1962 hood alignment issue
#1
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1962 hood alignment issue
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
#2
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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 don't know how other to explain that much of a gap.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#3
Team Owner
Yes. That much gap is excessive even as a starting point...something is amiss...
The reinforcement fender bars were '58 only and that would be one helluva lot of nose droop...enough to bust the fenders out over the wheel wells...
The reinforcement fender bars were '58 only and that would be one helluva lot of nose droop...enough to bust the fenders out over the wheel wells...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 11-27-2016 at 08:38 AM.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#4
Drifting
check the attachment of the hinges to the hood. I can set the hood that far up by flipping the hinges when the hood is unbolted.
also set the hood on the car w/o the hinges in place to see if it clears and fits. If it does look at the hinges.
Check spacers where the rad support and body attach to the undercarriage.
also set the hood on the car w/o the hinges in place to see if it clears and fits. If it does look at the hinges.
Check spacers where the rad support and body attach to the undercarriage.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
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scottash (11-28-2016)
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#7
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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.
#8
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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?
Get some pictures.
The other thing to check is the radiator support mounted correctly?
Get some pictures.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#9
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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!
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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!
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.
Corvette Central sells it:
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50e&ukey=50019
Also check to see if the shims on the cross member are oriented correctly. That would throw it off too.
These are the shims:
http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50e&ukey=47316
Last edited by jimh_1962; 11-28-2016 at 11:24 AM.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#11
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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?
Last edited by scottash; 11-28-2016 at 11:59 AM.
#12
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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?
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.
side bolts to fender (rotisserie)
Core supporting sitting on body dolly
crossmember shims
Core support installed:
Last edited by jimh_1962; 11-28-2016 at 12:56 PM.
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scottash (11-28-2016)
#13
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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.
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scottash (11-29-2016)
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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.
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.
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scottash (11-29-2016)
#15
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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.
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.
#16
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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.
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.
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.
Last edited by jimh_1962; 11-28-2016 at 02:30 PM.
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scottash (11-29-2016)
#17
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Pictureshttp://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/woohoo.gif
Please overlook the blemishes... not my car not my rodeo. Ive included a picture of the "mechanic"
Front hood gap
Left front hinge
Right front hinge .. to be replaced
Radiator support shims<br/>
profile for scale and alignment
Front hood gap
Left front hinge
Right front hinge .. to be replaced
Radiator support shims<br/>
profile for scale and alignment
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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.
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.
Last edited by jimh_1962; 11-28-2016 at 07:01 PM.
#19
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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.