The front edge of my hood does not lie flush with the surrounding bodywork leading towards the headlights. The headlight covers have started to fowl on the body when opening. I now find the body has separated from the steel cross member in the centre region between the headlights. Has anyone else had the prblem and know of a fix?? Cheers, Greg

 

I had the same problem. I had it fixed when the car was painted. they had to put glue in between the metal framing and fibreglass then rivit the two together.

There is a thread here somewhere on an alternate method. I believe someone used some sort of glue and clamps. I may be wrong but i seem to remember that they drilled a series of holes to get the glue in.

Its not an easy fix.

Jim

 

I have a 1980 L82 with a similar problem. Right at the front center point of the hood where it meets the front cover thats around the headlights, it was lower. The point was about a half inch lower than the front cover. That was the worst area. Going from the point to the sides was also lower but the worst was at the front center point of the hood.
There is a metal plate that runs under the front cover fiberglass like from wheel to wheel. The fiberglass and plate are suppose to be I guess glued together. Appartently it let go. This is what I done. I removed the hood to have more room to work. I bought several C clamps from Home Depot, different sizes. I cleaned the top of the plate and the bottom of the fiberglass as good as I could. I used some degreaser and laq. thinner. Be carefull of your paint. I then got several strips of wood/boards and wrapped them in a cloth to protect the paint. For the glue I used something that I use for just about everything. I used GOOP. Great stuff. You can get it just about anywhere. I spread a layer under the fiberglass and the top of the plate. Have you boards and C clamps ready. Then C clamp all togeather where you think it is needed. I let mine cure for 4 days before I took the clamps off. They say 24 to 48 hrs. but I went longer. I did this about 4 months ago and so far all is well.
Hope this helps.

 

Can anyone offer a picture of the plate-fiberglass separation? I have the same problem with my hood sitting up higher than it should - 1/4"-1/2". I've looked at everything I can think of but not this. I'm going to be pulling my radiator out and replacing next week so that would be a great time for me to check this out.

Thanks,
Dan

 

If your hood is sitting higher, that seperation might not be your problem. If the front cover/fiberglass is seperated from the plate that is below it will allow the cover to go up. This will make your hood look a little lower not higher. I your hood looks higher hood adjustment may take care of it.

 

Thanks, I missunderstood.

I'm out of adjustments, I think I must either have the wrong hinges or the hood itself was molded slightly incorrectly for the curvature of a C3.

 

can you show a pic of hood .is the hood a replacement?hood hinges the same from 1968 to 1982.

 

If your hood is not flush where it runs down the sides of the hood, and also where it curves to the center by the hinges. You may have an issue with the outer supports of the headlight support beam and also where the inner skirts are bonded to the top hood surround. This area is "common" to have problems if it has ever been in an accident due to the adhesive shears and will allow the top hood surrouund to move up and down and allow the level to not be consistant with the hood when closed.

I have detailed instructions in how to remove this support beam and re-install it if anybody wants a copy. It will take more time than just packing some "stuff" in the area to be bonded. If interested, just PM me and ask for a copy of the headlight support beam Remove and Install.

Hinges for a 68-82 are the same.
"DUB"

 

Thanks for the info guys, here's the best picture I have available at the moment. Is there something specific that I should shoot and post? Please note the aftermarket hood and lights, and what I would bet is an aftermarket nose.



The hood is pretty flush on the sides (not perfect) but sits way up in the middle on the leading edge.

 

Dub,

I would like to get a copy of that. headlight support beam Remove and Install
Thanks,
Glenn

 

It is possible that the bolted down the after market light frames wrong or too tight, Separation of the fiberglass to the metal usually causes the nose to rise not drop.

I would check and see if there is a way to push up on the body part to match the hood rather then push the hood down.

Jim

 

Hi Guys, thanks for all the inputs, will post how I get on with the repairs. Regards Greg

 

Some pics of my problem hood and attempted repair that failed!