Mr. Gasket Hood Pin

Mr. Gasket Hood Pins: Race-Proven Security with Competition Style

When it comes to keeping a hood locked down on the strip or looking the part at a show, few names carry as much weight as Mr. Gasket. Founded in 1964 by hot rodder Joe Hrudka, the brand was built from the ground up by enthusiasts who understood the demands of real racing — and that philosophy carries straight through to their hood pin lineup today.

Why Hood Pins Matter — and Why Mr. Gasket Gets Them Right

Hood pins serve a dual purpose that any serious builder appreciates: they provide a secondary retention system that keeps a hood safely secured at speed, and they deliver the unmistakable visual signature of a competition-built machine. Mr. Gasket has long been a go-to source for these hardware staples, offering kits engineered for straightforward installation and broad vehicle compatibility.

What sets Mr. Gasket's approach apart is the attention to completeness. Their hood and deck pinning kits are designed to include everything needed right out of the box — no hunting for missing hardware, no separate trips for clips or fasteners. As part of the Holley Performance family of brands, Mr. Gasket continues to deliver products backed by decades of motorsports credibility.

Mr. Gasket Hood Pin Product Lines

The Mr. Gasket hood pin catalog covers several distinct configurations to suit different build styles and performance requirements:

• Safety Pin Kits (e.g., Part #1016): These feature 7/16"-20 thread steel safety pins that secure hoods with a classic competition look while allowing quick removal of the hood or deck. Each kit includes two chromed safety pins, scuff plates, and all necessary hardware.
• Hood & Deck Pinning Kits with Screw-On Scuff Plates (e.g., Part #1017): Chrome-plated and compatible with virtually any vehicle, these kits include two 7/16" x 4-inch long steel hood pins, matching torsion clips, screw-on scuff plates, and all necessary hardware — offering a cleaner, more integrated finish.
• Competition Hood Pin Kits with Lanyard (e.g., Part #1616): Designed for builders who want show-type eye appeal alongside proven track functionality, these kits add stainless steel scuff plates and long lanyard cables for a complete, ready-to-install package. The 24-inch competition-style lanyard cables are a hallmark of this upgrade tier.
• Replacement Safety Pins & Torsion Clips: For those who already have a hood pin setup, Mr. Gasket offers individual replacement safety pins (2.7-inch length, 0.160-inch diameter) and torsion-style replacement clips sold separately, compatible with most hood pin systems.

Construction and Fitment

Across the lineup, Mr. Gasket hood pins are built from chrome-plated steel, delivering the corrosion-resistant, show-quality finish that muscle car and hot rod builders expect. The 7/16" pin diameter and 4-inch overall length (with approximately 2-1/2 inches of threads) is a standard sizing that works across a wide range of hood thicknesses and mounting configurations, making these kits a reliable choice for classic American muscle, trucks, and custom street machines alike.

Installation is designed to be accessible for DIY builders — a drill and basic hardware knowledge are typically all that's required to get a set properly fitted. The scuff plates protect the hood's painted surface where the pin passes through, while the lanyards or safety clips prevent accidental pin loss during operation.

The Mr. Gasket Legacy Behind Every Kit

Mr. Gasket's reputation was forged on race tracks and drag strips long before hood pins were part of the catalog. That heritage of building parts that perform under real-world abuse gives enthusiasts confidence that even a relatively simple accessory like a hood pin kit has been thought through by people who actually race. For builders who want the competition look and the peace of mind that comes with a trusted name, Mr. Gasket hood pins remain a straightforward, proven choice.

Browse the complete hood pin category to compare all available options, or explore the full Mr. Gasket brand page to discover the broader range of performance hardware, gaskets, and accessories they offer.