The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Hood Installation

I will be installing the hood on my 1951 3100 for the first time...it has been off since I bought it because it was missing hinges and springs....my problem is I have no clue how this one goes together..I did bought a bolt kit but I am missing a good picture of the hinge and spring location for orientation.

Can anyone help?

Thx,

If you don't already have one get a Factory Assembly Manual and Shop Manual. This is covered in both.

I actually ordered one but is backoreded for 2 weeks :-(
Your door artwork photo is great. Eventually, when my truck is all together and ready to become my daily driver I plan on doing some type art work on my door...Thx

Here is a very helpful website. It has a huge amount of information including shop manuals. Does this illustration help? http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm1102.htm

Here also is a tech tip from this site. Hood alignment can be a bit tricky so best of luck. http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bodywork/ad_hood_alignment.html

Thank you the tip on alignment comes in handy but I couldn't open the first link. Thx

can i have your email? I have a photo of a painted door logo which I think should be added to your collection. I am not sure if it is a fauxpatina or the real thing but I will leave it up to you.

Thx

Sorry about the link. It is supposed to be an illustration of a hood hinge and spring from a 48-51 shop manual. Here is a link to the 54 manual http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm1102.html

If it still doesn't work maybe try a google search for chevy old car manual project. It is a site put together by Keith Hardy. There you will find the 51 truck manual. It is definitely a worthwhile site to visit.

That picture is awesome and you my friend a lifesaver...thx

Once you get the hood hinge and spring mechanicals figured out you're going to have to struggle with the hood fitment. It's not just a matter of tightening the bolts down and having the hood lay flat against the cowl. I've used the following technique on a number of troublesome hood/cowl installations and it works every time. (assuming that the hood or hinges aren't damaged)

First of all, raise the front of the hood up about 3-4" and add a block of wood to hold it up.

It's easiest if you have 3 sets of hands. One person inside the cab to tighten the inside nuts on each side and 2 more positioned up close to the windshield on both the driver's and passenger's side. Each of these helpers puts one hand on TOP of the hood (no gloves) and one hand on the SIDE of the hood.....both about 4" in front of the back edge.

With the front blocked up, the 2 helpers on the opposite side push BACK with one hand and DOWN with the other....forcing the back of the hood down onto the cowl, while the inside man snugs down the nuts on the inside of the cab.

Raise the hood gently and snug the remaining bolts in the engine bay. Carefully close the hood and check to make sure you've got adequate hood edge to fender clearance.

Once you've got the hood correctly positioned on the cowl you can shim the fenders at the core support for a perfect fit.

Dave

Thanks a lot...that was some great info