I have been researching the different manufacturers of these hoods for a while and have found that there were many manufacturers all over the US. The most noteable is A & A Engineering as they were the first. All of them were basically the same on the outer surface but the inner structure (bottom side) is where the differences really are. As Whitetop stated most used "chopped" glass but there are a few originals that are hand laid. The three 67 Yenkos I have looked at all have the same hood and they are handlaid, at least the final layer is that way. They have use fiberglass cloth as the final layer mainly to give the hood a more uniform finish on the bottom side. I have not been able to find the manufacturer, but I suspect it may be a first design by A & A.
Since most everyone knows about A & A (Atlanta GA) I will describe them first. They are the only hoods that I have found that have a gelcoat finish on both top & bottom. They were also non-functional due to this reason. (See attachment). Hughey's Auto Ranch in SC is currently reproducing this hood and it is identical to the original offering by A&A however the fit is a lot better. (Black hood in attached picture) The perimeter lip on this hood is about 3/8" thick, which caused the originals to warp at the end of the hood hinges. The new repro has full length steel inserts molded in to keep this from happening when using hood hinge springs. This hood is pricey but is the nicest on the market.
Other original manufacturers/suppliers of this hood were: <ul type="square">
Allied (California)
Ieco (California) not sure if they manufactured the hood or were a supplier for Allied.
Fastglas (Legendary) (PA) they still make this hood
Komponents Korner (Jerry Cunningham) Tennessee
A & A Engineering[/list]
The hood VFN sells looks identical to the Ieco/Allied hood as the perimeter lip and innerstructure are very similar to what was done back then. From what I have been told the outer surface needs some serious block sanding but overall fit is good. It can be used with original hinges and latch.
The current offering by Legendary (Fastglas) looks identical from the topside but the innerstructure is not the same as original. The quality is also lacking on the bottom as it is very hastily done and would require lots of work to clean it up.
Later tonight I will try to post more pictures of these hoods with the differences shown....................RatPack.............
Ken, I have already painted the "Bardahl" hood and it is going on a 67 that I am restoring for a friend, sorry. I will try and get a picture to you later this week.