hood hinges problem

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Oct 18, 2005 | 11:35 AM

#16

fatfenders56

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 2,497

Likes: 5

From: Tucson AZ

I have never taken the time to study the mechanics of this problem but I'm beginning to get interested. Is it possible that there is an over-center point in the geometry of these things that makes them act stupid? Could the problem with them pushing backward be more than just adjustment? It might be interesting to get in the engine compartment and see what they do as the hood closes. I would suggest doing that without the front latch in place (for more than one reason)

Oct 18, 2005 | 11:38 AM

#17

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmsey

Hi I am in Cumbria NW England. Some of those spring washers would be great Stephen if you get a chance to get some. My e-mail address is (Click Here to find out why email addresses are removed from posts.). Cheers. I was talking to someone else I know today who is a bodyman and he cant get his right so a mere mortal has no chance ;o) He is thinking about making his open from the rear. I will perservere for a while longer with the original hinges.
Holmsey

If buying wavy washers locally, remember the 53-55 used smaller diameter bolts than 56 did, so be sure you're getting the right size.

Tim, yes, they have an overcenter action that is supposed to pull the rear down and back at the end of the closing process. The problem seems to be finding the right combination of hinge placement, spring tension and latch placement to make that happen. I would remove the front striker and safety hook temporarily then work with rotating the hinge mounts at the cowl until the action was right when closing the hood with a firm forwards pull on the front of the hood. Once you find the right mounting position, then replace the latch and adjust it forwards to provide that forwards tension as it latches. I think to get it right will require someone under the hood and someone out side.
The latch plate was difficult to adjust on mine, I needed to loosen the bolts quite loose then bump it forwards with a punch and hammer. At first when I tried to just lightly loosen the bolts and move it, it wouldn't move so I assumed it was adjusted all the way forwards. Moving it forwards definitely helped, but I got tired of fooling with it and built front hinges instead.

Last edited by AXracer; Oct 18, 2005 at 11:53 AM.

Oct 18, 2005 | 01:05 PM

#18

Steve_B

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 432

Likes: 1

From: West London, England

Holmsey, I have sent you a e-mail

AXracer, thanks for reminding me about the different bolt sizes for the 56
I had forgotten about that

Dose anyone know the dia' of the shoulder on the bolts that the wavy washer sits on

Steve

Oct 18, 2005 | 01:14 PM

#19

Lwlandy

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 307

Likes: 21

From: Carnation, WA

Hi Steve,

I beleive that the 53-55 has a 7/16" shoulder and the 56 has a 5/8" shoulder.

Cheers
Lee

Oct 18, 2005 | 03:02 PM

#20

Phity Five

Junior User

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 95

Likes: 0

I notice that when I close my hood over the front latch initially that the rear of it stick up a tad on both sides. Then I simply push backwards on the hood and it will nestle right in to place. It feels as if overcenter action is actually helping to pull it down as well as back once I give it enertia. Maybe abnormal, but no Hokey-Pokey for me.