1969 Camaro Custom Hood Vent Fabrication

[oestek]

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:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/MarkStielow1969HellfireChevroletCamaroSE-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_003JPG-1.jpg (http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_003.JPG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_004JPG-1.jpg (http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_Hood_MG/slides/69_Cam_Hood_MG_004.JPG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_001JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_006JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_009JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_008JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_007JPG-1.jpg

The sub-structure would dictate the position.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_002JPG-1.jpg

Then he used the Mittler Brothers shear and box pan brake to make a “staircase”, which would become the vents.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_017JPG-1.jpg

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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_018JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_010JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_011JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_012JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_014JPG-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_022JPG-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_021JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_024JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_025JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_026JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_028JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_031JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_Hood_MG_032JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_030315_001JPG-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_030315_003JPG-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_030615_012JPG-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031615_001JPG-1.jpg

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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031715_001JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031715_005JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031715_009JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031715_014JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031815_009JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_031815_007JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_003JPG-1.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.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_017JPG-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_005JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_011JPG-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_010JPG-1.jpg

[oestek]

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_034JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_022JPG-1.jpg

The final product, ready for bodywork and paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_043JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/69_Cam_HdVnt_032515_046JPG-1.jpg

[dhutton]

That is great. Thanks for sharing.

Don

[oestek]

That is great. Thanks for sharing.

Don

Thank you Don!

[brawls43]

That looks awesome, nice work! Thanks for showing how you did it.

[parsonsj]

I'm digging it. Nicely done.

[oestek]

That looks awesome, nice work! Thanks for showing how you did it.


I'm digging it. Nicely done.

Thanks Gents!

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

It looks great. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[Cop Magnet]

Very cool write up, thanks for sharing.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Kevin, was those vents tigged onto the hood? Or were they just carefully migged on? Great work by the way. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Awesome work, thanks for sharing

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very nice work!

[vwmopar]

Man that's sick. I want to do something like that on my d150.

[Buryingthesun]

These look awesome, I really wish thaty I had access to the tooling required to fabricate these.

[1967marti]

Where did you get the honeycomb grill/screen from?

Very clean install BTW A++++

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Wow, that's awesome. I like it!

[oestek]

Kevin, was those vents tigged onto the hood? Or were they just carefully migged on? Great work by the way. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Thanks! They were MIG welded to the hood.

[oestek]

Where did you get the honeycomb grill/screen from?

Very clean install BTW A++++

Thanks! The perforated material came from McNichols.

[Motown 454]

That is sweet Kevin, excellent job!

[jlcustomz]

This belonged in the build thread section, as this is something on a lot of people's wish list lately. Very nice how to example, also realistic to show how even the full time fab guys have to change their mind & start over many times on an off one project. Too often part of the process to come out with something you're happy with.

As for me, I have a fiberglass hood & been thinking about what method I may want to build similar vents with. Much easier for me to work with metal, but it would look add in on a glass hood.

[instro84]

thats some cool fab work!

[Mr Nick]

You make it look easy!

[milehigh69]

Would you be willing to sell a set of those for me?
I have the carbon fiber Anvils and they come undone because the standoff that holds them is not very well built. One of mine came off on the highway and put a dent in my hood. Look to install a set of these.

[mean buzzen half dozen]

Looks great!

Awesome fabrication skills!

I took an easier approach. Does not look as nice as yours.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/IMG_9236_zpshuagyolq-1.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/itsjustasix/media/IMG_9236_zpshuagyolq.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/IMG_9256_zpsshfcf8ud-1.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/itsjustasix/media/IMG_9256_zpsshfcf8ud.jpg.html)

[gordonquixote]

Great work and writeup!

[oestek]

Would you be willing to sell a set of those for me?
I have the carbon fiber Anvils and they come undone because the standoff that holds them is not very well built. One of mine came off on the highway and put a dent in my hood. Look to install a set of these.

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!

[rickpaw]

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!

I'll be interested in a set depending on cost.

[Racer.X]

Fantastic documentation.. i my have to use this neat trick.. cheers

[spacepirate]

Agreed, I'd potentially be interested in a set for my 68.

[dangina]

Awesome job and write up, thanks for sharing!!!

[Tig]

Very nice work, the outcome is awesome.
I'm digging the spot welder to fuse the expanded material to the filler rod. Bad ass little machine.

[thumper877]

I'd be interested give me a pm and let me know price when u figure it out thanks

[precisionshootist]

i would be interested in a pair as well.

[Disrupter]

I am interested in a set if still available. I sent a private message, but not sure if it went through.

[b.damon10]

Looks good. :)

[linkstar69]

They look great and like they were always meant to be there

[Simon J]

Depending on the price I could be interested for my 68 camaro.

[AB69Z]

I'm also interested

[willieboy240]

I'm interested depending on cost also

[oestek]

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.

[minendrews68]

Man, I'm liking 'em too! Waiting to see what the price is going to be..

[BammBamm]

Subscribing for final price.....

[SD67]

Count me in for a set.

[Y-TRY]

I have a set of Anvils but like these better. If price is right I'd like these before the hood is painted.

[Zanie]

Beautiful work!

[talbotdd]

I'd definitely be interested in a set depending on price.

[Kiquee71]

Nice write up on this hood vent project. I'm also interested in a set for my Nova, preferred the weld in ones. Keep me posted on what you guys come up with. Thanks.

[camuchi]

Great work

Subscribed

[lucky13firebird]

That came out real cool. I made a reverse naca duct set up on my firebird for the same exact reasons... they work great at speed.

[camarodude87]

I am also interested in a set. Thanks for offering such a cool product.

[oestek]

Thanks for your patience on these... we are still working on the pricing. I'll post the info soon!

[blade]

Great fab work! those would probably look good on any car.

[oestek]

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!

[Z06killinSBF]

I'm interested but curious how close they would fit on a 66 Mustang.

[813Demon340]

i'd love to throw a set on my Demon. Looking forward to pricing & availability, keep up the great work!

[Disrupter]

Any updates? Still interested!

[Godbolt]

Me too!

[jamminj007]

I am interested in a set myself

[vwmopar]

I'd take a set. Nice fab work.

[badbu68]

I'd like a set too for my 68 chevelle w/ a steel cowl hood. Maybe I should just drop it off at your shop. :)

[camarodude87]

Did you guys ever figure a price?

[minendrews68]

I'm wondering too.

[oestek]

We hope to have a price and availability on these by the end of next week. Thanks for hangin' in there!

[Finnan]

Anything ever come to fruition here?

[oestek]

Anything ever come to fruition here?

Yep, we've been working on them. My last protoype parts are being tested now, we are aiming for a release next week with pricing info and availability. Thanks for your patience and interest!

[minendrews68]

Yep, we've been working on them. My last protoype parts are being tested now, we are aiming for a release next week with pricing info and availability. Thanks for your patience and interest!

Aw c'mon Kevin, that's what you said "last" week. JK It has been over a year though I'm thinking everyone is to see how much they're going to cost.

[SD67]

I have been anxiously waiting too. Got to gave a set of these.

[Alwhite00]

Subscribed.

[Kiquee71]

Me too :cool:

[oestek]

OK folks, and update is owed.

Here's our situation... these take a bunch of time to make because they are all hand-made. The pieces are CNC plasma-cut, but the bending is done by hand, the complex louver shape is welded and hand-finished, and the flange has a relief that is formed manually on the bead roller. SO... they can take like 5-6 hours a piece to make... 10-12 hours / pair... and that means at least $650 per pair.

Would these be attractive at that price point?

We've been talking to metal stamping shops to see if the center can be pressed as one piece, but they have minimum runs of like 50k units, and although they are cool, they aren't THAT cool.

I fully believe they are worth the price, but we don't know if anyone else thinks so. If we could bang 'em out faster and with less cost, we certainly would, but I don't know how far to go researching manufacturing these not knowing how many orders we might have. As it is, I've invested probably 50 hours in research and prototype time at this point. Not trying to make a million dollars on these, but we have to cover the cost per or I'll get in trouble with the Boss.

Thanks for helping us on the market research!

[thumper877]

There's alot of fab work there I understand that I think 650 is a fair price

[Godbolt]

Agreed- that sounds fair to me. I would order some at that price point.

[oestek]

OK folks, we've pulled the trigger and made these available in our web store.

http://www.v8gear.com/vents

We look forward to seeing them installed in other cool cars!

[Godbolt]

Ordered.

Your site only charged me $14 for shipping but I am in Australia so send me an email and we will sort this out.

Thanks
James

[camarodude87]

Nice but a little to rich for my blood. Maybe once I get promoted haha.

[oestek]

Nice but a little to rich for my blood. Maybe once I get promoted haha.

They are definitely not low-buck parts, as they take a bunch of time to make. I wish we could blow 'em out faster, but there are just too many details.

[icemanrd19]

hummmmmmm. I wish i saw these two months ago when i needed to repaint my car.