danger, danger, danger?

I don't think you worry too much about your block overheating. vents were to keep the injectors cool so it won't vapor lock

If you were going backwards really fast and the catch came unfastened the hood could fly up!

No problem to leave your hood open in such a manner if that is your desire. Might rattle and bang around a bit, but it should pretty much stay in place.

Hey, thanks (all of you) for your insight, I'll get busy on my (78) hood tonight, and Graham, I'll try not to travel too fast in reverse---Jerry

If you are still running with a cooling system there should be nooo problem , these cars are not that fragile, just drive the car as before .

At some speed ( 70+?) the back pressure will keep the air under the hood. The hood vents were to release the air from the front and to help cool the car. When/if you ever have a hose break or replace a rad. hose you can smell it when the vents are open. This shows how the air flows in the cowl area. All car designs of this era (50's) hadn't a clue about aero qualities.

Jcool 78 2plus2

Thank you Jcool78 2plus2, your response made sense, especially your observation regarding static hood pressure @70mhr +. I have header wraps, and a heat shield guarding my SU's, call me paranoid, call me stupid, however, I feel that lowered hood temp = more hp, hence my inquire concerning my "ajar" state for my stock hood, untill...I repair my 78 hood---Jerry