MkIV hood mounting question/concern

[Claybuster]

Hi All,
I ran into an issue that I think is minor, but wanted some expert eyes to take a peek. I mounted my hood (temporarily) for the first time today, and found an unsightly gap at the front of the hood where it meets the body between the headlights. The forward hinge arms are laying on the radiator upper mount tube, and the hinge brackets are all the way down (and loose, for now). I have about 5/8 to 3/4 inches worth of neoprene between the body and upper engine bay 3/4" tubes where the upper radiator mount tube comes together, but no other bulb seal or foam tape just yet.
I feel like all I need to do is increase the amount of spacing between the body and chassis at the upper radiator mount tube and not use neoprene because it compressed. What do you guys think?
And does the forward hood hinge arm typically lay on the upper radiator mount tube when the hood is closed?

Thanks for your thoughts!
Jason

[edwardb]

No, the hinge arms shouldn't lay on the radiator mount tube. And it shouldn't be necessary to add more cushion to change the height. First question, and this comes up frequently, are you 100% sure the hinges are assembled properly? It's easy to get things not quite right. You're in good company. Maybe post pictures of your hinges.

[Mike.Bray]

I had the same issue and had to grind notches in the arms to get some clearance. Kleiner says it happens every now and then.

[gbranham]

When I installed my hood hinges on the frame, and centered all the positioning bolts as a starting point, my hinges hit the 3/4" top radiator frame. We put 3/4" rubber under the body at the corners of that 3/4" tube where it meets the other 3/4" tube that runs up the sides of the hood opening, but once I installed my hood on the hinges and loosened up all the positioning bolts, then centered the hood in the opening, I realized the hinges slid back toward the firewall quite a bit, and that gave me the clearance I needed, and I even removed the 3/4" rubber strips. It's only rough aligned, but it looks like it'll clear the 3/4" top radiator mount tube. Don't know if you've fastened your hood to the hinges, but if you haven't, you should, and loosen up the hinges to center it before you worry too much.

Greg

[Jeff Kleiner]

...the hinge brackets are all the way down...

Raise the front of the hinge brackets (I know, it sounds counterintuitive but geometry) and replace the neoprene with a material that won't compress.

Jeff

[Claybuster]

Thanks, gents! I knew I would find some good direction, and I figured it can be easily remedied. The hood is fastened to the hinge arms and tight, but the mount plates are still loose between the base and upright, and between the base and chassis. I grabbed a couple pics of the hinges on the way out this morning. I think they are correct, but maybe the group sees something I missed?
Just for giggles this morning I loosened the QJs up front and lifted the body nose a bit by hand. The gap closed to a more acceptable appearance. I'm betting when I follow all of your guidance, I'll be golden.
Thanks for the continued support!
J

[gbranham]

Your hinges look correct. Here's mine for reference.

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