hood removel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Originally Posted by NHvette
Unless you want the edges all scraped up, it is at least a two person job. Three is better.
A 2-person job.
No way you can hold up the far side after it's been unbolted while you unbolt the other side.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 31,497
Likes: 1,313
From: Huntsville AL
Originally Posted by vette70
Need to do some work in the radiator area. Any secrets to taking hood off 1970 convertible.
Can it be done with one person. any suggestions would be helpful.
thanks
Can it be done with one person. any suggestions would be helpful.
thanks
Remove one bolt only from each side, leaving the other bolt completely tight.
Replace these bolts with a threaded piece of metal rod (with the same thread, obviously). The metal rod should be about 3 inches long, and the excess will stick out through the hood hinge.
Now remove the other two bolts. The metal rod will hold the hood in place while you remove the hood support bolts. Be sure the support the hood, since you can't close it because of the metal rods.
Now, lower the hood until is is open about a foot at the rear, then reach across the hood and grab the opposite edge. Lift the hood striaght up while slowly wiggling the hood to get it free of the hood hinges.
Like I said, difficult, but it can be done. Much easier, and safer, to use two people.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
You need at least two people. Before you do anything wedge a polishing cloth between the hood and fender on both sides. If the hood slips this will prevent cracks in the paint. I just had my wife help me remove mine this past weekend. It was a new experience for her and that's saying something after being married 36 years. 
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
i can get my hood off of the car and back on by myself.
i have exposed rafters in my garage. i raise the hood and tie the grill at the back of the hood to the rafters above. then you can remove the bolts at the hinge and raise the hood up out of the way. i then put one bolt back into the hood on each side to give me something to tie it up to.
it comes down just as easy.
i have exposed rafters in my garage. i raise the hood and tie the grill at the back of the hood to the rafters above. then you can remove the bolts at the hinge and raise the hood up out of the way. i then put one bolt back into the hood on each side to give me something to tie it up to.
it comes down just as easy.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,855
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
It depends on how long your arms are. I have taken mine off by myself but as you can see damaging my paint is not a huge issue for me. I am about 5'10" but I have orangotang arms that span about 6'3"..... anybody else feel like they want a bannana?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I wasn't aware you weren't supposed to be able to remove these alone. I loosened up the bolts, removed two all the way, then carefully unscrewed the remaining two (one at a time) while bracing the hood with my other hand. (I put a bunch of towels under the hood to pad and support it.) The hood isn't that heavy - when the last bolt was out, I gently lifted the hood off - no scratches... 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Before you remove the hood you can also mark the area where your hinges are on your hood. You can use some chalk or crayon or something like that. It will help you get it lined up when you go to put it back on and can help save you a headache.