Hood [ bonnet] alignment - or lack of!

[neilh]

I'm in the final steps on my rebuid ( 79 -Midget) and there is no way I can get the hood to close properly at the top end! Even with the hood to hinge adjusted so that it is back as far as it can go - the back lip of the hood is in line with the edge of the rain trough, and sits about 3/4 inch to high ( on passenger side) and about level on drivers side. the hood does not seem to be twisted, and the hinges are aligned and the hinge to hood surfaces are level and parallel. The hinge holes would need to be elongated over 1/2 inch to even be close.
Am i missing something?
Any one have any ideas?
Neil

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I've never mounted the hinges on the wrong side (don't even know if it is possible)... but maybe there is a large error such as this causing the problem.

 

[neilh]

Hinges are on the correct sides, On a 79 they are the scissor type and can't be reversed.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

What all did you rebuild on the car?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Do you have the latch mechanism removed? Maybe it is pulling the hood forward and causing those hinges to lift.

 

[neilh]

Latch is not installed, it is to far forward due to alignment problem.

Removed almost everything, rewired by hand from scratch, electric fcooling fan, rebuit engine, steering rack, replaced all brakes, etc, etc. Re carpeted in black, Installed Miata seats - very nice.
Take a look at https://71.138.56.101/family/pictures10.asp - the second pic from top left shows the hood alignment problem when I got it.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Hinges move smoothly? Is the hood hanging up on the buffer?

Any pictures of the underside of the hood? Something looks bent.

 

[Speedy_Pete]

That bonnet doesn't look straight. It looks like there's a crease about 20 inches from the back edge, unless it's the light. Cool 928 by the way, never seen one in that colour before!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Hey, I see that now too. Looks like a bend that is in line with the telescopic prop rod.

 

[Speedy_Pete]

And I'm in need of new glasses too, shame on you!!

 

[racingenglishcars]

The rear internal structure of the bonnet is bent down also as is seen in pictures 6 and 7 and one can certainly see in picture 6 that the hinge is too high.

BTW, I've never seen that colour of 928 before either. There are about a hundred for sale here and none of that colour.

 

[neilh]

Just pasted more pics at https://71.138.56.101/family/pictures10.asp
I think the crease is the light, I've put the hood on a flat surface and checked it all over, and its look straight and true.
Yes, the hinge on that side is stiff, I've tried everything on it and its still not smooth - and if i can find one i'll replace it!

Oh, and yes, the Porsche color is rare, its the Mercedes 450 SL Bamboo Beige of 1981/82. Also a Standard Porsche color back then , but few ordered it.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Neil,

Can I get some more info on using the Miata Seats.

1) Comfort vs. Spridget Seats

2) LegRoom vs. Spridget Seats

3) Seat Frame Rails, did you redrill holes or modify to fit existing Seat Frames Mounting Points?

4) My Roll Bar pushes against headrest on my '68 Spridget. Look like you've got lots more recline available vs. standard seats.

5) $120 is just about hte going price on Miata Seats.

6) Fabric Insert, definitely cooler than the faux vinyl on standard seat.

Saw the info in Classic Motorsports MAg on using Miata Seats but wanted another opinion before I invested in a set. Thnaks for the response.