Proper Hood Closing Procedure
10-02-2018, 12:29 PM
#21
Pro
I was once at a C4 clinic at the NCM conducted by Gordon Kilbrew (retired GM employee and the world's leading expert on C4 Corvettes). During the clinic, when I was closing the hood Gordon saw me and came over and watched me close it. I dropped it from about 18 inches. He looked at me and nodded his approval. He told me that if I was going to lower it onto the latches and then "gently" push it shut on each side he was going to "school" me. In other words, I closed it properly. He told me that by pushing on the latch area it can crack the fiberglass due to the concentrated force. I expect ii is the same with carbon fiber
So....ever since I have dropped the hood on the C4, my C6 and C7 in accordance with Gordon's instructions.
So....ever since I have dropped the hood on the C4, my C6 and C7 in accordance with Gordon's instructions.
10-02-2018, 12:35 PM
#23
Instructor
10-02-2018, 12:36 PM
#24
Drifting
From either side, I grasp the hood in the center back, lower it to about 8 inches from the latches and then slam it just hard enough to cause both latches to latch.
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10-02-2018, 03:31 PM
#27
Burning Brakes
Are we serious right now? It's a car. I know we love our Vettes, but it's not made out of balsa wood (ok... I guess the C6 floor was). Drop the hood, you won't hurt anything. I drop mine from about a foot with a little bit of a thrust for good luck.
PS. Not directed at anyone in particular.
PS. Not directed at anyone in particular.
Last edited by LbulletM; 10-02-2018 at 03:32 PM.
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10-02-2018, 03:32 PM
#28
Melting Slicks
When I took Museum delivery, they had me stand in front of the car, fingers of both hands in the hood vent louvers (you can put a cloth over it if you have one handy) then lower the hood to about 1 ft above the latches, then one quick push of the hood to close. They had me practice a few times. Works almost all of the time for me. They discouraged the final left-right latching after lowering the hood to the latch which seems safer than the drop but could also crack the hood. YMMV.
10-02-2018, 03:44 PM
#29
I have a virgin drop the hood from exactly 18 inches.
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LbulletM (10-09-2018)
10-02-2018, 04:05 PM
#30
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Hm... I'd have a naked virgin, using her right hand on the hood, holding a beer with her left hand, drop the hood from exactly 45.72 cm., and simultaneously yell "Airborne" as it strikes the latches.
But..... I'm a dreamer at heart!
Elmer
But..... I'm a dreamer at heart!
Elmer
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10-02-2018, 05:19 PM
#34
Drifting
It might be asked on other car forums of cars that sell for $60,000 - $130,000... but I don't participate on those forums. Also, considering the Corvette hood is made of a different material than most common hoods, it is hinged at the front instead of the more common rear area, and finally, it latches in two places instead of one place, I believe it's a legitimate question.
10-02-2018, 05:19 PM
#35
Are you sure she was a virgin? Were her feet and knees together?
Last edited by juanvaldez; 10-02-2018 at 05:21 PM.
10-02-2018, 05:22 PM
#36
Le Mans Master
I drop the hood, as I do and have alway done with all of my vehicles as applicable. I’ve never had any issues securing the hood, or otherwise...
10-02-2018, 05:27 PM
#37
Racer
Seriously answering.....
I just drop mine from where ever. If it latches I'm good to go. If it doesn't, I give it a firm push on the corner(s) to make it latch.
It's just a car hood, guys. It doesn't require pampering. 
& it has a few finger prints here and there that come right off when I wash it!
I just drop mine from where ever. If it latches I'm good to go. If it doesn't, I give it a firm push on the corner(s) to make it latch. It's just a car hood, guys. It doesn't require pampering. & it has a few finger prints here and there that come right off when I wash it!
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10-02-2018, 05:40 PM
#38
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10-02-2018, 06:02 PM
#39
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That is what I do. With my 2014 C7 however it would not always latch on the passenger side unless I pressed down from that side.
With the Grand Sport I press down from about 18 inches and it latches both sides.
With the Grand Sport I press down from about 18 inches and it latches both sides.
10-02-2018, 07:20 PM
#40
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Been dropping the hoods on Corvettes since I purchased my 69 in 1972. Don't baby them. They are tougher than metal cars.
With the C7 I use my hand to flip the hood downward so it latches on both sides at the same time. It isn't as heavy as the C4 hoods (you drop on of those on your and and you will have a smashed hand) it is difficult to just drop it and have it latch. The extra downward toss provides sufficient force.
Bill
With the C7 I use my hand to flip the hood downward so it latches on both sides at the same time. It isn't as heavy as the C4 hoods (you drop on of those on your and and you will have a smashed hand) it is difficult to just drop it and have it latch. The extra downward toss provides sufficient force.
Bill