Re-mounting the hood

[EZ$]

So, I'm finally putting the car together so that I can get it registered, and actually get to drive it until it's time for paint. I've had the hood on when I fit everything quite awhile back, but I think it was before the engine was in, and now I can't remember how to get the arms bolted into the brackets on the hood. I really don't have anyone around right now to assist, so I'm trying to figure how to hold the hood vertical, and get the thing connected. Just having a major brain fa*t. Anyone that can offer any suggestions as to how to do this working by yourself, I'd appreciate the help. Thanks.

[johnnybgoode]

I tuck a thick towel in between the nose and the rad to protect the front lip of the hood opening. I then put a stack of towels 8-12" high on top of the air cleaner and then lay the hood in place with the arms bolted to it. I then position the hood so I can get the bolts started in the front arms on both sides and then the rears. Get them finger tight, slip out the towel protecting the nose, open the hood and snug them up. I have a MKII with the separate hood hinge so not sure if this will work with your MKIV but you could give it a try. I've done this several times. Scott

[EZ$]

Thanks Johnny. I'm going to try to get this done today, and I'll try this and see if I can make it work.

[RJD]

I hung my hood from the ceiling by the hood locking handles with ratchet ropes. Lowered it into place vertically and then adjusted as necessary until things were bolted down. I don't have any pictures of hanging the hood, but I used the same set-up to install the windshield single-handed.

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[Jeff Kleiner]

I’m going to assume that you gave the FFR scissor hinges. If so here’s how I do it by myself all the time—-put some soft padding like a big towel or moving blanket on the cowl and then lay the hood in place with the rearmost edge near the windshield. Raise the front and loosely install the bolts attaching the long arm to the hinge brackets on the hood. Next attach the struts. You can now pivot the hood upward and attach the two short arms. Once this is done you can finalize the arm to hinge bracket attachments.

Jeff

[EZ$]

RJD, that was where my mind was headed.

Jeff, I was hoping that someone that does it all the time would answer. I didn't get to the hood today. Trying to adjust the doors, and get the latches working. I'm going to give this a try tomorrow, and I'm hoping I can use your method, because if I start hanging things from the rafters, considering how long this build has taken, I might be next!

Thanks for ideas guys. I just hope I don't screw this up.

[EZ$]

Jeff, As I anticipated, your system worked perfectly! Other than being old, and needing a hand to lay the hood in place it was way easier than I had thought it would be. Thanks again for the help. Now to get it registered, and then hopefully, off to paint. I'm just praying that I haven't done anything that causes a ton of extra work for the painter.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'll try to post a picture now that it's almost completely together.