How do they stack up? My good friends 69 340 swinger hood is in rough shape. Not sure it's going to survive the media blasting. Don't see good originals very often and considering an AMD hood but not if they are easily identified as repop.

The center of the AMD hood has a noticeable ridge running front to back. The stock hoods are raised in the same area but are much less defined. It's more of a gradual curve. Maybe the body shop can work with the area to make it less noticeable?

There are differences in 68 and 69 hoods on the under hood bracing too. If it is not an OEM resto then no issues except what is mentioned above. 69 hoods have crumple zones and holes for the DODGE emblems that were not on 68 hoods.

There is a hood on Craigslist local to me for $650, with 68 inserts, not sure what year the hood is

That hood has 68 letters on it, so assume it is a 68 hood. Not a bad price considering the inserts and hood molding.