How to get hood to sit down . . . - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

OneMpg · 08-20-2003, 12:10 AM

I just bought my '70 chevy a few weeks ago and it has come time to start tweaking it to perfection. The first thing that bugs me is that the panel fit is really good . . . EXCEPT =) for the hood. The back of the hood is kicked up maybe 3/16s or a quarter. I talked to someone and they said that this can be caused by worn spring mechanisms. It seems like that could be true, but it also seems like it should be adjustable. Is there some way to adjust the hood? What is the best method? Thanks very much =)

-Dave-

miket · 08-20-2003, 12:42 AM

I always thought it was the hinge/spring.....mine is doing that too and I need to get it fixed.

JHickson6 · 08-20-2003, 12:43 AM

Welcome to the board! Lets see some more pics of your truck, we'd love to hear all about it! In a 33 year old truck the springs are well past there prime, and do stretch out. It may be the culprit, plus there not to expensive to replace. just my 2 cents

*rickspickuppart* · 08-20-2003, 12:46 AM

it is the hinges they are probably worn out

*rickspickuppart* · 08-20-2003, 12:46 AM

the spring only helps you open it not to close it

jhwkns · 08-20-2003, 12:48 AM

Before you try to adjust anything lubricate the hinges really well... really really well... chances are that's all it needs... If that doesn't work try loosening the bolts that hold the hinge to the inner fender, and knock it down a bit.

*rickspickuppart* · 08-20-2003, 12:56 AM

remember wd40 is your friend

Blue4x4 · 08-20-2003, 01:24 AM

loosen the rear bolts of the hinge, and push the rear of the hinge down. If that doesn't work.......buy new hinges.

tripp · 08-20-2003, 01:29 AM

i have the same thing happening to my truck. the springs were just fine before i took the hood off, however it now looks like yours. unfortunately i had to mount the hood by myself, but i believe i had read a post before that said you should loosen the bolts holding the hinge to the fender and have a friend push up on the hood as far as possible and retighten those bolts while friend is holding the hood. it just may work. i'll let you know if it works.

OneMpg · 08-20-2003, 01:34 AM

Thanks much for the welcome. =) Thanks for the info too. I'll try to write up an intro for my truck tomorrow when I'm not so tired. Here are some pics of it for right now. 4x4 Thread

-Dave-

Huck · 08-20-2003, 08:51 AM

ONE MORE TIME~~~~~~~
loosen the 3 bolts on each hinge where it mounts to the fenders. Then have a friend push the hood up till you reach the end of the hinge travel---then push it up just a wee bit higher---then tighten those hinge bolts. Make sure you don't just close the hood without checking the front to rear alignment as this method does tend to move the hood back a bit but it will bring the rear of the hood down even with worn hinges. Make sure you lube the hinge pivot points and keep them lubed---I use white lithum greese. Good luck ---Huck

72MARIO · 08-20-2003, 09:49 AM

New hinges will fix it. Try and make sure they are lubed

If you take the springs off you will find that the hood will sit down in the back. So Make sure that the hinges are lubed up try that first before you make any adjustments.

pa_snowman · 08-21-2003, 10:49 PM

yes make sure the hinges are lubed, this is often neglected. then to check to see if your hinges are worn close the hood and gently push down on the back of the hood. if it goes down and stays you should replace the hinges because the rivots are worn out from too many years of no lube. mine did the same except before i discovered it it wore clear thru and belive me that hood is heavy when it drops and you aren't expecting it.

if it doesn't stay simply adjust them.

onelow69 · 08-21-2003, 10:58 PM

New hinges fixed mine. And like they all say lube real well.

miket · 08-21-2003, 10:59 PM

I lubed and need new hinges...good time to paint!

OneMpg · 08-22-2003, 11:36 PM

Thanks everyone. =) Lubed the hinges and it's much better now.

That was easy, I thought I was going to have to do some adjusting or replacing

-Dave-

*Phillip Johnson* · 08-23-2003, 02:56 AM

2 fat chicks and some wd-40....then 1 gallon of bondo to fix the dimples from your helpers..
I like the new hinge idea

08-20-2003, 12:10 AM	#1
OneMpg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Pleasant Hill, Cali Posts: 43	How to get hood to sit down . . . I just bought my '70 chevy a few weeks ago and it has come time to start tweaking it to perfection. The first thing that bugs me is that the panel fit is really good . . . EXCEPT =) for the hood. The back of the hood is kicked up maybe 3/16s or a quarter. I talked to someone and they said that this can be caused by worn spring mechanisms. It seems like that could be true, but it also seems like it should be adjustable. Is there some way to adjust the hood? What is the best method? Thanks very much =) -Dave- Attached Images

08-20-2003, 12:42 AM	#2
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	I always thought it was the hinge/spring.....mine is doing that too and I need to get it fixed. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-20-2003, 12:43 AM	#3
JHickson6 I Love This Stuff! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 739	Welcome to the board! Lets see some more pics of your truck, we'd love to hear all about it! In a 33 year old truck the springs are well past there prime, and do stretch out. It may be the culprit, plus there not to expensive to replace. just my 2 cents __________________ My Rides 1967 C10 In Pieces for now 1985 Ford B700 SourPuss Bus - BIG BLUE 2003 Silverado CITY WORKER YELLOW!!

08-20-2003, 12:48 AM	#6
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Before you try to adjust anything lubricate the hinges really well... really really well... chances are that's all it needs... If that doesn't work try loosening the bolts that hold the hinge to the inner fender, and knock it down a bit. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

08-20-2003, 01:29 AM	#9
tripp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Meansville, Georgia Posts: 218	i have the same thing happening to my truck. the springs were just fine before i took the hood off, however it now looks like yours. unfortunately i had to mount the hood by myself, but i believe i had read a post before that said you should loosen the bolts holding the hinge to the fender and have a friend push up on the hood as far as possible and retighten those bolts while friend is holding the hood. it just may work. i'll let you know if it works. __________________ 68 SWB Stepside 72 Cheyenne 20 72 SWB Fleetside 72 Suburban 72 2wd Blazer

08-20-2003, 12:46 AM	#4
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	it is the hinges they are probably worn out

08-20-2003, 12:56 AM	#7
rickspickuppart Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,284	remember wd40 is your friend

08-20-2003, 01:24 AM	#8
Blue4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 790	loosen the rear bolts of the hinge, and push the rear of the hinge down. If that doesn't work.......buy new hinges.

08-20-2003, 01:34 AM	#10
OneMpg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Pleasant Hill, Cali Posts: 43	Thanks much for the welcome. =) Thanks for the info too. I'll try to write up an intro for my truck tomorrow when I'm not so tired. Here are some pics of it for right now. 4x4 Thread -Dave- Last edited by OneMpg; 08-20-2003 at 01:42 AM.

08-20-2003, 08:51 AM	#11
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	ONE MORE TIME~~~~~~~ loosen the 3 bolts on each hinge where it mounts to the fenders. Then have a friend push the hood up till you reach the end of the hinge travel---then push it up just a wee bit higher---then tighten those hinge bolts. Make sure you don't just close the hood without checking the front to rear alignment as this method does tend to move the hood back a bit but it will bring the rear of the hood down even with worn hinges. Make sure you lube the hinge pivot points and keep them lubed---I use white lithum greese. Good luck ---Huck

08-20-2003, 09:49 AM	#12
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	New hinges will fix it. Try and make sure they are lubed If you take the springs off you will find that the hood will sit down in the back. So Make sure that the hinges are lubed up try that first before you make any adjustments. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

08-21-2003, 10:49 PM	#13
pa_snowman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Meyersdale, PA Posts: 144	yes make sure the hinges are lubed, this is often neglected. then to check to see if your hinges are worn close the hood and gently push down on the back of the hood. if it goes down and stays you should replace the hinges because the rivots are worn out from too many years of no lube. mine did the same except before i discovered it it wore clear thru and belive me that hood is heavy when it drops and you aren't expecting it. if it doesn't stay simply adjust them. __________________ jim gallagher

08-21-2003, 10:58 PM	#14
onelow69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Central Cal Posts: 124	New hinges fixed mine. And like they all say lube real well. __________________ 69 Chevy Truck, 350, 400trans, Lowered 3.5/6, Disc brake conv, All early classic stuff. 62 Chevy Nova 350, 700R4, 2400stall, F9in, 3.70gear, AlburnPosi, Chevelle Disc Brakes, ect.

08-21-2003, 10:59 PM	#15
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	I lubed and need new hinges...good time to paint! __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-22-2003, 11:36 PM	#16
OneMpg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Pleasant Hill, Cali Posts: 43	Thanks everyone. =) Lubed the hinges and it's much better now. That was easy, I thought I was going to have to do some adjusting or replacing -Dave-



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08-23-2003, 02:56 AM	#17
Phillip Johnson Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 1,580	2 fat chicks and some wd-40....then 1 gallon of bondo to fix the dimples from your helpers.. I like the new hinge idea

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