Hello Marcus,
You’re most welcome. These cut-out hoods have always intrigued me and I am most eager for any new information. Hopefully you’ll post a summary of your research.
When first purchased I assumed that my car’s hood was cut out in this manner by a previous owner. In fact, a friend who is very knowledgeable on these cars told me as much. Sometime later I came across a factory drawing (posted below) that seems to suggest that these were in fact factory cut, much to my and especially my friend’s surprise.
Somewhere I had read that these hoods were intended for 428CJ cars, but the shaker was adopted thereby kyboshing this initial concept.
I have period magazine (don’t recall the mag’s name at the moment) containing a review of a 351W powered ’69 Mach 1 that makes specific reference to the hood cut outs. It says that to enable a ram air effect one needs to remove the rubber seal behind the hood scoop grille and then flip the air cleaner lid upside down. Flipping the lid upside down creates an opening to of course allow entry of the air channeled in by the hood scoop. If by chance you don’t have this article I’ll be glad to post scans.
Cheers,
Tony
