hood alignment frustration-67 big block

[Dave K.]

Having trouble getting the hood to align. The gap in the corners down by the headlights is where I'm having problems. When the hood is up the gaps look pretty good on both sides but when you close the hood the gap on the drivers side gets really tight ; 1/16th of an inch (dangerously close of paint rubbing). The gap on the passenger side appears to widen as the hood goes down; ~ 3/16th. Ive tried numerous times adjusting hinges on the hood and the fender (moving hood and hinges toward passenger side but there is no more play left to move it. . Am I missing something? Is there any other area for adjustment? FYI: Frame off restoration and gaps were awesome prior to disassemble.

[Bob R.]

Re: hood alignment frustration-67 big block

I had a similar problem with my 63 and found that the hinges were the cause. The hinges are riveted and the rivets had loosened over time and allowed side to side movement of the hood. I ended Up replacing the hinges.

[Tom E.]

Re: hood alignment frustration-67 big block

My original 67 springs were loose and caused a similar shift when closing. The hinge pin is compromised of a shouldered rivet and a spring washer that keeps tension on the two moving parts. I placed the hinge rivet side on an anvil and tightened the rivet by giving it a good solid whack with a 2 Lb hammer. Tightened them right up and they now work perfectly.
Tom