Engine Hood Removal and replacement

geo..... there's a couple of small hole's there on the hinge to re-align the rear hood........ use a couple small philips head screw drivers and bob's ur uncle

 

My advice:

- Have a helper or two. If you don't you will very likely nick the car.
- Taking it off isn't too bad but better have help anyway.
- Install in the open position, resting on a prop sitting in the luggage bay.
- Use a washcloth to try and help avoid damage to the car. You need something really thin. Wish I had some sort of thin molded plastic to protect the car.
- For mine, I found there should be "one finger" clearance, plus a little more, but equal clearance on both sides with brackets tightened.
- Tighten bracket bolts using 3/8" ratchet and make sure they are snug.
- You half to watch as you lower the hood because that is another time when you can damage the car.
- Go slow.

Seamus

 

All of the above are great pointers.

As far as putting it back on, I used a piece of finger-think nylon rope taped to the body at the 'peaks' where the lid might hit as you lift it up. I had help bringing it over the car, then got one bolt in on each side. Then applied the rope, then lifted the lid up, allowing it to pivot on those ropes. They compress, and are so soft they don't scratch any paint. From there, it was like you said; propping the lid, using a small screwdriver to align the other holes, and replacing the bolts. Also, there are three pins on the deck lid that line up with holes in the hinged to get you centered.

 

Use a thin marker to trace around the bracket before you remove the hood. When it is time to put it back, just line it up with the tracing.

Birdman

 

My suggestion as well, but also make a couple of lines on the bracket onto the hood so that you're sure you got it back exactly in the right spot. I found the alignment holes on mine helped, but were not 100% accurate for end alignment. It gets you almost there, but may still need a little adjustment.

Steve

 

Yeah, would've worked great for me, but mine got painted!

 

You need AT LEAST TWO helpers when you take it off. Three would be better. Put some towels/blankets between the hood an the car roof to protect the roof.

 

A method my mechanic uses:

Struts get in the way for some tasks especially working on the fore-bank. He removes ONE strut at the upper mount, uses a wooden rod to prop up the engine cover somewhere in the middle. Beats the hassle of complete removal, raises it higher than normal. Surprising how much extra room there is with that strut out of the way.