Problem Adjusting Hood

[IZRSSS]

Thanks for the help guys. Let me first enjoy seeing both rear corners sit flush for once in 5yrs.

I may try lowering the cowl, but that's about as far as I want to go with it right now. I think bending the hood is a great idea but I have visions of tearing up the paint in the process. The next order of business {when budget allows} is to purchase an original GM hood and get it done right. Once I have it in hand I will follow your suggestions here and not be afraid to hammer, pry, bend, etc.

If you know how to massage without tearing it up, please let me know.... maybe some rags between the cowl and the edge of the hood

[KurtS]

You need to see them adjust the hoods in the plant today. A big rubber mallet used to both hit the hood and to close the hood on it. It's pretty dramatic, but works. And they know what they are doing....

[dutch]

   A few years back I bought a GM cowl induction hood and I just couldn't get it mostly to fit the contour of the cowl panel especially on the driver's side, but also the surrounding metal at the front corners and front center peak.
   Finally I got frustrated enough with playing around with the latch, bumpers, and hinges, and placed it on my wood patio deck with towels under it in specific places as to not dent or crimp it and even more towels below and on top of the areas where I thought it need a little tweaking and went for it.
   After an afternoon of careful pushing and bumping (usually with the flats of my hands) it came out even, level, and now fits perfect...
   Just take your time and don't try to do too much all at once. Keep checking it as you go even if it means multiple installs back on the car - which is really the only true measure of success and progress - and especially again, keep it all well padded.

Randy

[IZRSSS]

Dutch...good sound advise.

Thanks

[tmodel66]

Take a 1X4 block of wood about 3" long wrapped in a towel. Lay it between the low spot of the hood and the cowl panel. Gently close the hood forcing the low spot up. A little more pressure if it don't move the first time. Just don't get crazy with it and it will come up and not damage the paint.

[IZRSSS]

Dan,

This sounds good in theory but wouldn't I have to maintain downward pressure in the areas indicated by the red arrows? Otherwise wouldn't I throw these out of whack? I don't have much room for error at any one of these points...

[tmodel66]

With the weight of the hood resting on the blocks push down on the corners. This will help raise the low spots. If you get it to move then you can readjust the hinge to get the overall fit.

[jacmac]

Keep working at it Marty,I have an original hood on my car & now that the paint is done I need to tackle that problem next.I have an after market seal & I think that is my problem.I hope I have an easier time at it!!

[IZRSSS]

Thanks Jack...I will eventually try the recommendations posted here but I don't want to risk damaging the hood in any way. I have a show coming up at the end of March and knowing me I'll S#$@% something up...