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Back when these cars were new, there were a few companies that made aftermarket fiberglass hoods for the aero Fox Cougar/T-Bird. That was thanks to the aero Thunderbird's popularity in drag racing. In the 1990's companies pretty much stopped making them altogether, as they focused on newer and more popular cars and trucks. But starting in the late 1990's, a resurgence has come about in making quality fiberglass hoods for our cars. Whether you just want a different look, need a lightweight hood for racing, or need a taller hood for engine clearance, this is actually the best time ever to buy one!
Below is the most complete and comprehensive list of aftermarket hoods currently available for the 1983-88 Cougar and Thunderbird. If you happen to know of one that's not listed here, please contact us so this information can be shared with everyone.
One note of caution: remember that with any aftermarket fiberglass hood, you will not be able to use your hood latch to pop the hood anymore. These hoods require hood pins of some type, whether a physical pin and lanyard, or a locking key style. You can find either type at Summit Racing or Jeg's easily. You have to ask yourself whether you want to lose your car's functionality in the hood latch department before buying one of these hoods. If you can live with that fact, read on.
NOTE: Prices may vary from those shown here; check with manufacturer for most up-to-date pricing.
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The hood at left is from US Body Source in FL. It's a 3" Dominator cowl hood with a fully finished liner (underside), completed in gelcoat and primed for painting. The cowl is not functional; the liner assures that it's completely blocked off underneath. In other words, it's not a functional cowl hood where engine heat can escape in the cowl area. But that shouldn't stop you from considering it if you want the look. This is definitely the most expensive fiberglass hood you can buy for your Cougar. But we can tell you from firsthand experience that it's worth every penny. If you want the best you will have to pay, plain and simple, but the workmanship far surpasses anything we've seen to date. There is minor trimming necessary around the perimeter (removal of a 1" lip) and near the windshield, and it is recommended that you block sand the top to get some of the waves out. We did find minor pinholes in the gelcoat that needed filled in; not really an issue since all hoods have this. Otherwise, that was the extent of the labor involved. You can bolt on the hood latch with no problem; there is metal reinforcement for it. |
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Some people have had luck with the stock spring-loaded hinges (1987-88); others have not, and must resort to using a prop rod or adding the Mark VII-style hinge helpers onto the stock 1984-86 hinges (left). |
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US Body also makes this hood in a lightweight racing version, and makes stock-type hoods in bolt-on and pin-on versions. Part numbers are as follows:
HEAVY DUTY (Street)
1983-88 Stock Hood (top left), p/n FTBH-2, $439 US
1983-88 Dominator Hood 3", p/n TTBH-83, $549 US
LIGHTWEIGHT (Race only)
1983-88 Stock Hood, p/n TBH-1, $259 US
1983-88 Dominator Hood 3", p/n TBH-7C, $319 US
1983-88 10" Torpedo Hood (bottom left), p/n TBH-92, $399 US
U.S. Body
9009 South East C.R. 325
Hampton, FL 32044
Fax: (352) 468-2164
Phone: (352) 468-2203
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This 5" hood comes from VFN Fiberglass, and the race version is even extended. Options are below:
- Stock Flat Pin-On Hood
- Stock Flat Bolt-On Hood
- 5" Extended Lift-Off Hood
- 5" Pin-On Hood (Not Extended)
- 5" Bolt-On Hood (Not Extended)
VFN Fiberglass
501 Interstate Rd.
Addison, IL 60101
Phone: (630) 543-0232
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This 3" fiberglass cowl hood is from Champion Fiberglass Products, which the company says is a bolt-on hood utilizing OEM hinges, latch and hardware, and features a partially finished underside liner. Retail $270.
Champion Fiberglass Products
7706 Anthony Wayne Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45216
Phone: 513-531-6640 or 888-416-6273
Fax: 513-531-6642
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This is one of the most different hoods we've seen. It's a creation of Crites Restoration from OH, which specializes in replacement and aftermarket parts for older Ford vehicles. This hood is listed as a ram-air style hood and lists for $350 US plus freight shipping.
Crites Industries
13155 US Route 23
Ashville, OH 43103
Phone: (740) 983-4777 or (740) 983-2273
Fax: (740) 983-9691
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Hairy Glass from FL has been around for many years, and they still produce parts for our cars. However, they're mostly for drag cars and not practical for everyday use. Still, they have a lot of Thunderbird and Cougar parts available in fiberglass, including doors, trunklids, and hoods. Special extended front ends, fenders and hoods can be ordered for drag cars.
Hairy Glass, Inc.
15444 Duval Road East
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 751-3459
Fax: (904) 757-8515
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Showcars Bodyparts in Ontario, Canada also features fiberglass hoods and body parts, mostly for drag cars. They also carry stock steel body panels. Check the listings for your needs.
Showcars Bodyparts Unlimited
12249 Highway 50
Bolton, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (905) 857-6345
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If you can't afford a fiberglass hood, you do have some alternatives:
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Most popular is a 1987-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe hood, which bolts right up to your Cougar. Obviously the scoops are no longer functional on a V6 or V8 car, and in fact should be capped to prevent water from leaking onto your distributor. Also, on SEFI 5.0 cars the a/c bracket must be shaved down so that the driver's scoop will clear. There may be minor clearance issues with other engines but nothing extremely difficult to deal with. With the availablility of these hoods, and the comfort of knowing that it's a factory Ford part, this is a very tempting proposition. Pricing is very erratic, however, so shop wisely. |
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Also, you can always graft an aftermarket hood scoop onto your stock hood. Most of them are fiberglass, which is good, but remember that 'glass and metal don't always mate up together well, at least as far as bodywork is concerned. The ultimate solution would be to buy a stock-style fiberglass hood, then bond the scoop to it. But that sort of defeats the purpose when you're on a thin budget, yet want a cool look. |
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Another solution would be to use an older Fox Mustang factory hood scoop. These were found on 1979-82 Mustangs and wouldn't you know it, the lines are nearly perfect for the fitment on our hood. We have seen people put this scoop on facing forward or backward, and either looks pretty good. It does bolt on, so this requires drilling holes in your hood, but it will give a factory look. |
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