Why won't my hood close?

[baucco]

We have a 64 Valiant/Barracuda. Took it out for the first drive today! Other than the leaky filler hose gasket,the only problem was that the hood would not lay flat. It locks into the latch okay but is still an inch or more off the frame. Anyone Know how to adjust this? Thanks

 

[sweatybetty]

can you post a pic?

 

[CudaChick1968]

Baucco, congrats on the first drive! That's always an exciting time.

Did you happen to put an aftermarket air cleaner on it? If so, the filter element might be too tall and the air cleaner is hitting the underside of your hood. There will be telltale marks on the hood or in the hood insulation if your car has that.

If you removed the hood entirely to do your work, it's most likely just out of alignment. Get a helper to hold the other side as you loosen the four bolts holding the hood to the hinges (don't remove them though!). Then move the hood forward / backward / side to side and check it each time until it will close properly. Yes, it's time consuming and a PITA :banghead:. Then tighten the four bolts back down and you should be good to go. Next time you take the hood off a car, mark the hinge locations first and it will simplify reinstallation.

Have fun with the car!

 

[375inStroke]

Is the hood really closing, and is an inch too high, or is the safety hook the only thing holding it down? Raise the latch in the radiator support, or lower the bump stops on the sides of the radiator support. They have a big Phillips screw that you just turn in to lower.

 

[daredevil]

Is the hood really closing, and is an inch too high, or is the safety hook the only thing holding it down? Raise the latch in the radiator support, or lower the bump stops on the sides of the radiator support. They have a big Phillips screw that you just turn in to lower.

Yep like he said