You need 1969 Skylark Hood Hinges? If your answer is yes, then read on. Here is what I did, risking my wife's money, not mine! I sent a pair of 1969 Skylark hinges AND a pair of 1970 Skylark hinges to Willie at Wilson Antique Car Parts And even though he wasn't sure about what I wanted him to do, he said he would do it if I pay him! So Willie rebuilt the 1970 hinges using the 1969 bases. ...and just like that I have hinges on my 1969 Special again! Thank you Willie for your craftsmanship and skill! https://www.facebook.com/p/Wilson-Antique-Car-Parts-100057529746716/ https://www.hoodhingerepair.com
Dano, The upper part of the 69 hinges, where they mount to the hood, has a large tendency to crack. By using a set of 70 hinges, with 69 bottoms, it would give you a stronger top piece and allow you to mount them to the 69 fenders. Now I don’t know how the top piece would fit on a 69 hood or if it would need some type of modification, but according to the OP it worked. Almost everyone with the 68-69 cars wants the higher opening 69 style hinges, so good ones are in demand. Duane
Thanks - I knew they were in demand but never knew why. I only ever parted a couple '69s that I remember & back then had no idea.
I had my hinges done at Willie’s place. He does excellent work! I’ve had two 68 and one 69 pair of hinges restored by him. Highly recommended!
Sounds like something I need to look out for. Thanks for the information. Duane, are 68 hinges different from 69 hinges? Do the 69 hinges open higher than the 68's?
Yes, The 68 GM A-bodies only open the hoods so far. A lot of guys, including my “short” self, have creased their heads while looking under the hoods. Once I even found myself on the ground and was looking at stars. GM got a lot of complaints back in the day and fixed the problem for the 69 model year. That’s why the 69 hinges are in demand, as a lot of the 68 guys swap them out if they can find them. Duane
Since 68 and 69 bottoms* and a set of 70s will yield a set of higher opening hinges, 70-72 uppers added to the 68 and 69 base would give a good number of options for people with 68 and 69 cars to obtain rebuilt hinges with stronger uppers. And Willie would be happy for the business! *(if the geometry is correct in the base of the 68 and can be matched with later years) Good information!
Thats cool, I have a ton of hinges and I never really looked at them close. Is there a difference in the 1970, 1971, & 1972 hinges ? all of mine are from 70-72 cars I parted out for many years
I don't think the bottom of the 68 and top of the 70 will give you the increased height you want. I think you will still need the 69 bottom and the 70 top to get the increased height. I don't have any 68 hinges to compare to my 69 hinges. I will follow along to see what else is mentioned.
I have a set of 68 and 69 hinges in the garage. I will dig them out after the world ends tomorrow and post good pics comparing them. If anyone has a set of 70, 71, and or 72 and post similar images to compare them. Might find out how this might work out and what parts one would need to get greater height and stronger overall hinges. Might toss them in the trunk and bring them to the Nats and compare with folks onsite with the 70's hinges just for kicks.
Duane, Very good point and glad you brought that up! I forgot to mention that the thickness of the metal on the 1970 hinges is thicker than the 1969 hinges. So IMHO the 1970 hinges are a better choice to help address that cracking tendency on the 1969 hinges. Which is what I experienced on an earlier set of 1969 hinges. Curtis.
Ryan I would be interested in a purchasing really good pair of 70/71/72 hinges if you price them right! Now that I have a spare set of 1969 bases, I wouldn't mind having a backup set of rebuilt "frankenlark" hinges! Curtis
As far as 70-72 hood hinges, I believe they are all the same, with the following exception. IIRC the 72 hinges have a “Julian Date/Year” date code stamped into them. Duane
Yes, that's exactly where the original hinges on my '69 cracked. I have been searching for an easy way to make the hybrids. I plan to check out the rebuilder that's been mentioned.
Jeff Yep, just send Willie a both sets : 68/69's and a decent set of 70/71/72 hinges. Don't know how many he is doing now, but give him instructions on what you want. I clearly marked my sets when I sent them. You'll want him to put the 69 bases on the 70/71/72 hinges and you'll have a good set to put on a 1968/69 Skylark! Curtis.
