vac hood prop rod

[VAC Mowing Man]

Does anyone have pictures of the prop-rod that installs under the hood of the VAC?
I finally got the hood open the other day and noticed a broken piece of wood attached in the middle of the hood. I assume this was a home repair done sometime ago.
Also with the rod installed, where do you locate the free end of the rod to keep the hood open?

 

[watsonsgotit]

I believe you will find a nice gentleman on ebay from North Carolina selling reproduction Hood props and spark plug wire holders. They are of nice quality.

 

[Christopher Mikesell]

The original prop rod was indeed made of wood. Also, its end is cut at an acute angle so that it catches against the ridges on the valve cover to hold the hood up. It should be long enough to rest on the top of the radiator, but should not be long enough to touch the radiator cap, when the hood is down.

 

[casecollectorsc]

That piece of wood is the prop rod. Sets on the valve cover to hold the hood open. It is attached to the hood with a bolt and wingnut. Tightening the wing nut keeps the prop rod flush with the hood to keep it out of the way when not in use.

 

[handcrank]

I replaced mine with a short piece of broom handle.Works fine. Don.