Hood Alinement

[ljtbird]

I was driving my T Bird through NYC last evening and just noticed that my hood on the drivers side was below the fender by a 1/4 of an inch . On the left side it was even with the fender. I am the orignal owner of my 2003 T Bird and not sure that this has been an issue since day 1 ? The hood appears to be lineded up properply but not sure why one side is lower then the other.

I read a review of the T Bird and they indicated that the fit and finish was not high quality , is this an example of what they are referring to?

Is there a practical solution to my problem? Now that I no itis there it bothers me

Any thoughts would be appreciacted

[MATBird]

Re: Hood Alinement

First I've heard of this Larry. However, open the hood and see if it has both hood stops. There's one on each side with rubber covers on them. Other than that I'm confused... Are the two seams of the side hood edges equal all the way, along the fenders, to the cowl/windshield?

[prbre]

Re: Hood Alinement

doesn't it have two hood latches one side might not be lock. which would cause one side to be off. but I could be thinking of the volvo.

[Ediron]

Re: Hood Alinement

Don't the Hood Stops have adjustments.

[5bird7]

Re: Hood Alinement

I think so Ed but I'd have to go out and check. This question doesn't come up often enough for me to remember those details anymore.

[joe166]

Re: Hood Alinement

There is only one hood latch in the center, but there are stops on both sides (more than one if I remember correctly) but I am not sure that they are adjustable very easily. Of course, anything is adjustable with unlimited time and funds. I would check to see if the hinges on either side have moved at all.

[snowbird]

Re: Hood Alinement

On each side of the front cowl, just behind the headlight housing, you will find adjustable bolts with a rubber head cap over them that is adjustable. Turn in or out. As a matter of fact, they are loose and turn so easily that when cleaning in that area, they will / can move and change your hood alignment. It would not hurt if you take them out and put a lock nut on the bolt section so they can be locked up after final adjustment. That is what I will do with hours (when I get a minute). Hope this helps,
MartinB.

[ljtbird]

Re: Hood Alinement

Thanks Snowbird, You were correct. I was able to adjust the rubber stop to raise the hood on the drivers side.

This is a good example why this is such an effective site. I appreciate all that responded.

Maybe some day someone could build a guide to the T Bird, by going through all the posts and accumulating their content to populate the guide.

[ljtbird]

Re: Hood Alinement

The hood is even with the windshiled and then drops off and the lowest point is just above the head lights. See my response to Snowbird.

[ljtbird]

Re: Hood Alinement

I was able to correct the problem by using your suggestion.

[jaguar72]

Re: Hood Alinement

It would not hurt if you take them out and put a lock nut on the bolt section so they can be locked up after final adjustment. That is what I will do with hours (when I get a minute). Hope this helps,
MartinB.

Excellent idea...the thread size is M6-1.0. The hood adjustment parts (both nut and bolt or rubber-capped bolt only should you ever need a spare) are available from clipsandfasteners.com for a couple of bucks.

For lock nuts I used stainless nuts (10mm) with a brass washer...looks nice (should anybody ever be anal enough to notice...doubtful) since the car is Inspiration Yellow.

V/R,

jaguar72