hood-tight fit-advice please

[Hawkscoach]

gentlemen,

59 100/6 BN4. I have taken this car down to a skeleton and am bringing it back, slowly. (I posted some pics months ago). After cleaning and priming the bonnett (hood) last night I placed the hood on the car and it is a VERY tight fit between the aluminum sides of the front shroud. I noticed it a while ago, but with all the other tweaks and such, I am finally getting to the hood. It will sit in but I have to press the hood down and once every thing is primed and painted (the shroud is not even primed yet), there is no way this thing will work. Any one run into this? Ideas? I am putting this on here in hope of saving some time if i am missing something. Seems impossible that the sides could be in. There were some bumps and dings and I had a bit of work to get all the panels to align and massage the shroud, however, there does not seem to be damage that would have moved the sides "in". If that is the case, how do I move them out? really don't want to cause any damage. BTW, there is finally hope that this car may come together............

Thanks in advance,

Doug

 

[British_Recovery]

Hi, If the shroud is correct, maybe the bonnet has been flattened a little, making it wider. Removal of the inner bracing and reshaping might help. Or find a better bonnet. Good luck, Bob

 

[Randy Forbes]

Aluminum is VERY EASY to stretch; any hammering (light dinging work, etc.,) will have easily expanded the metal panels between the fenders and hood aperature.

Shrinking the panel(s) is an option if you're a pro at it, or introducing a slight crown, thereby opening up the aperature, is another way.

Me? I'd put a couple of 2x4s along each side of the hood opening, and <span style="font-style: italic">threaten them</span> with my PortaPower! It would only take "an once" of pressure to get what you need.

Are you checking the hood fit with the fenders bolted up tightly? I would.

 

[Hawkscoach]

Bob,

Good thought. I will check this as I now recall a slight "wobble" when it was setting on the shroud in place.

Thanks

Doug

 

[Hawkscoach]

Thanks Randy! Just what I was thinking about doing, just wanted an opinion if it may work. Thanks again

Doug