OKokokok..I know the advice to install my hood handles was to drill them all the way through the hood. I am a bit hestitant to drill through the metal. Anyone have any opposing or supporting views? I am worried about opening it up to rusting by creating an unfinished sealed surface...maybe that is a needless worry..Tainter???

 

I have not drilled through any of our hoods, so I can't really help you there. Many have, so they would know the pros and cons. I would however tell you to seal any metal where you have removed the protective surface from (the holes).

Bunger, Hunner and Doc would be better off answering this one! They both have the hood handle "thingys".

 

Don't know if my opinion is worth much, but it worked for me.
I sealed mine on both sides with silicone sealer and used anti-seize on the threads in case I ever have to remove it.

 

I did pretty much what Hunner did.
Just be careful in lining up where the handles will go. You need to have the thru holes end up on the flats of the under hood bracing, not on any of the slanted parts.
Do not use any drill location template that comes with the handles. You will be off.

 

See if any of this helps.
Do your handles have threaded studs now?
The billet set I got had them and I removed them, bought some bolts to go up from the inside of the hood into the handles. They will be different lengths of course on the braces and off.
Don't use the instructions as where to place them. You have to be carefull so your bolts are on the flat part of the braces under the hood or it will end up on the edge. Take the handle somewhere and thread a nut on it so you can see what size and thread the bolt is so you can get some the right size and not strip out the threads. I used PBblaster on mine and let them soak so the threaded shafts would come out. I used SS bolts and coated them with anti-seize so I could remove them if needed. I have always thought about painting my hood flat back at some point to kill the white from reflecting my roof lights.
I would also use silicone sealer on both sides to seal and protect from rust.

Drivers side

Passenger