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Hood alignment...oh god. The front is okay. The cowl (back end) is pretty much okay too. The sides are a problem. One side is okay. But the other (left side) has a big gap between the fender and the hood. Don't know what to do. Thinking about taking it back to my good (very expensive) body/paint man. Is there any hope? I have everything (grill, radiator support, lower cowl) tightened down. I hope there's hope. I read a post awhile back how some guy shows his truck with the hood up...just because of this.

Had the same problem. My hood hinges were worn. If you take off the hood springs it might sit right. My springs were pushing up on the worn hinges causing large gaps @ the back of the hood. I just left em off (the springs) & got a rod to prop it up when needed. I'll put some new hinges on when I get arountuit. Also, check the hood to cowl seals. Sometimes they crack & get out of place. That will hold the hood too high also.
Get that thing in the Gallery will ya

Kevin,

If you have not see the article on Hood Alignment on Chevytrucks.org by Mac Kinghorn, you might want to check it out.

I still don't have my Suburban's hood right (it is not touching the cowl seal). Just got to keep tryting, I guess.

Tim

I have found the hood fit never was the greatest even new from the factory. I swear if I didn't take it apart I would think all the stuff was from different trucks. With enough time and patience you can fit it up respectfully. To get my hood down on the cowl seal I had to shim the center brace with washers, it pulls the center down. I had to shim my inner fenders where they bolted to the radiator support to gain width for the hood at the front, then with every thing loose at floor bolts you can really move the front around with the cowl brace rods. I did have new hinges and new deluxe outer cowl panels which go from bottom to lead seam. Look here
http://community.webshots.com/user/zeker6
Zeke
(Put lots of tape down to protect the paint while fitting.)

You might try loosening the fender bolts up and moving them in or away from the hood as needed, if you cannot get any movement out of them you may be able to slot out the holes a little larger only if needed.