I have a '68 Coronet R/T driver with an A12 lift off hood. I love the way it looks on the car but hate the fact that I can remove it by myself but putting it back in place jeopardizes my paint job. I have a couple of nicks on the cowl to remind me of this. It's not a framed perimeter hood that can use hinges with light weight springs.

I was thinking of building a light weight frame with flat stock aluminum that I could attach hood hinges to. I'm thinking I can "nest" the hood on this frame in some way to avoid attaching it and possibly cracking the hood yet allow me to open and close it easily by myself. I would still pin the hood as it should be.

Any ideas or has anyone already done what I am thinking?