Problem Adjusting Hood

[IZRSSS]

Can anyone give me advise on how to level off the right corner of this hood? I have loosened & lowered the hinge on the pic as far as it allows and is still 3/8" high. The hood is a repop which I'm sure doesn't help. Any advise or tricks of the trade would be much appreciated.

[Sauron327]

You have to alter the hinge geometry, not just lower it. Loosen the rear hinge to fender bolt and lift the front of the hood all the way, thus pivoting the hinge. Now tighten the bolt. You may have to loosen the front bolt ever so slightly depending on resistance. It can be done solo. This is a very common issue and misunderstood alignment procedure. And lube the hinges too.

[IZRSSS]

Thank you Sauron...nice to know its a common occurrence and not something with the repop hood. I'll give it a go in the morning...looks like we have a game after all...

[IZRSSS]

Gained about an 1/8" of an inch. Thats about it...

[Sauron327]

Can only provide basic bodywork procedures. Job, part assessment and repair execution lies in the person performing the task and their knowledge of the field. Components and sheetmetal are also variables. Often one can pivot the hinges and the hood will go below the fender. If yours cannot, begin further analysis.

[JohnZ]

Over in the "Body Shop" forum at Team Camaro (www.camaros.net), poster "MartinSR" has an excellent tutorial on hood-fitting, which explains the hinge geometry and the counter-intuitive process for establishing the height of the rear of the hood; it's well worth reading.

[IZRSSS]

Could not locate, can someone give me the link to MartinSR's tutorial?

[Sauron327]

Yes, he does provide a generous in depth explanation. It's actually quite simple, basically self explanatory once undertaken, and standard procedure in the business as is all basic panel alignment. I've been doing it for over 20 years. Here's his instruction: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?p=413681 If you are not used to doing these things solo, it may be easier to acquire assistance.

[jacmac]

Would the cowl seal be causing part of he problem??

[Sauron327]

It could, but generally it affects the entire back. Take it off and max that puppy out, it should bury the hood lower than the fender. Job assessment as I stated. I know it sounds simple but it is only bodywork.

[IZRSSS]

Would the cowl seal be causing part of he problem??

I've had body shops look at it    my savvy car guys looked at it  ... and I've tinkered with it for as long as I've owned it, and nothing ever worked...  jacmac...you nailed it!!!   Pulled out the seal and look at it now...very cool!

Now if I can just figure out what to do with the seal. Seems like a much easier task compared to what I was dealing with before.

Thanks jacmac!

[Sauron327]

Why is the cowl panel higher than the hood?

[rsr]

Marty, Do you have a GM hood? The hood could be bent? The picture shown looks as if the hood doesn't have the same curve as your cowl panel. It is lower towards the middle or looks that way??I've been messing with these cars for 36 years now and sometimes you need to bend/treak the aftermarket hoods in order to make them fit. I've seen plenty bodyman fail to make things fit before making it pretty.Hope you get it corrected. RSR

[mopar346]

You might try heating and pressing flat the seal. Put it back on, heat with either a super hot blow drier or something of that nature (make sure it isn't hot enough to damage paint and then close the hood and weight it in such a way to "crush" or flatten the seal. It may also be possible that the lip it attaches to on the cowl cover is tweaked up further than it should be.

[Sauron327]

He said it's a repop hood. I've had to massage more than one.