Hood not sitting flush

[Adamds86]

Hello experts.
I have a 1973 GMC K25 that I just bought. I just noticed that the hood doesn't sit flush with the fenders at the back (near the windshield) Is there a way to adjust the hinges? Or maybe they are worn out? I can push the back down but then it just pops back up a little.

Any help is appreciated

 

[yevgenievich]

Does it look like it is bent(common problem) or just higher towards the back? It can be adjusted if not bent. If it is bent, then either add a brace/lube hinges or straighten the hood back and lube the hinges.

 

[Adamds86]

Does it look like it is bent(common problem) or just higher towards the back? It can be adjusted if not bent. If it is bent, then either add a brace/lube hinges or straighten the hood back and lube the hinges.

No i don't think it is bent. That is one of the 1st things that I looked at because I know that is a common problem with our square body trucks. Just looks higher towards the back. I can take a couple pictures and post them in a couple of hours.

 

[chengny]

Two of the hinge mount bolt holes are slotted to allow for alignment with the tops of the fenders. From the service manual:

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The diagram above doesn't show any detail of the bolt holes. The rear hole and the upper front hole are slotted - the front lower is the pivot. This is what they really look like:

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If you can get the hood to sit flush by pushing down and then it pops back up, your bolts are probably just loose.

 

[Adamds86]

So I got looking at the hood hinges again, all the bolts are tight and I adjusted them as far was they could go down. Still won't sit flush, I am thinking that the pins on the actual hinge are worn down and loose and the spring is causing it to pop up. The hood hinges are fairly cheap and I am just going to buy a new set and slap them on.

 

[bucket]

Yes, the hinges wear out and the spring pressure keeps the hood up a little at the rear.

However, simply adjusting them down on the fenders isn't the proper way to get the most down travel. Just loosen the hinge bolts at the fenders (all of them) and then have a helper lift up the front of the hood as high as it can possibly go, then tighten all the bolts while the hood is being lifted. Don't work too slow, as your helper may become frustrated and let the hood drop down some, lol.

It sounds backwards, but it works. It's because of the hinges' geometry, rolling them back will suck the hood down at the rear. If the hood is still kicked up, it means the hinges are very worn and you just need new ones.

 

[Camar068]

It sounds backwards, but it works. It's because of the hinges' geometry, rolling them back will suck the hood down at the rear. If the hood is still kicked up, it means the hinges are very worn and you just need new ones.

Can we add if the front sticks up too much to this post? I don't care to put up a post, and yes I'm in the middle of searching so I may find it.

 

[FireTruck1984]

Can we add if the front sticks up too much to this post? I don't care to put up a post, and yes I'm in the middle of searching so I may find it.

My girl likes it when the front sticks up too much

 

[Doppleganger]

My girl likes it when the front sticks up too much

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[bucket]

Can we add if the front sticks up too much to this post? I don't care to put up a post, and yes I'm in the middle of searching so I may find it.

With an 80's model, adjust the hood latch downward on the mount. Also adjust the hood bumpers down excessively while adjusting the latch. Once the latch adjustment is satisfactory, adjust the hood bumpers back up to apply a small amount of pressure on the hood when it is latched.

The hood striker should move freely in the latch. If it feels like it's binding or if the hood is shifting to one side or the other when the striker engages the latch, side-side latch adjustment will be necessary as well.

 

[bucket]

Or if you think several adjustments may be off, you can start clean too. Just remove the latch completely. Close the hood and look at how it meets the fenders. Adjust the hood for even gaps and adjust the bumpers for proper height. Then reinstall the latch and install it to jive with the new hood adjustments.

 

[Camar068]

Or if you think several adjustments may be off, you can start clean too. Just remove the latch completely. Close the hood and look at how it meets the fenders. Adjust the hood for even gaps and adjust the bumpers for proper height. Then reinstall the latch and install it to jive with the new hood adjustments.

Awesome Andy, Thanks. Think I'll try your 2nd adjustment (suggestion) first. That should tell me if it's a hood issue or not.

 

[75gmck25]

The geometry on those hinges adds to issues with bending the hood at its weak point. Lubricate the hinges with a lightweight lube that stays flexible, and install the hood reinforcement plates.

Look at how the hinges form a parallelogram that swings backward when you close the hood. When you close the hood, push down, and at the same time push it back toward the cowl to avoid putting too much bending pressure on the hood.

bruce

 

[bucket]

Just a note here, the 70's hood adjustment procedure is different from the 80's hoods. Latches too.

And yes, with the 70's hoods, definitely try to push rearward on the hood as you close it.

 

[Randy and Easton]

Been reading this thread guys.. great stuff but look at these pictures of aftermarket hood E wanted on truck and how it sits. The original hood was bent so it was cheaper to replace it than try and get it straight.

Thanks y’all

Randy and E