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My hood will not close because this part is bent (see pictures), what is it called and where can I buy a new one? I have seen a few used on Ebay, but have not been able to find any at the online Corvette stores.
Also any idea what the cost is the do rear wheel bearings, mine are starting to make a rubbing/grinding noise, I am located 30 miles north of Los Angeles.
Paragon Reproduction used to sell those and they were called "Male Hood Lock Assembly". Corvette Central took them over so you might try calling them. But really, you can just try straightening it back out first. They were used and you already have one of those.
PS- probably wanna fill the relevant year and whatnot in your profile for future reference.....
Taking it and bending it back is our first thought, just not sure if that will work. No idea how it got bent, we just bought the car with the bent bracket.
Yes, I would bend it back. Some of these brackets are super hard, and may require some heat to bend, and not crack.
BUT, be carefull when adjusting this that the hood doesn't get stuck--it would be a major problem. I wonder if someone bent it or spaced it up to try to get correct alignment. Mine is flat against the body. Usually, there is enough movement, when the presssure of the spring is released, to move the spring and alignment pin around for a good match to the hood latch. I don't remember, but maybe you can move the hood latch around also, to get a good match.
You can put some grease on the washer above the spring and lightly touch it against the hood latch to make sure it matches, before closing the hood all the way.
The conical part, stud, above the spring can be screwed in or out, and the rubber bumper also, to adjust the hood height fitment.
Yes, I would bend it back. Some of these brackets are super hard, and may require some heat to bend, and not crack.
BUT, be carefull when adjusting this that the hood doesn't get stuck--it would be a major problem. I wonder if someone bent it or spaced it up to try to get correct alignment. Mine is flat against the body. Usually, there is enough movement, when the presssure of the spring is released, to move the spring and alignment pin around for a good match to the hood latch. I don't remember, but maybe you can move the hood latch around also, to get a good match.
You can put some grease on the washer above the spring and lightly touch it against the hood latch to make sure it matches, before closing the hood all the way.
The conical part, stud, above the spring can be screwed in or out, and the rubber bumper also, to adjust the hood height fitment.
Yes, the hood alignment tool is invaluable when installing a hood or adjusting one. Your latch is most likely bent because someone did not use, or know of, this easy to use tool.
They are readily available on eBay and quite affordable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/13404035722...Bk9SR6bihqWoYw
I recommend straightening yours and using one of these to align. Very simple.
Cheers!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
pull it out, put it in a vise and squeeze the bent part straight by flattening it. Then if its still bent try putting on a piece of thick leather on an anvil and striking the center of the curve just enough to straighten it. IF there is a visible crease from the previous owner try clamping on the straight side of the crease and steadily applying pressure to the bent side. You dont want to keep bending it or hammering so that you soften the metal or put waves in it.
that piece needs to be bolted down flat and the piece on the hood is the adjustable side. Provided you have the latches for a 69 vette and you use the tool described above you can align it BEFORE shutting it again. I would put something large and soft at the closure line near where you are working so if the hood gets dropped its dampened by the pillow and doesnt close....do not put anything in the nose of the hood. If you have a clevise pin of sorts there is a hole in the hood prop rod that you can put it into to prevent thehood from accidentally closing while working on it or at car shows from tourists or the wind.
I would suggest to locate a new one before you try and straighten anything out. You may have heard of an emergency hood cable to use to open a stuck hood. Well they won't work on a 68.
You don't want to get your hood stuck where it won't open.
You will have to makeshift a tool to go up through the fender louver to reach the hood cable and then do some prying on the hood to get it open. Its a good chance you will do some damage to the paint so use some painters tape to cover the vent and hood area you do any prying on.
It is a real bitch if it gets stuck. So don't screw with it and find a aftermarket one or good used one to replace what you have. " Been there and done that"
Good luck
Yes, the hood alignment tool is invaluable when installing a hood or adjusting one. Your latch is most likely bent because someone did not use, or know of, this easy to use tool.
They are readily available on eBay and quite affordable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/13404035722...Bk9SR6bihqWoYw
I recommend straightening yours and using one of these to align. Very simple.
Cheers!
My hood will not close because this part is bent (see pictures), what is it called and where can I buy a new one? I have seen a few used on Ebay, but have not been able to find any at the online Corvette stores.
Also any idea what the cost is the do rear wheel bearings, mine are starting to make a rubbing/grinding noise, I am located 30 miles north of Los Angeles.
Thank you
I have one that looks SIMILAR to that listed on Ebay. I think my part came out of a '76? at least it was supposed to have but being of the "trust but verify" generation I would make sure. Here is a pic or comparison.
What is this part called -
