I'm looking to buy an R/T hood for an E-Body. I'm on the fence on wether or not to buy a new reproduction hood from AMD for $500.00 or buying an original hood that needs a little TLC. I've had issues in the past with reproduction parts not fitting 100% and needing some "massaging" to fit right and look right. Also that reproduction parts are noticeably thinner and flimsy than original.

Here's my 2 thoughts:

1) An original hood will fit and with some TLC will be as good as new if not better. But, will the cost far exceed $500.00 before paint?

2) I've heard that AMD parts are much better than what was available before, but are they as good as an original piece?

Any thoughts? Experience?

Thanks

Speedy515

Goodmark was the first on the market with licensed Challenger R/T hoods made of steel. The reports have been good. I have no experience with the AMD hoods, but their other parts are getting good reviews. I have one of their bumpers on my Duster and the quality is excellent.
One consideration: The new hoods come WITHOUT the angled scoop inserts, and I don't think that those are being repopped.
One last thing: A friend with a 71 Challenger bought an R/T hood at a swap meet. It was his first E body and he was inexperienced. The webbing that spans across the underside had been removed and the edges smoothed over. The previous owner did such a good job of hiding the modification, he didn't know that they were supposed to be there! The webbing adds significant strength. With the webs missing, the center of the hood was shaky at freeway speeds.

WOW...I've been looking around and prices of original body panels has dropped dramatically. I'm assuming this is because of all of the re-pops. I saw an advertisement for an R/T hood from a swap meet last year for $50.00. A few years back that was unheard of. I'm going to "Spring Fling" this weekend and will be looking for a used hood