59 F100 Tilt Hood Install problem/question
 

I bought the tilt hood install kit from Mid Fifities (MMB kit) and installed it per directions and on line video, problem is, where the hood fits the cowl area there is a 1/2 to 3/4 inch gap, and no more adjustment on the hood, it's adjusted to the point that the front of the hood hits the upper radiator valance, there is no way to close the gap that I can see. Any suggestions. ( I have auto body experience so I've tried most tricks already). The gap seems abnormal to me even for an old truck.
Thx, Don

Welcome to the forum. You may have better luck by posting over on the forum that covers the 1959 trucks.
Click below.
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

oops, it's a 56 not a 59 sorry, can't figure out how to edit the thread title
Don

With these hood hinge kits there are many variables (as I am sure you are aware) so without seeing pictures it would be hard to determine where yours is having issues. The fender mount rear brackets will restrict the hood from going all the way back, as will the wheel position on the rear of the hood. The actual hinge assembly can be adjusted to move the hood back as well but that adjustment will not help is the rear brackets are restricting the rearward movement. Good luck, post some pics if you can.

The hood to cowl gap is larger than other body gaps to allow hood to open without scraping, ~ 1/2". Have you read and followed my front sheet metal alignment procedure? ;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9927171
Are the firewall to valance support rods still in place?

I have a feeling your info will come in handy, basically I bought this project truck and it appears it was just mocked up to sell I don't believe it was ever put together using your sheet metal alignment procedure, or any sheet metal alignment procedure. So as I've never done a mid fifties F100 before I'm not even sure all the parts are present. What exactly does the Firewall to valance support rods look like? I'm thinking they are not there and it sounds like after reading your info that I will need to pull it all apart and start from scratch. Probably the best thing to do at this point. FYI, The truck had no hood hinges when I bought it but with the hood sitting on the body it fit pretty decent actually. I'll play with it more tomorrow.
Thx, Don

The support rods are critical to the alignment they are ~ 3/8" in diameter with one threaded end. They go from the angled triangular brackets with a hole in the center welded near the center of the firewall under the overhang. The threaded end fits into slotted brackets that are bolted at the junction of the radiator valance and inner fender. They are the two diagonal rods in this picture:
http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/ev...engine_bay.jpg

I don't have those...Thx for the pic!! I have I believe the same tilt set-up.

Yes, a lot of people take the rods off and throw them away because they don't like the looks not realizing the important role they play in the alignment. Mid Fifty has the valance end brackets in stainless and even the firewall brackets to bolt or weld on if the originals have been cut off, as well as the rods in unpolished or polished stainless. There are also poeple on here that likely have a used set of original plain steel rods and brackets.