I think I need to replace my hood hinges on my '68. It takes some effort to raise the hood; and when I close the hood, I have to push down at the back on both sides to line up with the fenders (all joints are fully lubed). Also, does the Z24 hood use different hinges?
I have a feeling the springs are weak. Also, the hinges may be "out of wack" a little. Thanks for any input.
Bill Hinkley
Re: Note To Donny B
Posted by 367s on 7/25/2020, 10:59 pm, in reply to "Note To Donny B"
Bill,
Your hinges are worn out. When that happens the first tell tale sign is the hood sits up in the back after you close it. Don't bother trying to make any more adjustments as they won't hold or as you've seen, things get worse.
The other thing to be careful with is if the hinge is real bad, the rivet can break or pop out. You don't want that to happen!
If the hood is hard to lift, especially with well lubricated hinges, the only thing that can be is the springs are weak. Not much rocket science involved there.
Glenn's post makes perfect sense. 67 and 68 hinges are the same. 67 and 68 hinge springs are very different. 67 springs are bigger because the hood is heavier. Compare springs between the two years and you'll instantly see the difference.
Weaker or worn springs in 67 hinges might not work out all that well for a 67 but might work fine in a 68. 67 hinges with strong 67 springs might not work out all that well in a 68 as the hood will want to lift up too fast.
A good tight set of 67 hinges with either worn 67 springs or good 68 springs would make your day.
I have some used 67 hinges. I might have a set of NOS hinges but not completely sure. If you decide you want to try another set let me know.
I appreciate all the input. I will keep you posted if I do anything right now. I've been able to adjust things to the point that the hood fits good but I still have a "heavy hood," and I do a little "pushing" at the back after closing. Thanks for the info on the '67 vs '68 springs!
Bill.
Re: Note To Donny B
Posted by Glenn on 7/25/2020, 9:02 pm, in reply to "Note To Donny B"
Hey Bill, I played around for ages adjusting and fiddling with mine, I eventually gave up and purchased a pair of NOS 67 Impala hinges, problem solved! Wish I had done it sooner … Cheers Glenn ps the original springs had cut into the original hinges slightly where they hook on, so I fill-welded those little divots, this did make a big difference but I eventually went with new stuff.
Re: Note To Donny B
Posted by DonnyB on 7/20/2020, 8:49 am, in reply to "Note To Donny B" VIP Member and Board Expert
Hi Bill, Nick is right on this. Use some PB Blaster on them to loosen them up and them maybe some white grease after they are freed up. The reason the hood is up in the back is mis-adjustment. After you get them freed up, see how it is. If still up in the back. the rear of the hinge must be raised. The will pull if down when you close the hood. Donny
I have to respectfully counter your suggestions/recommendations. My hood hinges are well lubricated...in fact the left one is a little loose. The hood is very heavy to open, and I can push down at the left rear of the hood (when closed) about a half inch before "bottoming out" (still have about a 1/16" to go after that)...and this pushing down also corrects the gap (too tight) at the front of the hood on the same side. This makes me think the springs are weak, and maybe a faulty hinge.
Donny...I have the left hinge adjustment down as far as it will go (both bolts). You indicate that by raising the rear part of the hinge ass'y will result in pulling the hood down at the back...I will try that, but first will you 'confirm' that suggestion?
I appreciate and respect the input from both of you. Please accept my "challenge" to your suggestions. I know I will learn from all this.
Bill
Re: Note To Donny B
Posted by DonnyB on 7/20/2020, 8:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Note To Donny B" VIP Member and Board Expert
Yes Bill, Just the opposite of what you'd think. The rear of the hinge needs to be raised, Not dropped. Very counter-intuitive. I thought you meant it was hard to open because the hinges were tight and binding up.
Posted by Nick on 7/19/2020, 10:30 pm, in reply to "Note To Donny B"
Bill H. The reason the hinges tighten up is the rust that forms inside the joints. You need to spray them with a rust eater penetrate. Let them soak a while and then lift the hood and lower it until they free up. I am a Chevy technician and used to own a salvage yard. I had to lube My 69 Impala many times over the years since 1969. The springs are strong, but usually are replaced because of rust, and the hinges because You bent them. All hinges are the same. Check out Ebay for NOS hinges or have them rebuilt like My body shop did. NICK L72427impalasportcoupe
Re: Note To Donny B
Posted by Paul Winvoices on 7/17/2020, 10:33 am, in reply to "Note To Donny B"
I sent to Donny’s e-mailExperts in reproduction documentation for the 1959-1988* Chevrolet line. Please visit our website: http://www.winvoices.com * Restrictions apply
on 7/17/2020, 7:12 am