Why does the hood sit high on front ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Why does the hood sit high on front ?
I've seen this problem on C3's occasionally and have never been able to see what causes it. The hoods usually fit pretty good until you get down to the front, then they stick up as much as 1/2 inch across the front and there is no adjustment on the hinges. It looks to me like sag from the weight of the headlights on the header bar over the years. I'm running into this with my 68 and the front clip that I am using is off of a 69 . Has anyone ever ran into this before and how did you fix yours. It wouldn't be hard to build it up but I'm wondering what the cause is so it could be reversed. Anyone with this previous problem ?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
When the fender and hood surround are bonded together the inner fender skirt controls the for and aft and up and down of the hood. The skirt is bonded to the fender and once it is bonded, pretty much your adjustment is gone. Thats why it takes so long to fit these pieces together. Taking a clip form one car to another will not cure the problem. These cars were off so much in build tolerence that left alot to be desired.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
The front 'glass has sagged. That is why you see G.M. added header support brackets in '69. Probably what happened is someone had the bumper support braces loose and the 'glass weight malformed the f'glass over time. If you have time and are brave you can remove all support braces and slowly over time bring the f'glass front end up into correct position.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
I ended up cutting slits in the curved portion of the hood chanels to follow the contour of the car. after glassing it all were i wanted, it fits perfectly. 
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I had the same problem with my hood. I was able to adjust the surround and the whole fiberglass front end up. By adjusting the surround support, the nose support, the radiator support, the front bumper brace arms and the extension arm.
What got me started looking at the different brace adjustments was,
When I had this problem I received this reply from Easy Mike.
First question: Are you running the stock hood? You may need to raise the hood surround panel to meet the hood lines. There should be two reinforcements on the front of the inner fender skirts which bolt to the header bar. They will be illustrated in the AIM. There should also be a bar or bracket behind the bumper which will raise/lower the nose.
In a worst case scenario, you might have shim under the radiator support.
I had a similar fit problem on my '68. I raised the nose and solved the problem.
What got me started looking at the different brace adjustments was,
When I had this problem I received this reply from Easy Mike.
First question: Are you running the stock hood? You may need to raise the hood surround panel to meet the hood lines. There should be two reinforcements on the front of the inner fender skirts which bolt to the header bar. They will be illustrated in the AIM. There should also be a bar or bracket behind the bumper which will raise/lower the nose.
In a worst case scenario, you might have shim under the radiator support.
I had a similar fit problem on my '68. I raised the nose and solved the problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,801
Likes: 0
From: Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women TX
I had the same problem with my hood. I was able to adjust the surround and the whole fiberglass front end up. By adjusting the surround support, the nose support, the radiator support, the front bumper brace arms and the extension arm.
What got me started looking at the different brace adjustments was,
When I had this problem I received this reply from Easy Mike.
First question: Are you running the stock hood? You may need to raise the hood surround panel to meet the hood lines. There should be two reinforcements on the front of the inner fender skirts which bolt to the header bar. They will be illustrated in the AIM. There should also be a bar or bracket behind the bumper which will raise/lower the nose.
In a worst case scenario, you might have shim under the radiator support.
I had a similar fit problem on my '68. I raised the nose and solved the problem.
What got me started looking at the different brace adjustments was,
When I had this problem I received this reply from Easy Mike.
First question: Are you running the stock hood? You may need to raise the hood surround panel to meet the hood lines. There should be two reinforcements on the front of the inner fender skirts which bolt to the header bar. They will be illustrated in the AIM. There should also be a bar or bracket behind the bumper which will raise/lower the nose.
In a worst case scenario, you might have shim under the radiator support.
I had a similar fit problem on my '68. I raised the nose and solved the problem.
Going to have to give this a try. I'm cutting down a set of hinges to try and meet the panels ½ way. I'd bring it down farther but the hood would be resting on the top radiator brackets.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,801
Likes: 0
From: Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women TX
I'll have to take a look at the AIM when I get back into town and get a better idea of what those are doing in there. More of a 3d image in my head.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Show me a cold beer and I will show you a happy man Maryland
That is what is wrong with my front end except I have the opposite, the hood is lower than the nose...and the head lights are also below the nose . You can see the bad repair and there is cracks on the upper inside corners of both headlight holes.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
The only way to fix it right. Is to find a good body shop. It is going to be expensive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Eddie
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Show me a cold beer and I will show you a happy man Maryland
Thanks for the tip!! I am going to check that out.
