The OEM hood has hardly any metal remaining along its front end due to water collecting there since 1983. This truck is a 1983 F250HD with 6.9 L diesel.
The remainder of the hood metal is very sound. Most of this time it had been partly protected by the overhang of a very large slide-on truck camper.
I intend to paint the entire hood flat black to kill the glare of sunlight into my face.
Any comments or advice appreciated.

 

Replace the hood

 

I found a local seller on Craigslist with a 1990 F250 hood, which he says is unrusted for $40. I think this would fit. What should I look for?

 

I don't think a 1990 hood will fit correctly, the front end (lights, bumper, etc.) is shaped entirely differently as I recall....

 

Probably only 80-86 will fit, and yes, I would also vote to replace it. You can get a new reproduction hood, or probably less expensive, check out a local junk yard. Good hunting.

Ron

 

I've seen a few 80-86's at the local Pullaparts I've visited & I had some doubts about the metal - that curve at the front of the hood collects water & corrosion extremely well.

I have seen reproduction hoods on sale for about $150, but shipping doubles the cost.

I can drive 100 miles for $20 in diesel. Anyone know of a repro parts warehouse within 100 miles of NE Ohio?

Can the replacement be done by 1 or 2 men without special equipment beyond the usual tools in the box?

 

PM Sent...

10char

 

The hood is held on with metric-sized bolts....

 

Especially to Matt - I ordered my replacement hood this afternoon & should be able to pick it up at the warehouse on Monday. $144 plus sales tax, no shipping charge since I'm picking it up about 7 miles from here.

 

I wouldn't need to replace that hood where it not for the rust trap on the front lip.
Would appreciate any suggestions about preventing that from happening again.

 

Where do you live? Up north in the rust belt it is common. In the south it is kinda odd.

You could always lean the hood on something (off the truck) with the front of the hood facing down and paint inside the hood w POR15