47 P-15 Club Coupe hood hinges

[caddyman68]

When closed, the hood on this car sticks out between 1-2" on each side at the rear of the hood. This happens with or without the hood brace installed. I have noticed when in the closed position, hood off the car, the bolt flange for the hood actually sticks out beyond the car too.

Also, the hood brace has to be forced into place between the hinges, even with the hood off of the car.

I had the hinges rebuilt, but that didn't help either.

Does anyone know what may be the cause? Thank you.

[james curl]

Disconnect the helper springs and see if the hinges do not pull back in. The way the springs are installed they place a outward side load on the hinge joints. When I first reinstalled my hood after replacing the engine I did not connect the springs and the hood fit the firewall perfectly. After connecting the springs and realigning the hood the back of the hood is about 1/2" to 3/4" wider than the fender flange at the firewall.

[caddyman68]

I will try that. If it does line up better, any idea what the fix could be?

Thank you.

[caddyman68]

You will laugh, but here is what I did. I put the hinges in a large vise & pressed them together. Then I put them in my press to retighten the pins. The hood fits & opens & closes perfectly.

[oldodge41]

You will laugh, but here is what I did. I put the hinges in a large vise & pressed them together. Then I put them in my press to retighten the pins. The hood fits & opens & closes perfectly.

Good fix!