Back of Hood Rising

[Vandals909]

I have a 1971 with a 1967 front end on it. I bought it this way. On the drive home from buying it I noticed the hood rattling. It needs the weather stripping that goes between the cowl and the hood. Also after closing the hood it all lines up fine but in the back by the cowl. You have to push down on the hood by the cowl and the back lines up perfectly.

But after driving it for a little bit it lifts back up. Is this a fitment issue or possible weak hood hinge springs?

Thank you!

[DT1]

I haven't had to adjust my hood on the truck but I've done it on other cars.
You need to get someone to help you with this one. Loosen the hood hinge bolts and have a friend push up on the hood from the front until you see the hinges lower in the back. Snug the bolts and check it. You might have to repeat a couple of times.

[sameyrasmea72]

Sounds like bad hinges to me.

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

Sounds like bad hinges to me.

yep its a pretty common cause, but try to adjust first

[mclairmo]

Make sure the big round rivets that hold the hinges together and allow them to pivot/fold are nice and tight. Otherwise, it will be hard to keep any alignment/adjustment you set it to.

[charx2]

I have a 67 and it's original front end, it does that exact thing too so it's probably not from the swap.

[jhwkns]

Oil the hinges. If they bind at all it will raise the back.

[JCA1972]

Originally Posted by jhwkns

Oil the hinges. If they bind at all it will raise the back.

worked on mine.

[Vandals909]

I will try what you guys are saying. The hinges open and close oK and it latches fine in the front.

Just having problems with the back of the hood not being flush with the cowl, it is a little bit higher. If I push the hood down it will then be level. After driving for five minutes the hood lifts back up!

Someone mention the hinges could be bad. Could it be the spring and not the hinge itself?

[lovnthe70]

Mine does the same thing and only on the drivers side, i put a new spring on it and it still does it......so i can tell you thats not it!! im going to change the hinge next.

[LockDoc]

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Do what DT1 said in post #2... Worked for me. Just loosen it where it bolts to the inside of the fender. After you snug it back up close it slow in case it moved too far.

LockDoc

[BADPURPLE70CHEVY]

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

Sounds like bad hinges to me.

It is very common.

[hayhauler71]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Make sure the big round rivets that hold the hinges together and allow them to pivot/fold are nice and tight. Otherwise, it will be hard to keep any alignment/adjustment you set it to.

This is right on, if the rivits are loose the adjustment will always change. I had the same problem and replaced hinge and springs [repop parts] probably the best thing I did because this problem really ticked me off.

[Hubscrub]

i agree with adjusting them worked on mine

[Longhorn Man]

try lube first
either a worn hinge, or worn rivits can cause this.
A good way to adjust for this (if parts replacement is not in the budget) goes like this;
Grab a friend...doesn't have to be a mechanic in any way shape or form, the most non wrenching SOB will work fine (even the wife will work if you can convince her to help)
Open the hood, and loosen the 3 bolts on each hinge that bolts to the inside of the fender.
Have your assistant push up on the hood, as if they were trying to open the hood further than it is supposed to be. While they are doing that and holding it, you run around with your 9/16ths socket and rachet (with a 6 inch or so extention) and tighten the 6 bolts again.
Now, SLOWLY close your hood. The nicer your paint, the slower you'll want to go. You need to keep a close eye on the rear edge of the hood, make sure the hood doesn't pinch the cowl panel. If it does, then you'll need to loosen the 4 bolts that hold the hood to the hinges, and pull the hood forward. If it doesn't hit the cowl, then you'll need to make sure the latch pin goes into the latch. Once you confirm it will go in the hole, and the back clearance is good, slam the hood and enjoy the 'fix'.
*note*
you can go too far, and have to redo it again, and you may find one side is worse than the other.