How to get Hood to fit right?

[gotmud]

Took hood loose (I marked it to) for the heater core replacement. Replaced the hood in exact location (or at least close) and also installed the rubber stoppers on the inside of the fenders that hood is suppose to rest on when closed. Now the hood sits more to the drivers side. There is a big gap at the passengers side that gets bigger and bigger as it goes towards the grill.

Are there any tips anywhere on how to allign this darn hood. Its a 68c10.
Thanks in advance.

[Hutch]

gotmud
This happens every time you take the hinge loose.
Lossen the hinge mounting bolts a little leaving them sorta snug and have someone push up on the hood while it is open to the fullest extent and tighten down the bolts while they are applying pressure.
In other words have an assistant push up on the hood till it stops and then apply a little more pressure, while you tighten the bolts.
This should put it right back in alignment.
I know it sounds wierd but it works.
It takes two people to get it right.

[SWEET7T]

Wouldn't it be better to slide the hood backward on the hinge mount, instead of roatating the whole hood hinge?!

Both will work, well the way that I understand it anyway... But I have been known to be wrong

[cduster]

Krue had a good post on body alignment.

Krue's post

Dan

[Hutch]

gotmud
Here is a previous post with a little more detail.
This came from a post by boardmember Huck

Most people will say hinges/springs are worn out---duahhh---how come they weren't worn out before you replaced the motor?? In reality, even well worn hinges can be adjusted if you know the secret~~~and the secret is~~~~
1- open hood and back off the three bolts that hold the hinge to the fender on each side.
2- have friend put a little additional upward pressure on the hood while you tighten the bolts.
By putting the additional upward pressure on the hood, you reposition the hinges and put a slight bit of spring push on the hinge springs. When you bring the hood down, it should bottom out on the rear of the hood. Keep in mind that you may need to reposition the hood on it's hinge bolt position for proper left/right alignment. It is also important to have the hood alignment rubbers mounted in the fenders for the edges.

Just an update to the process, if your hinges are truly well worn---like the rivets fall out----get hinges. If they were ok before you had the hood off------then adjust as described. You just need to loosen all 6 hinge mounting bolts where they go into the fenders then have someone push the hood up a wee b it further then it's fully open position which forces the hinge spings to flex a bit. Now tighten and you got it. If I had a $1. for ever truck I've seen with the hood up~~~~I could probably afford a decent bed floor for mine~.

[crazy longhorn]

Dubie, you have worn hood hinge issues. I am sure you have seen how I fixed mine, but I really like my welder Hutch has a good description on how to adjust the old hinges....crazyL