TJ Haag 1 #1 Posted January 10, 2020 I'm still working on my 800 special, looking for opinions because I'm kind of stuck on what to do... The previous owners cut a rectangle in the side of the hood about 5" by 7" to put in a real ugly muffler(I have since taken it off) and there are some other holes they riveted other plates of metal to which I have removed those as well. My question is - would it be best to fabricate the hood and try and get it back to normal with the chance of it warping or could someone give me a link or ideas on how to get a hood off another 800 special? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,339 #2 Posted January 10, 2020 As with metal once you start heating it up it's going to move bend and warp.Do you have any pictures of what it looks like. How bad was it cut up. It all depends if you want to do a restore then I would go with a hood replacement unless you're exceptionally good with metal. I have a couple extra hoods laying around as well if you're interested. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,200 #3 Posted January 10, 2020 Like the Crib, I have many hoods, but not sure what they fit. Can you get a couple pics and measurements? If you can wait, I'm sure you could get one at the Big Show in June. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #4 Posted January 11, 2020 46 minutes ago, The Tool Crib said: Do you have any pictures of what it looks like? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,444 #5 Posted January 11, 2020 TJ it is all about what you got money or resources. Those old hoods are pretty thick might be a good project to learn some welding and body work skills if you have that at your disposal. Really can go wrong, Ed will treat you right if you screw up the one you have and I am sure there is something at the show pretty cheap also. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,619 #6 Posted January 11, 2020 Try to fix it yourself and if you don’t like it no harm... get one of the many available here as noted above or just post a want add... Heck...You can Keep the old one and use it to begin making a rat rod...the more beat up the better... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,200 #7 Posted January 11, 2020 1 hour ago, JoeM said: Those old hoods are pretty thick might be a good project to learn some welding and body work skills if you have that at your disposal. It can take some time and patients, but can be a good experience . Practice, practice, practice, and use a lot of backer plates as heat sinks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #8 Posted January 11, 2020 You might as well try to repair it. It's ruined right now so you've got nothing to lose. It will likely never be a museum piece, but you should be able to make a pretty good 10-20 footer out of it. You'll need a MIG or TIG welder to do it and you'll have to work in very small sections, probably no more than 1/2-1" of bead at a time. Then let it cool and do some more. And don't forget to go slow while you're grinding the welds as well. I think I may have seen more body panels ruined by overly aggressive grinding than by the welding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #9 Posted January 11, 2020 Hey @TJ Haag, I guess a better question to ask is do you have access to the proper welder and do you have any experience welding? I know you're pretty young - only a few months behind me - and I'm not sure I would be able to weld up a hole like that and have it look worth a dang. If you don't have the equipment or at least some experience welding, find a replacement hood might prove to be the cheaper and better option than buying a welder. If you do have a welder, you might as well have a try at it. You can't hurt it any! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,433 #10 Posted January 11, 2020 If you wish to repair it with a new piece of metal, the absolute best way to weld it in would be with a tig welder. Second choice for a welder would be a mig welder. If you are using a mig welder you will need to make small tacks, and wait for them to cool in between each weld in order to keep warping to minimum. Also be careful when you grind the weld down, grinding will generate enough heat to warp the metal. Grind a little, wait for it to cool, repeat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bc.gold 3,406 #11 Posted January 11, 2020 I believe you can use a copper plate for backing then tack weld your sheet metal alternating the locations to keep the angle straight. The weld will not stick to the copper and it also acts as a heat sink. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,841 #12 Posted January 11, 2020 T J If you are not in a hurry just find another hood. Or find one that fits and get some decals from Terry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,499 #13 Posted January 11, 2020 I’m with everybody else, give it a try if you have access to a welder. Just go slow and be patient, what have you got to lose? You might be like me - I enjoy the challenge of taking a rough old turd and making it look presentable. There’s just something that comes from the satisfaction of being able to say “Yeah, I fixed that!” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #14 Posted January 11, 2020 if you don't have a welder just use 2 part autobody epoxy. clamp it an be done don't have to worry warping etc... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronhatch 406 #15 Posted January 11, 2020 Good luck with those compound curves! In the end you probably will not be happy with the results. I would find a unmolested replacement hood and spend my time and energy on fixing, replacing and painting the rest of the project. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #16 Posted January 11, 2020 1 hour ago, jabelman said: if you don't have a welder just use 2 part autobody epoxy. clamp it an be done don't have to worry warping etc... That seems like a pretty large area to just use epoxy on... I think it would pop loose the first time the hood was opened and flexed. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ Haag 1 #17 Posted January 12, 2020 thank you everyone for the help and advice. i dont have a welder but i have access to some through my work and my father. i have about 5 years experience in body work and welding but its not my strongest area so i wouldnt feel that comfortable doing the welding unless i have a backup hood if things go south. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #18 Posted January 12, 2020 Just now, TJ Haag said: thank you everyone for the help and advice. i dont have a welder but i have access to some through my work and my father. i have about 5 years experience in body work and welding but its not my strongest area so i wouldnt feel that comfortable doing the welding unless i have a backup hood if things go south. With your experience in body working and welding, I say go for it. If nothing else, it's good practice. You're not out much if it doesn't turn out well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rfp55 33 #19 Posted January 12, 2020 Might be real hard to find that replacement Hood in good shape. If you'd not be against making heavier - use 1/4" round rod, 1/8"x 1" flatbar (or what is handy and semi bendable) and make stiffening ribs underneath when you're sure it's straight and square. Then go for it- by fabricating I think you mean cutting and sectioning in new pieces. It is something worth getting very good at. You will not though, without practice. Another helpful practice is laying up fiberglass resin & cloth/mat. Put on greased cardboard and duct tape over the hole or rot on the finished side and turn it upside down. Not much would work well while it is wiggly wobbly like it may be now. No bending or twisting is goal along with appearance you want - so it'll stay good. Stuff sometimes comes for free when the deck, blower, or something has rusted out, then your skill and creativity can most useful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites