68 Yenko Camaro hood pins

[SS427]

Does anyone know specifically what hood pins/plates were used on the fiberglass 68 Yenko Camaro hoods? I have heard they were generic Cal Customs or something equivilant or whatever was conveniently available to Don at the time. Based on the imprint marks on the hood mine measure about 2 1/2" in diameter with the screw holes being 2 1/16" across the face. The hole in the core support measures just under 1/2". I have a set of Moroso plates and 1/2" pointed pins but the pins will not fit in the core support and the screw mounting holes only measure 1 3/4" across the face. Any help greatly appreciated. If anyone has an NOS set with these measurements I would be interested in them.

[whitetop]

Yenko would have used most likely either Cal Custom or Mr Gasket. Probably Cal Custom as they were available in many general department stores such as Hills, Harts etc. at the time and where possibly more readisome with a large distribution network in many auto parts stores as well. Mr Gasket also did not really start taking off with a distribution chain until very late 60's and were really only in speed shops. My local Harts department store carried a full line of Cal Custom in the early 70's.

Moroso never had any hood pins until the 73-74?? ish and the ones they first made were all aluminum. Just about all the early Moroso stuff was aluminum in one way or another then they found out a larger consumer base was the street machines and that is who they catered to later on.

Here are some NOS Cal Customs next to a modern day Mr Gasket on the left. The modern Mr Gasket ones are thinner and have a pointy, sharp tip while the Cal Custom ones are thicker and have a blunt tip.

However, the early Mr Gasket ones were identical to the Cal Custom ones. I believe they both came from the same source in Japan at the time and just put into their respective packaging.

There were some other companies making hood pins but they were small fry, regional, and not really well heard of such as Segal.

I would think Yenko would have grabbed the ones most readily available. Don't know for sure but I would say CC or Mr G from Broughers Speed shop??

Measurements" Cal Custom 1/2" post or slightly less. .520 hole in plate and the plate is 2 1/2 across and the screw wholes diaganly across are 2 1/16 center to center.

The modern Mr Gasket post is about an 3/16 thinner and use 5/8 nuts while the Cal Custom uses larger 11/16

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k572/OGCPICS/IMG_2149.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Rick,
I have a couple of sets of Mr. Gasket that I bought a few years ago in Davenport. I'll check the dimensions tonite if you'll call and remind me. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif They're still in the blister packs.

[SS427]

As usual Dave, you are a treasure trove of information and I thank you for that! Based on your measurements it sounds like Cal Customs are the ones I need as I suspected but from pre-1973. Wish me luck there! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif If you would consider selling me a set (if you have extras) shoot me a PM.

Dennis, thanks for looking. I will call and remind you later tonight. If they are the same measurements maybe we can work something out.

Thank you gentlemen!
Rick

[ORIGLS6]

Here's what I have. The one on the left is discolored, but it's all there.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0242-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0241-1.jpg

[whitetop]

I never knew Mr Gasket offers them now in 2 different diameters. Looks like the 1/2 size is very close appearance wise to my old Cal Custom ones.

[SS427]

Thanks for the call last night Dennis. Based on our conversation I am thinking the 7/16&quot; are the correct ones as they will fit in the holes on the original core support and the base plate look and measure correctly. I may have to &quot;modify&quot; the tips and rechrome them however. Thanks to both of you for all the help! Much appreciated!

[Charley Lillard]

I also need a set.

[ORIGLS6]

If you can use the 1/2&quot; set, they're yours.