[CKP720]

I have a Branda hood on my 66 and was wondering if there is any merit to having the original latch on there. I like the look better without it and the hood is secured with hood pins. Is there any merit to keeping the hood latch or can I bask in the enjoyment of only seeing my nice radiator through the front grille? Thanks! BTW, the car is driven about 1000 miles per year if that matters.

 

[2bav8]

You don't need the latch, but at least keep the top support.
I unfortunately removed mine a long time ago which lead to my grill breaking the corner brackets of the grill

 

[Ronstang1966]

Yeah, I agree with 2bav8. Keep the support but ditch the latch.

 

[CKP720]

Does anyone know what the original Shelby's had up there? I would like something that is a little more aesthetically pleasing.

 

[2bav8]

Shelby's used a small bracket, similar to what your current setup is like without the lower latch assembly.

http://www.cobranda.com/db/images/GS1.jpg
Photo compliments of Tony D. Branda :winkgrin:

 

[Arto65FB]

I intend to replace the support with something lighter. Emphasis on the word intend, I made the hood three years ago and still haven't cut it to fit. So maybe ten years from now on the support will be aluminium part or something.

 

[Dan66]

Years ago, I bought a '65 fastback with a Shelby hood already on it. I didn't know it at the time, but the hood latch brace (the thin vertical piece that supports the underside of the latch mechanism) was missing. My hood flew open one night while doing about 60 mph on the interstate. No injuries, but not pretty...

 

[GT350Hclone]

I did not have the latch when I got my car either and the grille had already come apart from the wind. I took some angle iron and bent it to match the holes, drilles holes and painted it black. I think it came out OK and it holds the grille in place.

http://mark.emdnet.com/images/P1010295.jpg