Hood Alignment
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Hood Alignment
Hey all, got an aftermarket hood and i've got all the gaps pretty much equal except the drivers side along the fender, which is about twice the gap than the passenger side.
Can anybody give me the adjustment points or tips to close this gap?
Some internet searches said the fender can be adjusted some but doesn't show where. I have the factory service manuals as well. but that doesn't have any adjustment procedures, just R&R process.
Appreciate it!
Can anybody give me the adjustment points or tips to close this gap?
Some internet searches said the fender can be adjusted some but doesn't show where. I have the factory service manuals as well. but that doesn't have any adjustment procedures, just R&R process.
Appreciate it!
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: So. Cal.
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What kind of aftermaket hood did you get? I would not think you would need to re adjust the fender, because your fender lined up with the oem hood. Do you have any pics?
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
Likes: 2,721
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If you move that fender its going to miss with the alignment of the door and headlight door. Measure your old hoods width and measure the new hood width, Who is the manufacturer of the new hood? If there is a difference in width between the old and new maybe contact manufacturer or retailer you purchased it from. Good luck and let me know the results.
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
Likes: 2,721
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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Also, if the hoods are same width can you re center the hood and split the difference on the panel gaps?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Good advice above and another thought for you.
Assuming you are going to get it painted, I would split the difference on all the long seams and sand and/or add a very small amount of glass/filler (apt to break off if too thick) on the remaining short seams. Good to remember, GM was not perfect on these seams new plus aftermarket vendors have to make the best balance for fit they can too.
Also I pulled the fender off my 2004 to do some glass work on the bottom and if you get the factory assembly manual (likely on line now) there are only a handful of sheet metal screws that hold the fenders in place. You might could loosen all these screws and gain some additional movement plus there is always slotting the hood hinge holes routine. This later is I think more risky but you could mark the original location of all the fasteners to retrace your steps if necessary.
Hope this might help
Way Cool Hood!
Assuming you are going to get it painted, I would split the difference on all the long seams and sand and/or add a very small amount of glass/filler (apt to break off if too thick) on the remaining short seams. Good to remember, GM was not perfect on these seams new plus aftermarket vendors have to make the best balance for fit they can too.
Also I pulled the fender off my 2004 to do some glass work on the bottom and if you get the factory assembly manual (likely on line now) there are only a handful of sheet metal screws that hold the fenders in place. You might could loosen all these screws and gain some additional movement plus there is always slotting the hood hinge holes routine. This later is I think more risky but you could mark the original location of all the fasteners to retrace your steps if necessary.
Hope this might help
Way Cool Hood!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Thanks guys, I'll measure the hood to check, don't know manufacturer, bought used, but either way I guess I'm in a "it is what it is" situation if I want to use that hood (which I do)
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Not as yet, waiting on an extra pair of hands to help...
But I did notice that the large gap side the hood strut was failing, not sure if that would have a affect, but replacing both sides...
But I did notice that the large gap side the hood strut was failing, not sure if that would have a affect, but replacing both sides...