Hood Misalignment

[wagoneer]

I have a bit of a mystery that I need insight into please. I need insight into how best to realign my hood left-to-right so that it closes evenly. I found my hood had somehow become lower on the right side (facing the vehicle) than the left over the last 4 months. 

 

I was away for about 4 months, whereby the vehicle was outside under a very good tarp,  and when I came back my hood (even though it was left slightly ajar and unlatched) was firmly stuck. Unfortunately though the powers of nature and moisture did attack and I did notice quite a bit of rust staining around the engine parts, and mildew on the interior. Yes yes, I know, but let's focus on this hood problem for now; I'm separately addressing moisture.

 

 

With great effort (and PB Blaster though I'm uncertain of whether it did anything really) I was able to eventually raise the hood, and upon follow up inspection I noticed that the right side touches the fender before the left side.

 

I can't tell whether maybe the spring has become stiffer on the right side and thus holding it down more, or whether I need to adjust a placement setting. Experiential insight would be helpful.

Pictures below.

Thank you!

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by wagoneer

[Plymouthy Adams]

odds are if was correctly gapped and operating before, you still having some rust resistance to spring tension issue on closing and likely one side is dragging more than the other.  Continue your lube and lightly press the higher side down by hand a bit to exercise the surface and help wear off the rust residue.  If it will close the gap with light hand pressure, you on the right track.....my 54 did this once and was the manner it was corrected.  This may take a few cycles of up and down to clear up. 

[joecoozie]

Spray the hood hinges at the pivot point(s),too. 

 

[wagoneer]

Based on the wear spot on the right side visible in the close up of the hood, I suspect the hood was a smidgen to the right previously but the hood still was pretty smooth previously to open and close. 

 

@Plymouthy Adams Do you suspect the higher side to be the one that is rusty and resistant? Should that spring be stronger and closing more? 

[Plymouthy Adams]

did you gently press to see if the hood would lay down as you want it on the higher side....?  I am not in your location and afforded a look see....the wear on the hood edge is poor alignment of the hood to fender itself itself...this is covered in the body section of your manual.

[Dodgeb4ya]

1946-48 Chrysler hood hinges can be very problem prone if not lubed occsasionally....

Ending up with a sheared hinge pivot.

The pivots that break are rivieted.

As mentioned lube the hinges and make sure the hinges have no broken rivets.

I've dealt with this several times over the years workin owning 1946-48 Chryslers.

Horns and hood hinges are weak on these cars IMO.?

 

 

 

[Labrauer]

I was just about to ask the same question when I got on here tonight but it is for the 48 Plymouth coupe. Mine on the drivers side has the perfect fit between the hood and the upper part of the fender but on the other side the hood almost touches the fender. I see there is two bolts on the side one goes onto the body and the other goes onto the hinge itself. I was wondering if those bolts have any up and down play when loosened so the hood could be lifted somewhat? The hood springs are only two or three years old since installed on car.

[Plymouthy Adams]

There is a very limited amount of adjustment built into the hinge at the mounting holes for up/down and front to rear.  Also a limited amount of left to right where the hood panel attaches to the hinge.  Added note not previously mentioned but there are also two position for the spring to connect with one being able to correct for a bit of spring loss of tension I suppose.  I would suspect default is the shorter stretching of the spring.