1932 Ford wobbling sides hood

[Harold Degand]

I have a 32 original 20 louvers hood I want to save because they are very rare in Europe.
The problem is that the sides are very floppy, twisted, pitted and some louvers are damaged.
I know it’s 90 years old but the bodywork shop says it becomes floppy when overheating.
How are yours ?
Thanks for your help.

[deuce lover]

Harold, Once the sides are assembled to the top it gets straightened out .Overheating from the engine will not IMO cause the fact that it is floppy on the sides.Opening and closing the hood over 90 years and not being careful might have caused some of that deformity.

[Krylon32]

The original sides also had a slight twist built in for proper fit.

[DavidG]

I agree with Sheldon. Once assembled to the hood top panels, most, if not all of that distortion will be eliminated.
However, if it is a true early production 20-louver hood with all 20 louvers open (as opposed to the much more common later version with only 19 louvers open and the rearmost closed), then its hood sides are inherently unstable when not latched down with the hood latches.

[Harold Degand]

Thanks a lot for these informations.
I didn’t know there was 2 different 20 louvers side generation.
Mine has the rear one closed.
And you’re right, when it’s assembled with the top, it’s more rigid.

[DavidG]

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Surviving examples of the initial U.S. hood side panels with all 20 louvers open are rarely seen,.

[Krylon32]

Wondering how accurate the (Gennie Henry 25 Louver Sides) are from Rootlieb? They did fit my stock tops and they fit the car alright. I've used several of their Gennie style 25 louver hoods with good results.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Surviving examples of the initial U.S. hood side panels with all 20 louvers open are rarely seen,.

[deuce lover]

Here is the most common Euro'32 hood side.The last louver is open

[rockfla]

As Sheldon posted above on the "euro" hood side X2


Picture #2.....To Krylon32's post is a "custom done" (to Euro Spec) Rootlieb hood!!!! Kind of hard to see the fit though!!!!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Here is the most common Euro'32 hood side.The last louver is open

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rockfla

As Sheldon posted above on the "euro" hood side X2


Picture #2.....To Krylon32's post is a "custom done" (to Euro Spec) Rootlieb hood!!!! Kind of hard to see the fit though!!!!

[DavidG]

The raised center section of the European hood sides provided the necessary rigidity that leaving the last louver closed on the U.S. hood sides provided.

[RB]

While my 32 does not have a 20-louver hood, I can tell you that not much thought was given by the previous owner who opted for full length tube headers that pass close enough that the paint has blistered, so no, I don't believe the engine heat is the culprit in your case as my hood sides remain straight.

[Krylon32]

Also Ford made a bracket with rubber bumper that when installed on the frame keeps the bottom from sucking in.

[DavidG]

And like most '32 parts, the first version (basically carryover Model A) was soon replaced with a stamping that had sides for added strength.

[Krylon32]

Yes