bulge hood insert question

[mikesbbody]

i have 2 71 bulge hoods, but no inserts alot of us know there are 2 inserts the rt and the super bee (excluding the ramcharger) if im correct, the bee inset is fiberglass? and the rt insert is steel I only learnt not long ago that there's 2 pieces to the rt the top and bottom.
My question is: can you put the top rt piece on without the bottom? or do they bolt together? and if you can put it on without the bottom piece will it sit right? the lower piece is hard to come by (for that matter any reasonable insert is hard to find) and i have heard they use special bolts that are very hard to come by and expensive. any input would be appreciated thanks.

[rich4406bbl]

You can install the RT insert without the 2nd piece, yes it does use special "bell" nuts and those are available from Roger Gibson Restorations.

[ACUDANUT]

What are the 2 pieces on the 71 Charger R/T hood ?? I thought the louvers were just one piece.

[TruckDriver]

What are the 2 pieces on the 71 Charger R/T hood ?? I thought the louvers were just one piece.

There is piece that bolts in from the bottom to keep the water out of your engine. A plug basically.

[ACUDANUT]

   Okay thanks, But I don't think PLUGS, used to fill holes, make a louver a two part kit.

[mikesbbody]

thanks guys, i had no idea the rt was a two piece deal until it was shown to me. The super bee insert is much easier (all one piece) i know of a fiberglass place in canada that does repo inserts for the 71 bee and rt but not (to my knowlege) the lower piece for the rt hood. I have also heard he rodger gibson special bolts are like 12.00$ (or more?) and you need...I think its 12? I have heard of guys removing their "base plates" but cant remember what cars they were I think this was done to maybe get abit more airflow?
Anyway, it seems like you can just put the top rt insert on a 71 bulge hood it may look funny when you open the hood! and just dont take it out in the rain! 

[twilt]

A set of 12 bellnuts =$180

[chgr500]

Maybe this will help clarify matters

[chgr500]

The two pieces for the O.E.M steel '71 R/T insert
The insert fit's into the hood which has a flanged step lip on the hood opening so that the insert can sit lower and keep the hood line through to the insert flat.....soooo  it's not just a hole in your hood otherwise the insert would fit on top of the hood line.  The flanged step lip on the hood has all the same holes as the insert to line up with mounting studs.

[chgr500]

Usually these louvered sections of the insert become warped from engine heat over time. The gauge of the metal is thinner and generally corrosion on this section.   Water drips through the holes to the lower portion of the insert.

[chgr500]

You will generally find corrosion around the boss holes on inserts this age. Note the drain system for the water

[chgr500]

You will usually find that some of the mounting studs are broken off.  Like posted prior 12 bell nuts in all
Pretty hard to find one in this condition....it's in stock condition besides cosmetic paint..   
I didn't know that the bell nuts were that much!  Weeeell what's a couple hundred $ at this stage.  lol......   it's a CHARGER!!!
I also have two powerbulge hoods....a '71 Superbee hood (some damage) and a '74 powerbulge that has no vent openings (very nice)......I am looking for a powerbulge hood with the insert opening to use this r/t insert with............before I hack a hole in one of these hoods
WILL TRADE BARTER SWAP BUY BEG FOR POWERBULGE HOOD WITH INSERT OPENING

[mikesbbody]

thanks for the pics chrg500, i just wish this insert stuff was easier to come by! 180.00$ for the bellnuts...i guess that's the least expensive part!

[ACUDANUT]

 Wow, thanks for the info.  That clears up that issue.  You guy's know your stuff.
180.00 for bellnuts ??  That's crazy. I am in the wrong business.