Extreme Veteran
Posts: 466
 
Location: Vancouver, Washington | I did this once before by myself. I don't recommend it, but if you elect to do it...when the hood is open it has less tension on springs as the springs are at their lowest point of stored energy. Use a pencil or scribe and mark the the perimeter of where the hinge bolts to the hood and firewall, so you will know where to put it back after your reconditioning of hinge. I place a heavy blanket between the hood andcowl/firewall topside and over fender. take a prop or two (broomstick or such) and support the front of the hood between radiator and core support ( i used another pad to avoid radiator tank damage), or wherever you can get a good sturdy angle. Carefully unbolt both hood and firewall bolts, leave one in partial on both firewall and hood, just a few threads so you can work loose with your fingers with one hand on hood to ensure you don't get a Christine slam. I was able to remove without damage, but I really do recommend getting a neighborhood kid or someone to help as if somehow you run into a bind, you will be SOL, bent hood and possible paint damage. |
Restoring the hood hinge assemblies on a 59 Desoto
