C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

[David D.]

Is there a good procedure to use to properly adjust a hood?
I removed my hood and now I wish I had not, what a job.

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

Did you mark your hood in relation to hinges before you took it off? If not get someone to help you. You might want to go to a paint supply store and get some low tach tape to put around the hood and hood opening. After that it is just trial and error. Maybe someone else has an easier way!

[David H.]

Re: C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

Hood release cables operating properly? Concern is hood closing "almost" correctly and jamming.

My very limited experience was with a body off - sitting on a dolly, engine bay access was easy.

Afix hood release latches in open state until pins are properly aligned?

Have "push stick", already in place before hood closing, as a means of lifting your hood from below?

Sorry not much help.

Dave

[David D.]

Re: C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

I did mark the location and have attempted to use it. Thanks for the comments, especially the ' hood latches in open state '.

Dave D.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

I have done this using 2 methods..... 2 People and by myself.

Method One:

2 people is best. Have a variety of 1/2" box wrenches(ratchet type best) and 3/8 ratchet with 1/2" sockets. Also for the support bolts 7/16 or 3/8. Have all of your tools and bolts handy on each fender protector.

-Install the hood support to the surround gutter. Make sure the lower support pivot bracket mounts "under" the gutter. Install the hood hinges loosely to the radiator support ends. Protect the edges of the surround and hood with easy release tape.

-Test your bolts that thread into the hood nutplates. Endure that they thread easily into the nutplates and are not out of alignment.
Optional: Install short threaded studs into the 2 hood nutplates. You will replace these with bolts later. This may help if the nutplates rotate too much when installing the bolts into the hood later.

-Both people carry the hood vertically to each side of the car and place it so you can set the hinges lined up to the hood. If you used the threaded studs, remove one at a time and install the bolts through the hinges into the hood mounts. Tighten all bolts securely. While holding both sides, one person(driver side) has to attach the support top pivot bracket to the hood with 2 bolts. Tighten securely.

-Slowly lower hood while observing hood front edge to edge of front and side surround to ensure it doesn't hit anywhere. Adjust hinge bolts for best fit. Repeat bolt adjust process until satisfied. This can takes several tries. Patience is important.

Method Two:

I have reinstalled 1959 to 1962 hoods by myself when I was unable to get help. This method can be done solo if the grille is not installed. You will be securing the hinges to the hood using bolts only at the forward hinge bolt hole on each side by reaching in through the grille opening. On a 62 you would need to remove the 2 bumperettes and the grille bar then the grille. Wrap the front edges of the bumperette brackets with towels to protect your legs later.

If the hood hinges were left installed on the radiator support this is ideal. If not install them now and tighten all bolts, but keep in mind you may need to adjust later.

-Install the hood support to the surround gutter. Make sure the lower support pivot bracket mounts "under" the gutter.

-Protect hood and surround edges as described in method 1. Also lay towels along the entire hood surround gutter area. Have tools and bolts handy on the floor under the grille opening.

-It is highly recommended using this method to install the threaded studs into the hood nutplates.

-A Back Brace may be appropriate here. Carry the hood vertically from the sides and approach the car from the front. Carefully lower the rearward end of the hood over the opening and set the hood male latch pins lined up over the female latches. Once the hood is stable on to the latches, carefully lower the front edge of the hood, aligning the studs through the hood hinges. Here you could use some soft plastic or wood wedges inserted into the gaps at the hood front edge to the surround.

-Reach into the grille area and remove the forward stud on each hinge and replace with bolts. Tighten securely.

-Get up and slowly raise the hood by grasping the still raised rear edge of the hood and check front edges of hood for clearance. This step is critical when working alone. If more clearance is needed loosen the 2 hinge forward bolts as needed. Adjust your shims as needed and retighten and recheck gaps. If hinges are worn this may require repeating the adjustment steps.

-Once satisfied with fit, install the hood support upper pivot bracket to hood. Raise the hood fully and set the hood support latch to the open position. For safety, install a pin/bolt in the support bar holes to prevent it from falling.

-Remove the temporary hinge studs and replace them with the remaining hinge bolts. Securely tighten.

-Recheck everything and adjust if needed.

-You will have to reinstall the grille with the hood open to access the grille attach hardware. Ensure there is a safety bolt in the hood support and best have a helper handy to assist at this stage.

Rich

[David D.]

Re: C1 1962 Hood Adjustment Procedure

Rich, you are unbelievable. Thanks for all you do for the 'hobby'!