While searching through the Popular Hot Rodding archives last week, I came across an ad that got my heart pumping. Anybody who reads PHR regularly will know about our ’76 Camaro project car, g/28, and how much I like these cars. The ad was from the June 1977 issue, and was by a company that has a reputation for making headers. Back in the day, Hooker was much more than a header manufacturer—although that was their primary focus.
This ad, however, featured headers, air filters, and a very interesting body styling kit for Camaros, Firebirds, and Vegas. The portion of the ad containing the styling kit was relatively small, but caught my eye because it was so nicely designed. From the picture, it looks like the kit consisted of a front air dam/spoiler, fender skirts, and possibly a rocker panel extension (although you can’t really tell from this angle). I have no idea how successful these kits were, but if it were to be made today, I would certainly have installed it on my ’76 Camaro. These ’74 – ’77 Camaros need lots of help to look nice, and this kit does a nice job.
Hooker is no longer in the business of making these fiberglass kits, but I can’t help but think they would be relatively successful in an era where these cars are becoming fashionable again. It was a g-Machine look before there were g-Machines! Best of all, the hardware exists to the point where these cars can deliver on the looks that the styling kit promises.