Hood Hinges
#1
Hood Hinges
I just tried to allign my hood so it doesn't bow in the middle. I messed with the hinge where it connects to the hood which is notched. I even got the hood stuck at one point(see previous posting)once resolved,I tried every different adjustment on the hood end of the hinges - pulling hood forward/back/high/low. Originally the hood sat flush but it would shift since it was at the body end of the hinge causing it to bow in the middle. While visiting my mechanic for an unrelated issue, he tightened the hinges at the body but he did this with the car sitting on an uneven surface. Since I can't get the hood flush from adjusting the ends of the hinges that meet the hood, was wondering if the body ends have any real adjustment room. I think the hood just needs to sit slightly lower (closer) to the body/fenders - the rubber bumpers up front won't do it. I was wondering if there's any room for adjustment at the body end of the hinges that may help.
#2
The hood alignment is tricky. I work with the 4 hinge bolts. Tighten one side. Get the bolts almost tight on the other side. Push the hood around on the loose side until you think it is close. Tighten those bolts. Gently lower hood, and check alignment at edges and latch. Never close completely unless male and female portions of latch are matched up pretty well. Repeat procedures on both sides through as many iterations as it takes. You can push the hood way down onto the hinge by pushing on the hood with one hand, and tightening bolts with a ratchet socket wrench in the other hand.
Use padding at trailing edge of the hood. I sometimes tape a rag on and use carpet scraps or rear floor mats.
Good Luck,
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
Use padding at trailing edge of the hood. I sometimes tape a rag on and use carpet scraps or rear floor mats.
Good Luck,
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />