66 Barracuda Hood Buffeting at 70+ mph

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66fyssh

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My hood starts buffeting about 70 mph. Is that normal for a 54 year old car? I'd like to find a way to keep it still at speeds.

The center latch has maybe 1/16" play.
I can raise the front corner hood bumpers but then the hood is above the fenders.

Anybody have any suggestions??
 
is it just the skin buffetting? Maybe you can "reglue" the skin underside to the hood frame.

I think it's the entire hood but only on the sides near the fenders. The hood feels solid.

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I haven't looked at my hood for years, but on some years they have rubber bumpers along the fender edges which firm up that top of fender to hood gap.
 
I have those. I tried raising them but it raises the hood above the fenders. I'll try it again and take a drive to see if it helps.

IMG_20200729_205256.jpg
 
Just curious, could there be extra air sneaking in under the hood somehow? I had a 66, but it's been too long. Do they have an air dam under the radiator support or anything like that? Splash guards all in place, if they exist?
 
I haven't looked at my hood for years, but on some years they have rubber bumpers along the fender edges which firm up that top of fender to hood gap.


These are what he was referring to. Are they present on a 66?

they line up with the indentions on the hood to help center and support.

EEEE5765-8C07-4899-A3C2-E25ACFCC12A4.jpeg


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And what about the rear seal at the cowl? Obviously your front seal is in tact!
 
I appreciate the suggestions!

All splash guards are in place. I do see on the hood to radiator seal there is a gap towards each side. All clips are in and I remember buying the seal for a 66. I may see how I can secure it down tight in those areas.

Gerald, the 66 has those side bumpers but they are much further back. And it got a new cowl seal about 7 years ago.

I don't get a lot of movement of the hood, but it's more than I like at speed.
 
I appreciate the suggestions!

All splash guards are in place. I do see on the hood to radiator seal there is a gap towards each side. All clips are in and I remember buying the seal for a 66. I may see how I can secure it down tight in those areas.

Gerald, the 66 has those side bumpers but they are much further back. And it got a new cowl seal about 7 years ago.

I don't get a lot of movement of the hood, but it's more than I like at speed.


Try going faster!:lol:
 
On my 66 cuda- my hood pops up a bit at high speed. I tried to raise the bumpers but it put the hood above the fenders.

finally I dropped the hood latch (2@ 1/2” bolts) it pulls down the hood enough to be tight but not tight enough not to latch.
 
Here are some pictures.

The gap in the seal.
IMG_20200729_222657~2.jpg


Anyone know what this hole is for?
IMG_20200729_222549~2.jpg

Here's the bumper in the back.
IMG_20200729_222317~2.jpg
 
finally I dropped the hood latch (2@ 1/2” bolts) it pulls down the hood enough to be tight but not tight enough not to latch.

Thanks! I'll adjust that tomorrow. I may raise the bumpers just a hair too.
 
Thanks for replying.

Just realized the air conditioning was still on in the garage by seeing that picture again and about to go to bed!

Your front seal looks a bit weird. Only one block per side on 66?
 
Thanks for replying.

Just realized the air conditioning was still on in the garage by seeing that picture again and about to go to bed!

Your front seal looks a bit weird. Only one block per side on 66?

Sucks getting old and forgetting stuff, lol.

Yes, only one block per side. I'll research to see if that's correct, but there's only one slot for them.
 
I hadn't thought about it before, but looking at the way it lays, I'm going to check out the seal also.
 
Adjust your hood latch mechanizm down (It's adjustable.). My car was doing that too. Set your hood stops so hood is flush with the fenders then lower the latch down evenly. I have to really let the hood close with some extra force but I have zero shake on hyway. JMO
 
Check the grill stiffening bracket below the hood latch my 66 was doing the exact same an the bracket was cracked. Sorry no picture, if cracked will allow hood to move
like that. Just gave the bracket a zap with the Mig while still in place all good.
 
Thanks all. Sounds like the fix is going to be the latch. I'll get out there today and check out the latch and stiffening plate, and adjust the latch down.
 
Any lifting in the rear of the hood near the firewall? If everything checks out listed above. Its a long shot but check your hood hinges.
 
Thanks @ZooKypr . The back of the hood is good and tight. Just both sides of the front start bouncing up and down starting at about 70 mph. I'm going to have a good look at the latch area and adjust it down to get rid all the play.
 
Damn, those early hoods are heavy and stiff, hope you get it sorted out and let us know what the issue was.
 
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