Seems to me it's easier to remove the hood with the hinges attached and reinstall (2guys) than to remove the hood from the hinges. This way you can 'set' the hood onto the inner fenders and tilt it to reinstall the bolts. Any thoughts? TIA.

I'd be interested to hear other opinions also, but it's really pretty simple with 2 people. Mark the hinge position with masking tape, top and side. Take the two forward most bolts out and note if they have impressions from the washers. Set some cardboard between the hood corners and the cowl area. Loosen the lower bolts and grab the hood at the bottom in case it slips, Back the bolts out, keeping you shoulder under the upper portion of the hood and remove from car. It helps to have two ratchets and better yet, two air ratchets. Note the hinge position in the same fashion and remove the hinges. When you reinstall, the reference marks you made will only be a starter, you'll have to adjust to fit.

Jerry

unless your hood is out of alignment at the cowl or won't close properly, leave the hinges attached to the fender and just remove the hood as cheveslakr describes. It's a pita getting the hinges set and chances are good you'll nick up the corners getting it situated...

Take the hood off the hinges.As described above,mark the hood with masking tape on the side and the top for future alignment It's much easier:yes:

Drill one small hole on each hood hinge through the hood that way when you removed it you can realign correctly, unless it is way out of whack or you wanna use a marker etc to trace. Just my .02 cent. Brandon

I can take them off alone but need help getting it back on. After using Jerry's procedure the hood will be resting on the cowl and you will be holding it up. While holding it up move around to the front and slide it towards you on the hinges. Once clear of the cowl let the front down pivoting the hood on the hinges. Rest it on the core support, reach up the sides, grab and lift and set it down on its side. To reinstall that way is possible but runs a high risk of paint and/or body damage.

unless your hood is out of alignment at the cowl or won't close properly, leave the hinges attached to the fender and just remove the hood as cheveslakr describes. It's a pita getting the hinges set and chances are good you'll nick up the corners getting it situated...

This has always been my way.

Thanks guys!!!

I just scribe a line along the front of the hinge.
It's very simple and easy.
No drilling necessary.

Drill one small hole on each hood hinge through the hood that way when you removed it you can realign correctly, unless it is way out of whack or you wanna use a marker etc to trace. Just my .02 cent. BrandonI have done this on my car and believe me its easy.The only thing I did was drill two holes,one high on the mount and one low.That way the mount cannot be misaligned side to side.Just put a punch in the hole and tighten the bolts.Repeat on the other side.

If you decide to drill holes. Make sure be super carefull so you dont push the drill bit into the hood and leave some damage on the painted top of the hood. Even if you use tape to prevent the bit from going very far.

I use a piece of vacuum hose to limit drilling depth.

If you decide to drill holes. Make sure be super carefull so you dont push the drill bit into the hood and leave some damage on the painted top of the hood. Even if you use tape to prevent the bit from going very far.

That would be exactly what happens to me! I think I'll do what Dean suggested and scribe around the hinge. Thank you all for the suggestions!

That would be exactly what happens to me! I think I'll do what Dean suggested and scribe around the hinge. Thank you all for the suggestions!

That's what the way I've always done it in my fathers auto body shop.

When do you need my help???? Brandon

When do you need my help???? Brandon

I think I got it covered Brandon, but if things change, I'll let you know- Thanks!

PLEASE PLEASE cover your front fenders and cowl area with heavy material to protect. My buddy had that "extra" rachet and dropped it on my $10,000 paint job casing a nick.

Not a problem with my car...yet :D

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/withrallys.jpg

Wet erase marker around the hinge to hood mounting area is how I do it...of course the underside of my hood isn't the stock black color either. No scribe lines, no holes, no paint problems.

I do it myself using an engine hoist.

This turns out to be pretty easy, because I can take my time and line things up nicely.

I would leave the hinges on the car, otherwise you get to deal with the hood and tow wiggley hinges all at once.

Nice Nova, I love those.

I had my wife help me with my hood once, it was too heavy for her and it scratched the top of the fender. I did not get angry because she tried and I appreciated the help.

I use a piece of vacuum hose to limit drilling depth.

Now thats an idea. Better then the tape idea too.