I am having trouble with the hood alignment on my '66 El Camino. I have all of the correct alignments from side to side and front to back. I also have the height alignments correct in the front and the rear, but have a bulge at both sides near the center of the hood (near the area at the front of the hinges). This is a new GM steel hood, but my hinges (and tired springs) are original. I have tried all of the available adjustments allowed at the slotted holes with no luck but a "sunk" in look at the cowl. If I replace the springs and/or hinges with new, will I be able to get rid of these unsightly bulges at these areas? Any advice? Thanks!

Hate to even suggest this, but you may have a bow in the hood. Are the hinges free? If the hinges are real stiff it can arc the hood as you have described.

On the NOS hood on my 66 Elky, I ended up massaging that area with a 2X4 block.

This method is not for the inexperienced. Can cause more damage than you may have right now. Takes caution, finesse and luck.

Where are you in Wisconsin?

Can describe procedure, but is lengthly. Phone would be better.

Am in Twin Cities.

Karl

Unfortunately it sounds like your hood has a slight bow in it. Hopefully it isn't painted yet. You can tune the bow out with a section of 2"X4"X16" lumber and a 2 lb. hammer, the rear and the front of the hood will need to be supported well and you will actually set the wood along the high area lengthwise with the edge of the hood and give it a couple of quick raps with the hammer. Sounds crude Eh? It is but it works, I've done it on painted hoods also with a bath towel under the wood. You may end up with some small imperfections in the hood but they will be easily repaired. This is an all important step in fitting the sheetmetal before paint. Hope I helped, Bob :cool: