Initial installation of hood recommendations

[Moparfiend]

Hey guys, I’m about to install my hood essentially for the first time since the hinges were removed and are now back in. I don’t have any initial markings to indicate where the hood should start.

Any inputs/hints/tricks on how to initialize hinges such that I don’t bind on first closure prior to adjustments?

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I’ve always looked for bolt/washer “witness marks” to help my first guess. I usually have to adjust many times to get it right. My big pieces of advice?
1. Use A LOT of protective tape over the paint on both the hood & the fenders
2. Close the hood SUPER SLOW until it’s almost perfectly lined up
3. Maybe don’t install the hood latch until the hood gets close?
4. Have a friend help, at least on the very first try putting the hood into the hinges
I’m no expert on this

 

[Don Frelier]

Check the bolts for fitment first.
Clean out holes with a tap as necessary.
I like to have 3 people if possible. One on each side and one out front.
Get 2 sets of tools ready and set on each side.

I just put a blanket up against the cowl.

As mentioned close slowly and watch your gaps very very closely.
Take your time and it will be fine.

 

[Moparfiend]

Thanks guys. Those are great inputs. Really appreciate it. Have a great day.!

 

[Don Frelier]

I forgot to mention that the guy up front needs to lightly push up while each guy or gal tightens the bolts. The hood will ten to rock downward in the front otherwise.

 

[OMTWF-72SE]

The only thing I'd add is I use a pool noodle split like pipe insulation on the back of the hood to make the back edge profile "straight" so no oops or fatigue causes windshield issues. I learned this helping a friend put a New Yorker hood on.

 

[Moparfiend]

The only thing I'd add is I use a pool noodle split like pipe insulation on the back of the hood to make the back edge profile "straight" so no oops or fatigue causes windshield issues. I learned this helping a friend put a New Yorker hood on.

Do you mean the noodle on the edge of the rear hood lip?

Are you saying you use the noodle to set gap? Or to protect cowel?

What type of windshield issue are you referring to?

Thanks

 

[Don Frelier]

Do you mean the noodle on the edge of the rear hood lip?

Are you saying you use the noodle to set gap? Or to protect cowel?

What type of windshield issue are you referring to?

Thanks

1971 up have no "Cowl" panel in front of the windshield, the hood goes right up to it so if you let the hood accidentally slip towards the back of the car you can bust up the windshield.
Pretty sure that is what is being referred to above.
Pool noodle is a neat solution.

 

[OMTWF-72SE]

Do you mean the noodle on the edge of the rear hood lip?

Are you saying you use the noodle to set gap? Or to protect cowel?

What type of windshield issue are you referring to?

Thanks

Yes, rear of hood.
No, not for gap, for cowl/windshield protection.
Maybe your hood isn't as much of a beast but the new Yorker and my 72 charger hoods are fun for 3 guys.

On the project New Yorker we took off and put on the hood a few times. It was just insurance for the glass/paint against fumble fingers. Carry that bastard from the front, lift over hinges, one arm it to put in bolts because two 250lb dudes can't occupy the same space

 

[Moparfiend]

Yes, rear of hood.
No, not for gap, for cowl/windshield protection.
Maybe your hood isn't as much of a beast but the new Yorker and my 72 charger hoods are fun for 3 guys.

On the project New Yorker we took off and put on the hood a few times. It was just insurance for the glass/paint against fumble fingers. Carry that bastard from the front, lift over hinges, one arm it to put in bolts because two 250lb dudes can't occupy the same space

If two 250lb dudes could occupy the same space then we would have proof of another dimension! We could call it the Mopar dimension!

 

[Don Frelier]

Looks like everything is new under there.
I like to drive it for a week or two without the hood.
So much easier to check for leaks and re-torque stuff.
(And it's kinda cool)

 

[Moparfiend]

Looks like everything is new under there.
I like to drive it for a week or two without the hood.
So much easier to check for leaks and re-torque stuff.
(And it's kinda cool)
View attachment 1785343

Yes but it’s time to test fit the new AMD Air Grabber hood! Big milestone as it’s the last sheet metal panel to be put on. I also then will have to workout where and how to set up a custom Air Grabber door control solenoid set up. That will be a lot of fun actually.

 

[AR67GTX]

It’s probably not as critical on a unit body but I would still check the cross-X dimensions to verify your hood opening is truly square. I watched an experienced friend trying to fit his hood on a fresh 63 Ford 427 restoration and nothing was lining up. I finally couldn’t help but ask him, you did measure across to opposite corners to make sure the fenders and radiator support were squared up- right? He hesitated a moment and then kind of sheepishly said, no he hadn’t. He thought since it was the original frame, fenders and rad support it would all fall back in place. It wasn’t square.