broke the passenger window, it walked away a little ticked off but otherwise ok, the friend just sat there for 30 min in shock lol, before driving to the nearest gas station (which was like 50 miles away, thats wyoming for you, and undoubtedly alaska)

anyway, on the subject, i wouldn't drive it like that, but it depends on the condition of your engine bay

 

For the most part my engine bay is pretty clean, i have sealed up the intake as good as possible. i still have wire looms covering most ( if not all ) the factory wires. Luckily The sky has cleared up and its looking pretty good outside. Also picking up a core support locally is easier for me ( cost of shipping items here is outrageous ). This morning was fun driving to work ( sideways the whole way ).