Tested the Hood for Fit Today . . . Little Problem

[Jim Yergin]

An extra set of hands is number one. It will be a high stress adventure when that day comes. I would love to have seen how they did it in the factory.

Joe,

I have hands and will travel, just let me know if and when I can help.

Jim Yergin

[Joe Flanagan]

Thanks, Jim. You may regret saying that. I know how to contact you.

[billwillard]

after you get things lined up where you want them drill two 1/32" holes in each part. When you put it together the next time put drill bits back in the holes and you are set.

[dezeldoc]

Bill, one hole in each one works also, when you put the parts back on put a few layers of 2" tape on the edges and it will prevent them from chipping if they hit each other, works for bumpers,grills and the like.

[Joe Flanagan]

Excellent advice. Thanks.

[Joe Flanagan]

Well, I managed to do it. Thanks to Dezeldoc for the winning advice. I used the hammer off dolly method to straighten out the edge of the hood. I also got brave and used heat shrinking in a couple of places where it looked like I had oil canning. It's not perfect but it's pretty close. Stop me before I mess with it again tomorrow:

[blueskies]

Terrific, persistence pays off...

Pete

[dezeldoc]

Well you did good, that is one of the hardest things to work! flat panels and edges are the worst when they stretch. all ya need is a little patience and look and analyze it before you jump in.

[Joe Flanagan]

Yeah, I really had to think before I went ahead and did anything. The bends in the edge weren't really visible until you had the hood closed and you could see it up against the cowl. I tried to mark the perimeter of the dents with a pencil and worked my way from there. Some things I tried didn't work at all and others surprised me because they were effective almost immediately. I had to take a few breaks and just go inside and think about something else every now and then. A pro wouldn't have to do that but a novice like myself, well, my brain was getting a workout. I think that once the weatherstrip is on the cowl, the hood will sit perfectly, so I'm not going to mess with it anymore. I think I used up all my good luck on this one.