hoods that dont sit flush at cowl

[Glen]

My 68 hood does not lay flush back at the cowl, you know the look....after closing it you have to walk back and push down on the hood and it stays down.

are the springs wornout?
is it the hinge?
or both?

Thanks in advance

[Roberty]

I believe this is caused by worn out hood hinges but if it's not too bad it might be adjusted out at the rear adjustment bolt on the hinges.
Robert

[68 Suburban]

Usually it is the rivets on the hinges that are starting to fail.

[Hutch]

Here is some information posted a while back by a boardmember
named that goes by the name Huck.
I tried it and it worked for me.

Quote:
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.

Have fun

[jimfulco]

Mine did that but I only needed to lubricate the hinges.

[ZOOMY]

Hutch's method works unless maybe the rivets are ready to fall out. In that case, buy some good used hinges and use his method.

[72MARIO]

Heck go buy some new GM hinges !

[bobs409]

The above method worked for mine too.

[Huck]

Holy Cra@ Batman, my secret is out and everyone is finding out that they don't need to spend mega bucks on new hinges. Now the hinge manufacturers are going to be coming after me.

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~.

OK come on guys, everyone who has used this trick, post your reply so others will get the easy fix and save some $$$ for other more important stuff like HEIs, locking gas caps or even better , rear gas tanks so we don't have any members doing the Chevy truck barbecue!!!

Now can someone repay the favor and help me find a good solid straight LWB floor???? HUCK

[70c10]

I remember this was a Christmas gift from Huck!. I tried it on my dad's truck and it didn't work. His hinges are probably shot. Since then he has picked up another set of hinges yet to be installed. It was still a nice gift Huck!.......Jim

[kxmotox247]

Great question! Mine has the same problem. I can't wait to try this out.
Once again...this board ALWAYS has so much great info! Thanks! Now let's see if more people have tried this and their results.

[Hutch]

Huck,
Maybe try this guy he is in Ga.
Chop Shop

Have fun

[Glen]

Thanks guys, my front clip is off and ready to put back together after body and paint......This long weekend will be fun.