hood hinges
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
hood hinges
Hood hinge on my '71 gave way. Some previous owner had elongated the bolt holes so that each side looked like a letter "H." One was down to holding on one piece of the H and finally gave way. I got new hinges and realized why the hinges were altered, the hood will not line up using the bolt holes as is. I do not want to cut the new hinges in the same fashion. Can anyone give me suggestions on how I might best correct the situation? I also noticed that although solid enough now, the fiberglass near where one hinge bolts though to the body is cracked. Another question: I will be relocating to Pikesville, MD (near Baltimore) shortly and would like to hear of a good corvette shop and club in that area. Thank, Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ed,
There are several Corvette clubs in central Maryland.
Google 'Freestate Corvette Club'. They may be able to give you some shop recommendations.
I'll take a peek at your hinge pictures when you post them too.
Regards,
Alan
There are several Corvette clubs in central Maryland.
Google 'Freestate Corvette Club'. They may be able to give you some shop recommendations.
I'll take a peek at your hinge pictures when you post them too.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ex,
I'd begin by looking for signs of repaired damage in each wheelwell. The 2 lower hinge bolts fasten into nuts welded to the metal bracket that supports both the hood hinge bolts and the core support bolts. You'll see the bracket in the front inner corner of the wheelwell.
I'd also look carefully around the corners of the hood where the upper hinge bolts fasten for signs of fiberglass work. There's a plate located there that the bolts thread into.
Let us know what you find.
Regards,
Alan
I'd begin by looking for signs of repaired damage in each wheelwell. The 2 lower hinge bolts fasten into nuts welded to the metal bracket that supports both the hood hinge bolts and the core support bolts. You'll see the bracket in the front inner corner of the wheelwell.
I'd also look carefully around the corners of the hood where the upper hinge bolts fasten for signs of fiberglass work. There's a plate located there that the bolts thread into.
Let us know what you find.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Wow... usually without altering the hinges there is a considerable amount of movement in all directions. That all seems a bit extreme as Alan said the brackets that support those hinges also attach to the radiator support. Sometimes those brackets are shimmed to get things to align. Are the stock holes on the hinges to far in (toward engine bay) or out?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I am not certain what the PO left you. If there is a problem, looks like it's on the passenger's side. I cannot tell whether the base of the hinge was cut for ease of installation or because he/she needed extra adjustment.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ex,
Here are a couple of pictures showing the brace the hinge bolts mounts to, and a typical hinge with bolts
Perhaps they'll help you determine what's going on with your hinges.
Regards,
Alan
Here are a couple of pictures showing the brace the hinge bolts mounts to, and a typical hinge with bolts
Perhaps they'll help you determine what's going on with your hinges.
Regards,
Alan
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
hood hinges
Alan thanks for the great pics. My car set up is not as clean as yours but looks very similar. I have already packed up most of my tools and the new hinges for my move so I will not change anything probably till I get to Pikesville. My hood looks very good, perfect. the fiberglass on the right wheel well is cracked at the bend but it is not moving. The hood, I think, needs to go a little back and also to the left from where the holes will let it with new hinges but I think when I get new hinges out maybe I can eye up about how much it is off each way. It sits pretty perfect up and down though. From what I see the left front fender had been changed at some point previous to my ownership. Maybe it is possible for me to remove the supports that the lower hinge bolts into so that the hood sit right? I am not sure how much play I can get in their placement? They seem to have small rivets to attach to the fiberglass, is that correct? I also packed my AIM manual but will look at that when I unpack also. thanks to all. looking forward to meeting all the vette people in the B-more area. Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ex,
In the left-side pictures I see some pop rivets that are a sign that some fender/ surround/ apron work has probably been done. In the right-side picture I see the signs of some fiberglass work on the apron.
This MIGHT be the beginning of your hinge 'modifications'.
Good luck with your move!
Regards,
Alan
In the left-side pictures I see some pop rivets that are a sign that some fender/ surround/ apron work has probably been done. In the right-side picture I see the signs of some fiberglass work on the apron.
This MIGHT be the beginning of your hinge 'modifications'.
Good luck with your move!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 24, 2012 at 04:34 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Pikesville MD
I think, as I have no experience with fiberglass repair of corvettes, it best for me to have it looked at by a someone who has such experience. Any suggestions in the Pikesville/Baltimore area? Thanks, Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Right side appears to be the problem. PO has lost one of the factory weld nuts and replaced it with a bolt, washer, and nut. Not sure what he has running through the remaining weld nut.
You might want to consider replacing the RH skirt reinforcement bracket.
You might want to consider replacing the RH skirt reinforcement bracket.
