hello everyone,im Tony, I am working on a 54 f100. I am hanging some sheet metal and am having issues with the hood closing. when I attempt to close the hood it is about 3" away from closing and wont go anymore. What am I doing wrong? I am trying to upload pictures amd am having some difficulties doing that too.

 

A sprung hinge perhaps. PICs will have to posted elsewhere and post a link to this thread if you aren't an FTE club member/subscriber.

 

here are some pictures

 

Do a forum search on "53-56 front sheet metal alignment procedure" or go to:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s....php?t=1019537
If using a phone (mobile site link, might redirect OK).

 

Are these the hinges that were on the truck b4 disassembly?

 

i bought the truck in pieces, from what i can gather there were 2 seperate trucks i have all the major components to 1 truck and misc sheet metal and brackets from a 2nd. ive attached the pictures from the original CL ad that made me buy it.

 

Are you using the special shoulder bolts and spring (wavy) washers to attach the hinges to the hood? The arms should not be bolted tight, the bolts should be just barely snug and safety wired so they don't back out. The 54 hinges should have 7/16" holes in the ends of the arms. I have written a number of posts on how to verify that the hinges are working properly, there is a pivot that is hidden under the springs that is often frozen or stiff. Do an advance search on my user name and hood hinges to find one. Often people think the spring should be wound tight as well.
I have also written a detailed procedure on how to align the front sheet metal several times, here's one: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9927171

 

I was thinking maybe he had some 56 hinges, which are different.

 

I bet they are froze, or binding as AX mentioned. From here they look like they need disassembled, abrasive blasted and inspected. Put on your crash helmet, (or at least some eye protection), and some gloves if you decide to take them apart. Effie hood springs will bite you.

 

Here's a picture of a 56 hinge and a 53-55 hinge. Hole size on the 56 are 5/8" holes while the 53-55 are 7/16". On top arm of 56 there is 6 1/4" from hood shoulder bolt hole to pivot stud while the 53-55 is 5 1/2"

 

thank you for all the replies, a good spray of wd-40 and letting it sit overnight ssems to have done the trick. Its not perfect but ir at least closes.

 

Note that WD40 is not a penetrating oil or a good lubricating oil, it only worked by good luck. The hinges will soon bind up again. lubricate with a lubricating or motor oil or grease (Tip: in a pinch you can pull out the engine dipstick and apply a drop of engine oil off the end of it.) Oil is messy tho, it would be best to disassemble the hinge and apply some good grease to the pivot points, especially the one behind the spring. Unless someone has wound up the spring, with the hinge removed and the arms in the relaxed position the spring should be able to be removed with you fingers. If you are worried, grab the end of the spring with a pair of vise grips to unhook and remove it. Do NOT try to remove the spring with the hinge attached to the hood!