hood gap
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Junior User
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hood gap
Just finished installing the front clip and have a large gap between the top of the fender and hood at the cab. The bolts at the cab and frame lined up fine but the gap is about 3/4" at the cab. Has anyone else had this problem, how much of a gap should there be and is there a remedy? Really would appreciate any input even if you're letting me know I'm being too **** about this. I'm kind of a perfectionist and this really looks bad to me. It's a 49 F1
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
From what I've seen, 1/2" to 3/4" is about normal, especially if its consistant from the rear of the hood up to the nose. As Ross said, those hood bumpers are at least 1/2"
Bobby
Bobby
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Thanks for the response, the hood bumpers are on and the front ones touch but the rear ones don't. I did install the tall ones at the rear of the hood. I'll probably end up trying to fix it because it will nag me until I do. ALBUQ F1..you say yours comes and goes? How much difference is the variation? You have always given solid advice so I guess I'll wait and see how it acts before I do any "fixing". Mervy49.. Got several pics, I'll get my daughter to post them.Thanks again guys!!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Oh, I'd say it sits down right on the bumper sometimes, and other times it's a quarter inch to three-eighths above. The driver's side seems to be where it shows up most, so I suspect something may be tweaked in the hood.
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From: Sophia, NC
The hood on my truck does like Ross says his does. But I know my hood and cowl took a shot from a wreck. Everything is new(to the truck) up front but the hood. I hammered the cowl as best i could. My plan as silly as it may sound was to put several layers of paint on the underside of the hood to add extra weight to help hold it down better and be more consistent in closing. If that doesn't work out like I hope then I will go to plan 4 and change the hood springs. 
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Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
I don't think it's the springs that cause this. The springs are mostly to hold the hood open, the geometry of the linkage really doesn't exert a lot of pressure to pull it down in back when closed. Maybe that's the problem? But I would be surprised if new springs would help with this problem.
One thing that will help is making sure the latch plate at the front is far enough forward.
One thing that will help is making sure the latch plate at the front is far enough forward.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,978
Likes: 9,814
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I've also heard that the latch pin can have quite an effect on how the back of the hood sits. I suppose a test you could remove the front latch pin and see how the hood sits when closed.
Bobby
Bobby
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There are only two bolts on each side of the cab holding the inner fender and by doing so holding the fender. since I haven't bolted down my running boards it might be a simple fix I have enough experience to know it's the simple ones that usually bite you. I may give it a try on one side and see how it does.
2002 Road king
!972 FL
1962 FL
1949 F1
2002 Road king
!972 FL
1962 FL
1949 F1
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Thanks ALBUQ F1 Right now the bottom of the fender is below the running board about the same as the gap. I haven't bolted the running boards down yet, I'll check and see if I can modify the inner fender connections without messing anything up. It would be worth the effort if it closes the gap. It looks like it would only be the two bolts on each side @ the cab. Again, your input is appreciated!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
Just finished installing the front clip and have a large gap between the top of the fender and hood at the cab. The bolts at the cab and frame lined up fine but the gap is about 3/4" at the cab. Has anyone else had this problem, how much of a gap should there be and is there a remedy? Really would appreciate any input even if you're letting me know I'm being too **** about this. I'm kind of a perfectionist and this really looks bad to me. It's a 49 F1