Peter, no secrets here. I have "mentioned" how I got my hood down in an earlier thread which would have been maybe a year ago. I can search for it and see if I can get a link to it.
Many times I AM WRONG and don't want to lead anyone astray. Therefore I did sent dogface a note that might help him. If it does then he will reply here and we an put some confidence in my suggestion....Which by the way, is almost exactly like the tech tip. Problem was I had to read the tech tip about 6 times to really understand it. It is a good tech tip but my little mind kept getting the HINGES mixed up with the SPRINGS!
EDIT: this is EXACTLY what I sent Dogface. I do not know if it helped but its "MY STORY". Sorry if I offended anyone.
When I installed my hood it set up at the back so bad it looked like a COE. I had to read the tech tip about 6 times to understand it. Reading it I got all confused between the hinges...and the springs!!
I was about to give up and buy new hinges and springs but a bolter talked me into giving it another shot before spending money he thought I didn't need to spend. Here is my simple version of what I did....and my cowl gasket was in place.
I went out one morning and took the SPRINGS off and laid them on the table. Next I loosened all the bolts on the HINGE. I placed a 2x4 under the front of the hood. (I hadn't put the front hood latch/catch on yet)
Then I pushed the back of the hood down on each side as far as it would go. Then I went inside the cab and tightened the one bolt you have to tighten from the inside. After getting both of them TIGHT I carefully raised the hood and then tightened the other two bolts on each hinge that you have to tighten from under the hood.
Next I attached, and tightened the one bolt which holds the SPRINGS to the hood. Then I attached the springs with the two bolts to the firewall. I left them LOOSE and just let the hood weight settle the springs to the bolts where it naturally wanted to settle...... I think this helps it be level. I didn't just arbitrarily tighten the bolts to the firewall till the hood was resting on the springs. Afterwards I "said a little prayer" and let the hood down. I could actually hear the back corners of the hood squeak as it fit to the cowl lacing. I simply could not believe it. I put my hood latch on and it shut good. I did have to screw the big screw up a round or two to adjust it down just a tat tighter but that was all.
I simply could not believe it. I was practically dancing around the shop. It had been weeks of fighting it by myself and with a friends help.
Not sure if this will help you or not. Perhaps as you read it you will find nugget worth trying. I know exactly how you feel.
Looks like a Cab Over
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/000_0255.jpgSide view...and its bad
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/000_0253.jpgAfter doing what I described above
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/100_1406.jpgAfter this I did loosen the fender bolts and raise the back of the fender just a little...or should I say just a TAT!! Anyway, its not perfect but I've looked a hundreds of pictures of the AD's and NONE of them have a hood that fits the fenders really good. Just take a look in the Gallery at our models.
Alvin
Therefore no special handshake..... I'm just hoping Dogface can get it down. I was about to buy a set of hinges and springs but mind simply did not appear bad. Another bolter encouraged me not to give up so one morning it was just me and the truck for a few hours and I finally won. I will come back here in a minute and send you EXACTLY what I sent Dogface. Hang on a minute.
