Topic: how to make hot rod hood straps

[obama]

Ok guys, Iv been working on this for a while now and think I have enough pictures, and hopefully the right size to share with the nation.
One of the cooler things I have seen on the web is the leather strap hood hold downs that are expensive, and hard to find, but golly daing, they sure look good.
Here is a photo of a set, and I hope to follow with directions on how to make em (hint, the spring is not available to buy, that I could find)

[obama]

First off, some minimal tools, in picture 1, leather strap 5ft, rivets, buckles, and the two secret ingredients, light webbing off the end of a light weight ratchet strap, and the coil springs from a box spring mattress ( you may have some out in the old burn pile)

The next photo shows tools that would be nice to have, but not mandatory. Leather skimmer (to reduce thickness) hole punches, curved punch, for the tail of the strap, and always hammers.

[hotwheels]

Very kewl..........

[obama]

First, were going to straighten the coil spring out. Put it in a vice, apply some heat and gently uncoil. This is also where the white burn line on your hands come from, but hey, it's just pain.
Two photo's of the spring work, then on to putting it in a jig. The one I made is a 6x6, with heavy spikes nailed in to form the pattern, then ground off at the top. Note the square tube down the center, this makes for easier removal, and straightening with a hammer, while forming the spring. The now straight spring was clamped on the jig at the bottom, then heated for each turn, then cooled with oil, thus making a small fire as I got farther along. Yes I had a sheet with the pattern next to me so I can cheat.

[obama]

Now were gett'n somewhere, this is where the webbing came in handy. The hood rods on this car are to thick for a leather strap to go around, and still hold any strength, so I attached small piece of webbing, formed into a loop, the riveted well to the top, works good, and does not show. I will add at this point I also have a big foot powered riveter, but it can be done with a small one, just harder to do.
On these I wanted the springs to ride at the same hieght, so all adjustment in strap lenght were at the bottom. Most of these are made to mount to the frame of the car, but these had to be shorter in front so I made the fornt springs shorter by removing one pair of loops. The spring acts as a tensioner so as to hold the strap tight, after it is buckled, notice that the springs are formed into a double loop for the main circles up the design.
If yer a member of the Nation, and want a little help, let me know.
could even make ya a set.
probably something I forgot, will fill it in latter.

[oldskool49]

Wow. Tech Tip. Like the paint job on the rod.



 

[k9karl]

thanks for the info! i want to make some straps to hold my hinged roof on my 31 truck. this will really help

[obama]

I think these straps actually look better on a early style hot rod/rat rod, (primer/rust) than they do on the paint job car that I pictured.  But hey it just had a bar hanging down with a coil spring at the end, I had to do something.
k9Karl, let me know if'n ya want help I know people in your area.

[Greybeards Customs]

Nice tip , I have a friend that purchased a tool belt ( leather belt ) at harbour freight to do something similar . the spring work looks really good . Does it still spring when you tighten the belt ?

[obama]

Yup, spring springs in spring.
The spring was heated, the cooled with oil around those coils, which serve to put "pull" on the buckle after it's latched, so it works as a spring.

[Greybeards Customs]

I see said the blind man ! It is always important for a spring to spring .... that sounds funny !