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Has anyone successfully adjusted a hood ... by themselves? If so, any tips? I've considered using tow straps to support the hood from my garage rafters. Any other ideas?
First thing you should do is buy a roll of 1" blue painters tape. Apply that around the edge of the hood. That will make the tape take the abuse of rubbing the fenders instead of the paint itself. You won't be able to use fender covers so be careful of belt buckles, jewelry and zippers on your clothing.
You will need 2-4 rubber hood alignment cushions and some masking tape to test fit those bumpers pads. Those will be glued on later.
Place a soft blanket on the nose of the car, just in case. You really need a helper to avoid scratches. Both of you should have a socket & ratchet ready to go, for the hinges bolts. Slowly manipulate the hood into position. An old broom handle cut to length will be your third helper. Jam that in by the firewall and use it as a prop.
When you think you have the hood properly aligned, slowly close the hood but do not allow it to latch. Keep tweaking the hood fitment until no rubbing occurs on three sides.
Once the hood is aligned perfect and the latch works well, take a Sharpie and trace around the hinge on hood itself.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Dec 5, 2020 at 04:30 PM.
I would just add, put some rags on top of your headlight actuators. those inside hose nipples are dangerously close to the hood when open.
And I have used the neighbor guy, the gardener. my wife.
getting an extra set of hands really helps!
I should have noted that the hood is already on, it just needs to move about 1/8 inch towards the drivers side, and be raised about 1/8 inch at the front driver's side. I was thinking about supporting the weight with straps, then loosening hinge bolts without removing, sliding it into position, then tightening. Much easier said than done.
Should adjustments be make where the hinge bolts to the hood, or where it bolts to the car? Or both?
The hood probably won't align well unless you include adjustments to one or both fender positions, also. Keep that in mind when working with the hood only. Depending on 'how' you position the hood, you may only have to adjust one fender to get the whole thing looking good.
The hood probably won't align well unless you include adjustments to one or both fender positions, also. Keep that in mind when working with the hood only. Depending on 'how' you position the hood, you may only have to adjust one fender to get the whole thing looking good.
You know, I hadn't even considered that. Probably because my old hood fit fine. But yeah, I'll definitely check this also. Thanks.
Adjust where it bolts to the hood. Can't you get a loved one or the kid next door to assist?
Wife and daughter don't have the strength unfortunately. And I live in a fairly rural area with acreage. Don't even know my neighbors tbh. Don't really want to ask friends because they all live at least 1 hour away. But yeah, I suppose I'll do that if I can't get it.
I used straps like you suggest to do it by myself. Mask the edges of the hood and fenders so you don't damage them. Hope you have patience, cause you will probably go back and forth on the adjustment until you get it right.
I just have to comment here. My ex weighs in at just 50 kilos. (about 110 Lbs). a slip of a woman. helped me with hoods on more than one Corvette. these hoods aren't heavy. just ackward. I have shims on my aftermarket hood. U shaped shims under the hinge to raise it up.
near perfect alighnment.
note shims.
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Adjusting ill fitting hood
