I have a '58 F100 and have noticed that the hood seems pretty flimsy when I wash it. Often it will give that indenting feel/noise when any pressure is put on it. My question is if there is supposed to be stiffening rods that are not there (doesnt look like there is but never know) or is there a way others have stiffened this hood? I know they put the ridges in to stiffen this large piece of metal but is there additional steps? I have searched so many threads and everything I see is for the earlier trucks, so if this has been discussed about this model just let me know what to look for and I will do so.
Thanks
Cbass

 

My 60 hood has 2 metal ,flanged, straps running front to back and angled from outboard to inboard(slightly) as well.

 

I haven't a clue about stock stiffeners for a 58, but I added weld-in stiffeners to my 56 after i removed the peak. I rosette welded them in from the top:



The whole gallery: https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=32739

 

I just had a conversation this weekend with fellow I was getting some parts from for my 59. Turns out that with the 100,s 250,s what you see is what you get, not much bracing. However the larger 350,s and up do in fact have cross bracing--an "x" running from corner to corner, making for a stiffer hood.He had one of each so I was able to compare and see for myself. If you want a stiffer hood that my be something to look for. By the way the reason he had them was because while he liked 59's he liked the style of the 57,s and so replaced all the hoods on his 59,s with 57,s.On his property I counted at least 10 57-59,s three of which were daily drivers.Not a single '60' in the lot- he said he didn,t like the grills. Oh well. Got a nice bed for mine for $300 thought that was a pretty good deal. Mark

 

This is a common problem when things get older, introduce it to Viagra.


Sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

Randy Jack- I know I dont have as much radius at you do but how did you shape the square to meet the hood? I think this is a great idea that I will impliment as soon as I can, which problably means 4 years from now?

 

I hand bent it over a 2X4 on my garage floor! How's that for high tech?

Really, the 1/2" tube moves pretty easy in a free state. I just bent it untill it matched the curvature of the TOP of the hood, then welded it underneath. Once welded to the hood, it acts stiffer, because the free sections (between welds) are shorter.

That's my answer and I'm sticking to it!