hood removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
hood removal
How big a PIA is it to remove the hood and replace it after engine change? Slowly drifting toward changing engines, which I already have sitting in the garage. As space is very limited there I will be doing it outside in the back yard, when weather warms up enough. The reason for hood removal is because it seems easier simply to put own some 1/2 inch plywood to run my engine cherry picker in that direction, instead of sideways. Thoughts invited on the subject. thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have not done it myself but I think a Youtube search will show you how its done. 2 person job for sure.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
How big a PIA is it to remove the hood and replace it after engine change? Slowly drifting toward changing engines, which I already have sitting in the garage. As space is very limited there I will be doing it outside in the back yard, when weather warms up enough. The reason for hood removal is because it seems easier simply to put own some 1/2 inch plywood to run my engine cherry picker in that direction, instead of sideways. Thoughts invited on the subject. thanks.
Mark the hood hinge before doing anything so it will be aligned, then remove the small assist struts at the hinges. Then remove the hood support or strut. Use a piece of wood to hold the hood up while you unbolt the hood from hinge, then i recommend some electrical tape over the bumper in front of the hood (in case you bump it and chip the paint) then lift off.
I used a block and tackle to the beam in the garage, lift the engine then roll the car back.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
hood removal
I replaced the engine in my 1984 2 years ago. I removed the hood. the way I did it was I used a contrasting color paint and painted around the attaching points on the hood for realignment. I then cleaned the paint with lacquer thinner when reinstalled. I had three other guys to help so it was very easy to handle. Their are shims under the vertical bolts that go into the frame and need to be kept in order by side if you remove them, not necessary though. It does greatly payoff to have plenty of help to do the job.
here is a link showing hood removal on a 1995.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
No biggie either way.
If at all possible, I always leave the hood on, and I've had no problems. (Pulling an LT5 is a "bit" bigger/tighter job than a SBC too!)
Even if you pull the headlights to access the hinge bolts easily, it can take as long to re-regulate the hood than it does to lift the motor out with it on. But, it isn't difficult...Just tedious (especially if you're persnickety like me!)
As mentioned, having a buddy to help makes the process go much smoother. But, I've pulled dozens of 'em and installed them by myself too, for that matter.
Good luck!
If at all possible, I always leave the hood on, and I've had no problems. (Pulling an LT5 is a "bit" bigger/tighter job than a SBC too!)
Even if you pull the headlights to access the hinge bolts easily, it can take as long to re-regulate the hood than it does to lift the motor out with it on. But, it isn't difficult...Just tedious (especially if you're persnickety like me!)
As mentioned, having a buddy to help makes the process go much smoother. But, I've pulled dozens of 'em and installed them by myself too, for that matter.
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 19
From: Stevenston, Scotland, GB
Not difficult.. Just mark everything and watch where the shims come from when you pull the bolts from the hinges..
..and (very important)
When its off, check the security of the four screws (two each side) just above and inside atop of the front bumper. They're a pita to access with the bonnet (hood) still attached. I had to bore mine out and fit bolts instead. If they're loose, the front bumper will move up and down. I discovered how loose mine were while I was sanding the front end for paint.
..and (very important)
When its off, check the security of the four screws (two each side) just above and inside atop of the front bumper. They're a pita to access with the bonnet (hood) still attached. I had to bore mine out and fit bolts instead. If they're loose, the front bumper will move up and down. I discovered how loose mine were while I was sanding the front end for paint.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,130
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From: Arkansas
When I pulled the engine on an 86, I put a long jack handle across from hood latch to hood latch and wired it to the tranny to hold it up. Then the car can be rolled around.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
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From: Phila., PA burbs
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: ca
Getting ready to pull engine out of my '87. On stands, cap & wires off, wiper motor off, rad drained and still pulling parts.
Do I have enough room to pull clutch out of 4+3 manual, input shaft or do I have to pull trans back? I know I have yet to pull crank pulley, but it doesn't look like I can move it far enough forward.
Sorry to hijack this thread, but I've been doing searches on engine removal without much success. Some of you guys say you've pulled a number of engines with hood on, and I'm hopping that includes some with the 4+3.
Service manual gives step-by-step engine removal, but makes no mention of which trans.
Thanks
Do I have enough room to pull clutch out of 4+3 manual, input shaft or do I have to pull trans back? I know I have yet to pull crank pulley, but it doesn't look like I can move it far enough forward.
Sorry to hijack this thread, but I've been doing searches on engine removal without much success. Some of you guys say you've pulled a number of engines with hood on, and I'm hopping that includes some with the 4+3.
Service manual gives step-by-step engine removal, but makes no mention of which trans.
Thanks
