Mk3.1 Getting the Gaps for the hood without the brackets installed

[DadofThree]

This is for a Mk3 which has the scoop already in the hood:

Should I have the hardware installed on the hood before setting the gaps? Or is that hardware a little flexible?

I was going to etch the hood today and sand down to get my gap. With this particular hood, I was wondering if I should wait until the hood is installed on the frame.

What has been your practice with the past model? I have 5/16" weather stripping under the hood to raise it to the body height.


Thanks,
Dave


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[GoDadGo]

Believe it or not, but the simple wooden Paint Stirring Stick works great for getting the gaps right on any build.

[AC Bill]

The hinges are adjustable in several different ways. I would fit the hood without the hardware. Plus it's easier to work on if you can remove the hood to sand the edges. You do a little, check the gaps, pull it off, do a little more, etc.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Go ahead and get it close but leave it a little oversized and wait to do the final gap & fit until you have the body on and hinges installed and adjusted. Same applies to the doors and trunk lid.

Jeff