Hi all! Im new to the forum and had a few questions. I own a 1971 Chevelle Malibu and I bought it in 2005 when I was in the army, It seems with this car everytime I take 1 step forward with it I end up taking two steps back. Im still learning about the car but I've wanted one since I was 15 so please bare with me on my seemngly simple and dumb questions, im here to learn from you experts/professionals. I had a question about the 70-72 Hood Release Assembly and 70-72 Hood Catch, (haha, I know, dumb question like I said :(). I bought from www.ss396.com (http://www.ss396.com) this Hood Catch...

http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Product_Code=RHR-L70&Category_Code=HOODCATCH

And this Hood Release Assembly..

http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Product_Code=RHR-59

Ive installed both, but for some reason I cant figure out, the hood wont completely shut (it has about a 1 inch gap between the hood and the body), nothing in the way or any clearance problems. It seems like the Hook on the Hood Release Assembly is too long and wont catch the metal lip on the Hood Catch (and just disapears up into the hood). Is it as simple as just fine tuning the Metal Pin (losening the nut in the spring at the top of the pin and making it longer/shorter) thats hanging down from the hood catch? Ive seen some people with the same equipment that I have but without the spring around the Metal Pin on the Hood Catch, does that have anything to do with it?

I hope I haven't confused anyone, but any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for any help given!

i have had to adjust them many times. screwing the pin in will tighten the hood. also check the adjustment height of the rubber stops on each side of the front end.

My '71 (and every other I've seen) does not have the spring over the "stem". This may be preventing proper clearance. Just a thought.

My '71 (and every other I've seen) does not have the spring over the "stem". This may be preventing proper clearance. Just a thought.

Nope, mine didn't have the spring either. I thought it was a very phallic looking piece of engineering sticking out of the hood. IIRC, there were some threads visible when the nut was locked down.

With the spring compressed, I bet that is your inch...

Hey Guys, Thanks for your time to look at my questions and knowledge givin. I will give it a look and try all the advice I saw on here. It sounds like you guys could be right from some of the research and searches ive done. Thanks again guys! Take care!