bending fiberglass ???

[Sander B.]

working on a 65 and the fit of the hood is not as i like it to be .
the hood is a little bit curved on the right side over the lenght it sticks abouth
1/4 inch above the fender on the highest point . the left side is just perfect
what do you think ? would it be possible to heat it up gently with a heat gun and try to bent it back and let it cool down ?
i can't think of an other idea........

Thanks Sander,

[Donald T.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Sander,

What you are describing is actually pretty common. I would just leave it as is. I don't think you are going to be successful in attempting to "bend" the fiberglass. You will probably have to use fiberglass to build up along the side of the hood surround if you want the hood to appear to lay flat. Of course, getting the hood surround to look right after building it up will require some pretty skilled body work but it can be done.

[Michael H.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

the hood is a little bit curved on the right side over the lenght it sticks abouth
1/4 inch above the fender on the highest point .
Thanks Sander,

As mentioned, this is very common. It's often possible to break the fender top loose from the skirt and raise that section to match the hood. Then refill the gap between the skirt and fender top with bond, then grind it off like the plant did.

If the car was ever in a front end colision, it can sometimes bend the core support back, which also puts pressure on the skirt to the rear of the support. That raises the front section of the fender and lowers the mid section.

[John D.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Is it an AO Smith car ? This rh hood fit issue was described to me once as a common characteristic of these cars...

[Sander B.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

As mentioned, this is very common. It's often possible to break the fender top loose from the skirt and raise that section to match the hood. Then refill the gap between the skirt and fender top with bond, then grind it off like the plant did.
.

thats an idea too i'll check on that

thanks Sander,

[Sander B.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Is it an AO Smith car ? This rh hood fit issue was described to me once as a common characteristic of these cars...

mmm..... yes it is a AO smith car

[John H.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Sander -

As noted above, very common on A.O. Smith bodies - photo below is my AOS '67 with the typical "bulge" of the hood above the surround on the right side.

[Chuck S.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

...would it be possible to heat it up gently with a heat gun and try to bent it back and let it cool down ?
i can't think of an other idea...

If I'm not mistaken, fiberglass or FRP is a thermoset plastic like bakelite. Once the catalyst kicks off the resin, it will cure into the shape of the mold. Once the resin has cured, it cannot be softened with heat and reformed like thermoplastics.

Michael made the right suggestion...IF you want to fix it. Since it is a common AOSmith characteristic several have described, a knowledgeable buyer might expect to see it. It's your call, of course, but I would leave it as John did.

[Wayne W.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Sander -

As noted above, very common on A.O. Smith bodies - photo below is my AOS '67 with the typical "bulge" of the hood above the surround on the right side.

Yep, worked on one today just like that.

It can be fitted perfectly with surgery, if you want, but it is a common condition.

[Michael W.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

Sander -

As noted above, very common on A.O. Smith bodies - photo below is my AOS '67 with the typical "bulge" of the hood above the surround on the right side.

Yep, that's how the bulge looks like on the car sander is working on.....

[Steven G.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

All hoods as far as top fender alignment are not the same, I was able to try a few hoods and finally got one to please myself. Steve

[Paul Y.]

Re: bending fiberglass ???

I have been successful in separating the hood from the back support and grinding it to fit well then rebonding it. The support needs to be bolted to the hinges and fitted properly to the latches before final fit and bonding. You also need to protect the engine compartment from any bond sqeezed out and protect the top surround. It is not as bad as it sounds to do.