Is there a way to tell if your hinges have seen better days? I'm trying to finish up the body now and the hood sits a little high but if i push down on it it will sit much better.Also is it possible to adjust the hood spring area so the hood will sit lower in the front or do i just shim the fenders a bit or....? Any help would be appreciated.Thanks.
David.

It is a good idea to get the hood into the act when you are adjusting your fenders. The hood is a wedge shape so moving it forward makes it tighter to the fenders. The height of the front of the hood is determined by the latch and the stops. The back can be adjusted down by RAISING the front of the hinges. One way to tell if your hinges are good is to take the springs off and see how loose the hinge bushings are. If there is more than 1/16 inch play they should be replaced.
Jim

I had the EXACT same problem on my bird. I replaced my 36 year old springs and now the hood sits perfect everytime. I think Classic or Ames have them for 36.00. Cost effective.

Thanks guys, i will have a look into your suggestions.

David.

Mine didnt seem bad , but when I had my car painted the painter refused to put the hood back on the old hinges , he said he didnt want it to fall off on the fresh paint!
Got new from Classic, and later I also bought the Camaro SS springs for it , got the hood to stay up higher by 10"!

To those of you that bought new springs, do they have a nice finish to them? I just took my old ones, that still work well, to a plater for phosphating or black oxiding and he wasn't too keen on doing them. I'm thinking that new hinges might be a much better alternative.

John

they are greyish-black, like originals...

I had my guy put them on just before painting. So they match the color of the car. Looks good and holding up well.