Hood Gap Issues

[rickf]

Do your hood measurements match what was given above? If so then the hood is good. It appears to be the correct hood from what I can see. I do not think there is any difference between the A1 and the A2 with the exception that the late A2 went back to the three rib style. You have the dimples for the light wires to come out the sides of the hood so it is not a very early hood. I think that you have found your problem in the fender replacement. How do the measurements from the top of the hood down to the fender tops given above compare to what you have? I will check mine if need be to see if mine are the same as M31's.

[hondo100]

We measured from the top of the hood in front of the stiffners to the top of the fender. It's 5.5 inches. We did notice this gap across the hood stiffners. It's ~ 3/8"



Now for the other hood test.

Ralph

[rickf]

You could lay a moving blanket on the valve cover and push dowh on both sides of the hood until it is flat. That will bring the sides down some, I don't know if it will come down that far but you can try. Just don't go to far, A little at a time.

[lpcoating]

Looks good Ralph.

Guy

[m3a1]

I think you should still measure that hood across its width ahead of the ribs, that would represent the width of the hood were it laid out flat. It's easy enough to settle whether or not that hood is an issue (though I cannot imagine how or why it would be). But that would put that part of the equation entirely to bed.

Now, would someone tell me how the heck can the front fenders be installed too low?! THAT is really messing with my head.

BTW, I have been on the run all day today and couldn't wait to get back to this thread ....I was hoping for some closure!

[njjeeper]

I asked about then fenders because I can see they are installed too low. Look at the pics where you can see them meet the cowl. The first pic in particular. It's clear there is an odd gap between the cowl and the fender. It's evident on both sides from the pic. How did you measure to make sure you put the new ones back in correctly? Also, did you replace the cowl as well? It looks like it may also be replaced. If the cowl was damaged or replaced and it wasn't marked and measured, you would lose your easy reference points for fender installation.

Sadly, its all anecdotal since the welding and painting is done. If it turns out the fenders/cowl are installed incorrectly, I suggest getting a junk hood and cutting a strip out of both sides and modding your hood to correct the gap. Big job but once done correctly, most would never notice the hood is a bit taller than stock on the sides.

[hondo100]

We just replaced the front 2/3 of the fenders. It's the original cowl.

[muttguru]

We just replaced the front 2/3 of the fenders. It's the original cowl.

Hondo, can you post a few photos showing the inside of the engine compartment.....where the replacement fenders are bolted to the remains of the old fenders?

And can you also post a picture of the area where the cowl slope meets the firewall (the area normally hidden when the hood is closed?
Thanks
Ken

[rickf]

I see where the fenders were joined and that looks fine and I see where the cowl meets the fender and I can see what TJ is talking about but it is not that far off. Also if you compare the hood to the cowl it is short on the cowl also. The kicker is that the insert to cover the air inlet seems to fit just fine although a bit crooked. I am still waiting to see your measurement from the straightedge to the fender top so we can compare that to M31's. We are looking for discrepancies here between vehicles that might give a clue. Like I said, the hood is a straight line from the cowl edge to the grill top and neither of those parts is adjustable, The grill maybe but yours seems to be sitting in there snug plus the gap is even. Nobody is saying it is something you did, it probably is something from a former owner but we need to pin down what.

[halftracknut]

I think if you go ahead and put some soft material (pillow-life vest-rolled blanket) on the valve cover and with help of a friend push down on each side, bending it slightly..it will raise the hood center and at same time cause the outside of hood to go down...just be careful not to over do it....go gently...most of these hoods I have seen have issues anyway....the fenders should have somewhat slotted holes to allow for the up and down adjustment of the grill ....I may be seeing the photo wrong but it looks like the grill can go down until it fits tight with the fender....looks to me like 1/8 or better? ....you could add a shim around half the thickness of the hinge under each hinge and lower the back of the hood...Question Does your grill have the rubber bumpers in place? ...I have installed 2 pair of those fenders and they look good in the photo....I think the cowl looks good also....so the problem has to be the hood ? ..Just my 2 cents.... Good luck

[m3a1]

How are things playing out with the mysterious hood gap issue? I'm STILL curious.
TJ

[hondo100]

The jeep is 30 miles from home. I'll be back up there tomorrow....so stay tuned.

Ralph

[m3a1]

Your beautiful toy is 30 miles away? That's almost the saddest thing I've ever heard!!

[Jay Mallari]

Your beautiful toy is 30 miles away? That's almost the saddest thing I've ever heard!!

That's nothing. I live in the UK and both my mutts are in the Philippines

[rickf]

We have another member who lives in Texas I think and his Mutt is in Vietnam, I think he has you beat Jay. He was just posting about it not long ago when he was over there rebuilding it.