cadillac hood

[Kevin Kennedy]

I am wondering if a 1963 Cadillac hood is the same as a 1964 Cadillac hood.

[Russ Austin]

Yes, and no. It fits perfectly, but the 63 has the lower valance while the 64 does not.  The 64 has the dimples in the metal for the fasteners, while the 63 has holes where the fasteners go.  You can just screw the lower valance to a 64 hood. 

[Kevin Kennedy]

What's the valance?

[Jason Edge]

He is referring to the hood extension. This is the painted triangular piece that was attached to the front lower side of the 63 hood, then moved to the top of the upper grill in 1964. The 63 hood extension also has a 3 piece bottom lip trim ... 2 short pieces on the end and one long piece across center.

[Kurt]

This piece

[Kurt]

Also the 63 "V" hood ornament is smaller so the holes don't line up. You can just use the 64 hood ornament if that doesn't bother you. Otherwise it would require filling in the 64 holes, & drilling the 63 holes and whatever level of painting or touch-up you want to do. 

[Russ Austin]

Thanks Kurt for covering my backside with the hood V. I forgot.   The valance is an extension to the hood. On the 64, it is part of the upper grill. The 63 has it mounted to the bottom of the hood.  I'd post a picture, but my computer is in for work, and I am on the wifes computer. 

[Kevin Kennedy]

Ok, thanks guys. I think I can handle that. I found a hood here in MN for $250.00 in pretty good shape. When I got there I was told it was from a '64 and that it would work. I sweating bricks there for a while. I will use the valance and emblem from my old hood. Thanks again for the info 

[Jason Edge]

Kevin, In fact it is the same hood listed for 63 & 64 in the Master Parts Book. Just a few minor mods and you can definitely use a 64 hood on a 63. Since we are drilling down to the details, here are the things you will need to do/consider for putting the 64 hood on the 63:
- drilling holes to mount the hood extension
  
- moving holes for the 63 hood V, which are different from the 64 V and 64 Wreath (found on Fleetwoods and with different hole pattern than 64 V). Of course you can use the 64 V or Wreath if still with the hood, or purchase one so you do  not have to drill holes.  You can tell if the 64 hood had the V as the holes will be slightly further spread out than your 63 V. If the 64 had the wreath they will be in a very tight pattern. 

- notching out the bottom side toward the left, drive side to make room for the 63 style upper hood latch which is located on the left vs the center for the 64's. If the notch is not cut out, the release handle will hit the underside of the hood. It takes about 10 seconds with a cutting wheel to notch it out and you will see what needs removing as soon as you put the 63 upper latch up to the 64 hood.