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We are doing a frame off restore on a 1962 C1. I have run into an issue with the front edge of the hood being approximately 1.5 inches high. There's no info in the St 12 that explains how to get that much adjustment. The radiator core support was not removed from the fiberglass but was of corse unbolted at the steering mounting block. Any direction on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Will shimming the core support fix this issue and if so what is the approved method to get the proper results
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
We need some pics of what you're talking about to help with the problem. I wonder if you could have a droopy nose on that car. They were prone to that without the reinforcment strips under the fenders.
I don't know how other to explain that much of a gap.
I will check the hinges but am almost certain they are correct. The pivot point on the hinge is set into the notching the parameter of the hood. I will get some pictures and post when I am able to get back to the shop. Thanks guys I really appreciate the thoughts and suggestions.
Yeah, take the hinges off and see how it sits down without it. Are you sure you have the correct hinges. Also you can remove the male latches too. Then go from there...
The other thing to check is the radiator support mounted correctly?
The hood sits the same without the hinges. The purchaser (the one who took it apart before I saw it) states it functioned correctly before disassembly. The only variable that possibly could have changed is the amount of shim at the steering assembly to radiator support bracing. The brace was not removed due to seized bolts. I am leaning toward improperly installed core support but want to exhaust all possibilities before fighting the seized bolts. Again thanks guys!
The hood sits the same without the hinges. The purchaser (the one who took it apart before I saw it) states it functioned correctly before disassembly. The only variable that possibly could have changed is the amount of shim at the steering assembly to radiator support bracing. The brace was not removed due to seized bolts. I am leaning toward improperly installed core support but want to exhaust all possibilities before fighting the seized bolts. Again thanks guys!
You figured it out.
Cut the bolts and replace them. Get new bolts. Plus order a new shim kit. Heck I have a shim kit I am not using.
I have a new shim kit on site and installed but I intend to uninstall and refit the core support then re-shim the support. This seems to be the only logical approach. I would think I will have to revisit the front body mounts and shim those accordingly. I will consult the ST 12 for tolerances but given the current install of the support and possible "droop" in the nose is there any reference point to measure off of that is constant and preferable?
I have a new shim kit on site and installed but I intend to uninstall and refit the core support then re-shim the support. This seems to be the only logical approach. I would think I will have to revisit the front body mounts and shim those accordingly. I will consult the ST 12 for tolerances but given the current install of the support and possible "droop" in the nose is there any reference point to measure off of that is constant and preferable?
One of the things I installed were the fender well supports. That really helped stiffen up the front clip. Still without the front radiator support it would droop down slightly.
Do you have the correct radiator support for your year?
1. Check the front cross member shims are installed correctly.
Do the holes in the side fender align with the radiator support?
Get it all shimmed right then lay the hood down and check the gap. You could shore up the front clip to the correct height with the fenders and some wood blocks in the wheel well. Just make sure things are loose enough to work with it. Then start shimming from there.
The cross member shims could cause a problem with aligning the hood.
Hard to tell without pictures. Pictures would help.
If it reportedly worked/fit correctly before, and doesn't now, and the bolts have been in place so long that they're seized, the LAST thing any worthwhile mechanic would do is start cutting bolts and taking it further apart. You need to find out what is actually wrong, either by studying photos, manuals, or better yet, another actual C1.
If it reportedly worked/fit correctly before, and doesn't now, and the bolts have been in place so long that they're seized, the LAST thing any worthwhile mechanic would do is start cutting bolts and taking it further apart. You need to find out what is actually wrong, either by studying photos, manuals, or better yet, another actual C1.
Yeah, I guess that's what I getting too. It would help to get some pictures of what was done. We all like to see pictures.
I tried to provide some to show the shims. I know on mine it did not need much shims the radiator support that much to make the gap fit correctly. Each corvette is different. Someone installed something not right.
The shims on the cross member are accurately installed And as GTOguy stated a thorough inspection is in order.
Question: Would the shimming of the body on the frame change the body angle sufficiently enough to affect the front hood line.
I just spoke with the "Mechanic" that removed the hood and he again stated that the hood worked and "fit good". Keeping in mind one persons "Worked and fit good" can be different from another's, I can't see how this is true given the evidence in front of me.
Without a special trip out to the shop I won't be able to post pictures until late Saturday.
The shims on the cross member are accurately installed And as GTOguy stated a thorough inspection is in order.
Question: Would the shimming of the body on the frame change the body angle sufficiently enough to affect the front hood line.
I just spoke with the "Mechanic" that removed the hood and he again stated that the hood worked and "fit good". Keeping in mind one persons "Worked and fit good" can be different from another's, I can't see how this is true given the evidence in front of me.
Without a special trip out to the shop I won't be able to post pictures until late Saturday.
The radiator support is the only place where the body and frame connect up in front. The radiator support connects to the inner fenders on the side. The radiator support is then bolted down onto the third arm support which is bolted down underneath the front cross member.
How many shims were used on the front end. Send the pictures over what I have given and compare. The two holes where the top radiator support should look as in the picture above. I can get more pictures tonight if needed. Maybe too many shims were used on the front radiator support if so then the holes on the side inner fender would not line up.
wish there were pictures of the side fenders mounted to the radiator support and the radiator support. Are those nuts on the bottom of the support? Or head bolts?
Also should not see any radiator that high up. I will get some pictures... PM me with your phone number and I can text you or email. Else I can probably get them posted later on tomorrow.
Those are nuts at the bottom of the support. I didn't think to get a picture of the core support and inner fender. I will check to see if I've got anything close.
11-26-2016, 10:50 PM
1962 hood alignment issue
