• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Hood hinge adjustment or replace?

Doorkicker

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
5:49 PM
Joined
Apr 4, 2022
Messages
428
Reaction score
410
Location
Raleigh, NC
I'm one of those guys that go with 4-pin race hoods, so I'm not versed in hood hinges, hence the plea for advice!

72 Charger, basic model, so no scoops, etc. When I close the hood the rear of the hood - closest to the windshield - remains partially up (not flush to the fenders, etc.). Once the front of the hood is locked down/closed, I can push the corner on the driver's and passenger's sides down the final 2-3" making the hood - finally - closed and looking normal.

Question:

Is this something adjustable, or is it simply warn out and I need to get new hinges?

P.S. Sorry for the stupid question. I ask because I don't see 1) a way to adjust the hinge itself, and 2) nothing looks warn out... I expected to see something moving weirdly, but both sides seem to look perfectly fine.
 
I'm one of those guys that go with 4-pin race hoods, so I'm not versed in hood hinges, hence the plea for advice!

72 Charger, basic model, so no scoops, etc. When I close the hood the rear of the hood - closest to the windshield - remains partially up (not flush to the fenders, etc.). Once the front of the hood is locked down/closed, I can push the corner on the driver's and passenger's sides down the final 2-3" making the hood - finally - closed and looking normal.

Question:

Is this something adjustable, or is it simply warn out and I need to get new hinges?

P.S. Sorry for the stupid question. I ask because I don't see 1) a way to adjust the hinge itself, and 2) nothing looks warn out... I expected to see something moving weirdly, but both sides seem to look perfectly fine.
Is everything lubed well. Sometimes you want stiff but, not with hood hinge linkage pieces.
Mike
 
That is a common issue, Yes it can be adjusted out, most of the time. I put a set of brand new hinges on my 73. They do that and can not be adjusted out. My 72 has original hinges on it and they dont do that. They were easy to get adjusted.

The adjustment is in the hinge mount to the inner fender. The hinge bolts to movable plates inside the fender. Use a prop rod, broom handle, or helper to hold the front of the hood up. Loosen the hood bolts and spray WD40 or the like between the hinge and inner fender to free up the movable plate on the inside of the fender. Then you can snug the bolts a little and move the hinge around until you find the sweet spot. It takes a while, gets worse before it gets better.
 
When you're adjusting the hood do the following.
Make sure all 4 bolts are snug.

On the front bolts where the hood attaches to the hinge have a helper push the front edge of the hood as high as possible so the bolt is at the highest in the adjustment slot on the hinge.
Then make sure the rear bolts sits in the lowest position in the adjustment slot.

With the front of the hood higher than the back part - when you close the hood the rear will be flush with the cowl and you won't need to push it down.
If that doesn't work, make sure the hinges are not worn out.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top